I tagged along with the Oahu Hikers Group to explore a new trail in Kailua. We met up at Aikahi Park Shopping Center and split into two groups. It was going to be another hot day.

Trailhead

Our group consisting of Jose, Khym, Ryan, Thessa and myself headed down a dead end street to start our hike. The other group consisting of Becky, Bill, Chris, Karen, Maggie, Tara and Toby went up the access road further down the street. We decided to take the scenic route.

Follow the ribbons

Ryan was guiding the group, as he and Chris had just flagged the trail yesterday.

Looking back

Our slight elevation gain gave us a peek towards the Moks or Mokulua Islands in the distance.

Water tank

We soon came upon a fence almost hidden in the tall grass, that enclosed a colorful graffitied abandoned water tank. An old gate served as a ladder to climb up to the tank.

On top

Group photo left to right: Jose, Khym, myself, Thessa and Jose. Khym and Thessa are on the other side of the structure, barely visible through the window.

Going down

Looking at the top bunkers where we would meet up with Chris’s group.

Who’s Pero?

After climbing down into the tank, we discovered the floor was covered with empty spray paint cans and water bottles. A recycler’s dream and cleanup crew nightmare. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Appreciating art

Thessa getting up close and personal with some of the graffiti.

Leaving the tank

We followed the fence out to resume the trail.

Microwave antenna

No rocks to climb. This will do. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Hello?

Khym entering the bunker below the microwave antenna.

Nothing to see here. Move along.

Two small sectioned rooms made up the bunker. No homeless. Oh wait, I forgot this is Kailua.

Panoramic View

Click here for the larger image.

Access road

The road that Chris’s group was taking to the bunkers.

Bunker bound

Our trail to the bunkers.

Girl on the roof

Checking out the views of Mokapu Peninsula, home to the Marine Corps Air Station and several fishponds, that separates Kaneohe Bay from Kailua Bay. Oh yeah, the painted girl looks nice too. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Kaneohe Bay

Khym saw what he thought was a backpack in the bushes. Jose fished it out and the backpack turned out to be a folding chair, which he used to watch the rain showers sweep through Kaneohe Bay and Moku o loe or Coconut Island.

The other group

Both groups taking pictures of each other. Classic.

The Mad Hatter

Going down the rabbit hole.

Tag team

Taggers self representation? Photo by Karen Latzka.

Reunited at the top

Group photo at the bunkers standing left to right: Karen, Bill, Jose, Ryan, Chris, Maggie, Tara, Becky and Toby. Kneeling left to right: Khym, Thessa and myself.

Hear any buzzing?

Tara and Becky making their way along the fenced communications site. No sightings of winged barbed insects.

Your pic …

The group standing next to a thicket of communication towers. Everybody got 4 bars?

… for mines

My arms are getting tired. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Geodetic marker

Pu’u Papa’a means scorched hill. Yeah it was pretty hot up here.

Long road down

Road going down. Stairs going up. Ridge going down and up. Hiking cycles.

Where? There!

Chris giving directions. Follow the ridge. Pass a stand of pine trees. Go down towards Kalaheo School. Pass the painted rock. Stay to the right of the bike ramps. Got it? Good. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Coming down the hill

Becky decided to join our group as the road was getting old. Chris’s group watched us for awhile before going back down.

Mahinui ridge

Our group walking on the ridge. Split views of Kailua and Kaneohe. Photo by Chris Hiona.

Breaking in the bench

Literally.

Rolling hills

Approaching the next hill, we saw what looked like a bench at the top. Really? Is this a state trail?

When do we get to sit?

Somebody dragged this rocking chair up here. I guess they really wanted a chair to enjoy the view. Photo by Khym Ansagay.

Windward views

The town of Kailua filled the views; with Mokulua Islands, Olomana and the Ko’olau Mountains taking a backseat.

Pine trees

I remember somebody mentioning pine trees. Who was that?

Kapa’a Valley

The view looking into Kapa’a Quarry and Valley, with Nu’uanu Saddle in the background. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Olomana

Headed down towards Kalaheo High School. Photo by Ryan Leano.

Painted rock

The trail passed the blue and orange painted rock, that is annually “refreshed” by the senior class of Kalaheo High School.

Bike ramp

Where’s my Schwinn when I need it?

Headed out

Dirt meets road.

All pau

We popped out in the neighborhood and started to walk back to the shopping center. Couple blocks later, Chris’s group picked us up in their cars. Saved us two blocks of walking. Mahalo!

GPS Tracks

Short and sweet hike at a little over two miles. Got to explore a new trail and meet new faces. Can’t ask for anything more than that. Post hike meal at Aloha Salad. Trying to eat healthy. Still miss my Outback.

What was supposed to have been a crisp hike from Pali Notches to Manoa Middle turned into an abbreviated hike due to lack of time. We decided to just do the Pali Notches and check out the Old Pali Highway.

True Pali Lookout

After scrambling up the steep slope through the forest and hau trees, we quickly gained elevation and saw a great view of the Windward side and the Koolau mountains.

First Notch

We made short work of the first notch as it’s relatively easy to climb down and out going to the second notch.

Second Notch

We got to the second notch and discovered that the rope we had used the last time was now gone. My friend went down first basically going from left to right. I decided it would be easier and safer climbing down without my backpack, so I threw it down to him and missed and it hit the ground and bounced off the mountain, where it joined my friend’s cap that he lost the last time we did this hike. Oh well, better the backpack than me.

The Chimney

I climbed up the bump in the ridge right before the Chimney to get a better perspective of what we had to climb the next time we tackled this hike. The wind was howling and the tops of the mountain was covered in clouds, giving a surreal appearance to the whole thing. Not wanting to press our luck and running out of time, we turned around and climbed back down towards the Pali Lookout.

Old Pali Highway

From the Pali Lookout, we turned right to head down the Old Pali Highway. We followed the heavily overgrown road that hugged the sides of the mountain all the way down to the current Pali Highway and turned around. As we were walking back towards our car, we ran into Masi Oka, the actor from Heroes and Hawaii Five-O. Since today was such a short hike, we ended up having breakfast at Andy’s Sandwiches & Smoothies in Manoa, quite the tasty place.

The Lanikai Pillbox or Ka’iwa Ridge Trail was a welcome break after the taxing hike we did two weeks ago. Having done this short and easy hike a couple times before but always ending at the second pillbox, I decided to stretch it out a bit and finish it at Luika Place. That being said, I picked up my friend at Luika Place and drove towards Mid-Pacific Country Club. If you plan to meet up in this area, make sure you agree on a time and place as cell phone service for T-Mobile users does not work in that part of Lanikai.

Trailhead

We found cars were quickly filling up the limited parking on Ka’elepulu Drive and took one of the last few spaces. This is a very popular hike with locals and tourists alike, even President Obama made it up here last month.

View from the First Pillbox

The view from the first pillbox goes to show that you can still get great views from 500+ feet and one doesn’t have to always climb 2,500+ feet ridgelines to get fantastic views, although it doesn’t hurt : ). Click here to see the original and much larger panoramic image.

Mount Olomana

We made our way past the second pillbox, before heading down the trail to look towards Mount Olomana. Having done that hike before, I heard that you can climb down the backside of the third peak or Ahiki, but that’s for another day.

Enchanted Lakes

Looking towards the Enchanted Lakes neighborhood, home to Kaelepulu pond that once covered nearly 190 acres before development shrunk it down to it’s present 79 acres. Click here to see the original and much larger panoramic image.

Lanikai Pillboxes

Looking back at the two pillboxes or bunkers that were built in 1942 to serve as observation posts and fire control stations for the gun batteries that used to be at Bellows. Now it’s home to grafitti and people taking in the views.

Na Mokulua

Coming down the trail, the two islands offshore seemed very close. The Mokulua islands, in Hawaiian, means two islands. They are also called “The Moks” or “The Twin Islands.” The larger island is called Moku Nui and the smaller, Moku Iki. Many kayakers visit the larger island and it does get crowded on the weekends.

Trail view

Here is a panaromic view of the trail, which we started from the left and will end going down the ridge in the middle. To the right, you can see Bellows airfield which I believe is now defunct. Click here to see the original and much larger panoramic image.

Slippery slope down

Going down the hill towards my friends truck that was parked at Luika Place was probably the hardest part of the hike as the trail was composed of loose rocks and dirt. All in all, it was a short and sweet hike that took us a little over an hour to complete. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning.

Pali Puka is a short and sweet hike that starts from the Pali Lookout and takes less than half an hour to reach the Puka. I didn’t even know about this hike until I found it on the Internet, gotta love the Internet!

Pali Lookout

We left our car in the parking lot which is free for kamaainas and military personnel, and I still don’t know how they distinguish between tourists and locals. It’s not like they give you a sign to put on your dashboard that says “I’m Local!” We walked towards the tour bus parking lot on the left side, where there is a break in the wall, which is the trailhead. The peak sticking up from the ridge is where we were headed to see the Puka.

Windward Oahu

From the breached wall, we walked into the bamboo grove and started making our way up the ridge. In less than five minutes, we had this fantastic view of Windward Oahu.

The Peak

Another 15 minutes later, we were at the peak. If we were to contour around this peak, I head there is a trail that goes to Lanihuli, but that is for another day.

Nu'uanu Valley

There is also a great view of Nu’uanu Valley and the city, that beats the view from the lookout anyday.

Pali Puka

I was thinking of climbing into the hole as we did at the Makapu’u Puka, but thought better of it, as the wind was really cranking that day.

Pali Notches

Climbing back down towards the parking lot, we could see the next hike that lay ahead of us. The Pali Notches, which are the two notches that are on the ridge above the lookout. I have heard stories that the Pali Notches are “crazy to climb” and “dangerous.” We were about to find out ourselves firsthand if the Pali Notches lived up to that billing.

Pali Highway

The trailhead to Pali Notches is on the right side, before the wheelchair ramp going to the Pali Lookout. We found that out when we were coming down, as we had started from the parking lot side. Going up the ridge, we came out into an open area, where the wind had it’s way with us. We stood as close to the edge as possible and played “kite” with the wind.

First Notch

We got to the first notch in about 30 minutes, which we climbed up and down without breaking a sweat, as the gusting winds took care of that. Now we were going to find out if the second notch lived up to its reputation.

Second Notch

The climb down the second notch was made easier with a rope that somebody had left behind. We found the best hand holds and footing was coming down the left hand side. Depending on your climbing skill, I believe this can and has been done without ropes. My friend lost his cap to the wind when he was coming down, I convinced him it was in his best interests not to retrieve it due to the steepness and the high winds. The second notch was hard but doable, not as dangerous or crazy as we were led to believe. These notches were actually cut into the mountain ridge to be used as gunports in the Battle of Nu’uanu in 1795, when King Kamehameha conquered the island of Oahu. I can’t imagine how these guys hauled heavy cannons up to these ridge notches. I guess that’s why they were warriors and we’re just hikers.

Another view of Windward Oahu

After we climbed the second notch, we continued on the ridge while enjoying the fantastic views of the windward side and trying not to get blown off the ridge.

The Chimney

My friend didn’t want to go any further past the rock and ontowards the Chimney as the wind was really blowing. So we turned around and went back to the Pali Lookout. Climbing up the second notch seemed easier than climbing down, as you can see clearly where you need to go whereas climbing down, you are not exactly sure where to place your hand or foot.

Pali Lookout

The Pali Notches took us about two hours to complete. I would recommend to hike this trail only when the winds are not blowing that hard. But then again, this is the Pali, which is known for it’s strong winds.

Olomana, in Hawaiian, means divided hill. Looking at the three peaks rising out of Maunawili Valley, you can see why it got that name. Called Oahu’s Matterhorn by Stuart Ball, there is a passing resemblance to the iconic mountain of the Alps. However, in true aloha fashion, you get three peaks for the price of one! We parked on the road before the Maunawili Bridge at the Luana Hills Country Club. Do not park after the bridge, as they will tow your car. We walked down the road for a quarter of a mile and found the sign pointing out the start of the Olomana trail.

Peak of Olomana

The beginning of the trail was marked with groves of bamboo, strawberry guava, Christmas berry plants and ironwood pine trees. There are also a couple of switchbacks going up the ridge. 

Are we hiking or climbing?

As we gradually made our way up the trail, we came across several areas that were quite steep and rocky. Fortunately, there are ropes that somebody left behind that helped us get up these steep areas.

Rock face

This 12 to 15 foot rockface was the last major obstacle we had to scale before reaching the top of the first peak known as Olomana. As with all ropes we came across the trail, we tested them and never fully relied on them, more as an assist to get us up.

View towards Kaawa

View from the first peak, known as Olomana, with an elevation of 1,643 feet. This is actually the highest of the three peaks and the one that affords the most scenic and 360 degree views of the Windward side, Maunawili Valley and the Koolau Range.

View of Mokapu Peninsula

Here you can see Mokapu Peninsula, home to the Kaneohe Marine Base and parts of Kailua and Enchanted Lakes. Today was also the day that the Blue Angels were supposed to put on a show, if the timing was right, we would have had the best seats in the house. Too bad, we were too early. The awesome views more than made up for missing the Blue Angels.

View of Waimanalo

Here you can see the sun washing over the town of Waimanalo, Bellows Beach, Manana (Rabbit) and Kaohikaipu (Turtle) islands. Both islands are now designated seabird sanctuaries.

View of Paku'i and Ahiki

From the first peak of Olomana, you can see the second peak, known as Paku’i, and the third peak, known as Ahiki in the background. A lot of hikers call it quits after making the first peak and return back. Not us, since we made it this far, we decided we might as well go all the way! No guts, no glory!

View of Olomana

Descending from the first peak to the saddle was somewhat steep but manageable. The climb to the second peak was over before we knew it, here we are looking at Olomana from the second peak.

View of Ahiki

Only one more peak to go! The ridge looks razor sharp from this vantage point, but that’s because we are far away!

Rapelling or hiking?

Coming down from the second peak to the saddle, we had to rappel down almost 300 feet.

Keyhole

This striking rock formation on the way to the third peak, is called the keyhole for obvious reasons. I read that around this area, a couple of hikers lost their footing and bounced down the mountain, but managed to scramble their way back up. Needless to say, we were extra careful around this area, as I didn’t want to be like a bad check.

Back in the saddle

Leaving the keyhole behind and climbing up the ridge with some noticeable dropoffs on both sides. If you are afraid of heights, this hike is not for you.

View of Olomana and Paku'i

Looking back towards the first two peaks. We were almost to the third and final peak! I heard that there is suppose to be a big bee hive between the second and third peaks. The only bee we came across, was one that decided to make itself at home in my glove. So for a short distance, I was buzzing until I realized it wasn’t alcohol!

View from Ahiki

The views from the summit of the third peak are almost anti-climatic, as compared to the first peak. But the feeling of making it to the third peak was awesome. The hike is difficult as there are extreme steep areas that must be carefully climbed and hiked. It took us roughly two hours to get to the third peak and about two and a half hours to make it back to our cars. I read that some hikers have made the scary descent from the third peak going down into Waimanalo. That’s for another day.