Manana

This is a long, but fun trail.  It’s a 12 mile round trip hike.  The most enjoyable part about this hike is how often you are on a ridge with beautiful views all around combined with the leeward and windward views at the end of the trail.  At the end of this trail you can see and feel how high in the Ko’olau Mountains you really are.  The mountain drops off 2,000 feet down into a valley while off in the distance is Kaneohe Bay and many other windward sites.  To find this trail get yourself to Waimano Home Road then just before this road narrows to two lanes, turn left on Komo Mai Drive.  You will then descend into Waimano Valley and back out again.  Continue driving through Pacific Palisades subdivision to the end of the road.  Park on the street near the turnaround circle.  Start early and be ready for a big day of hiking.

Manoa Falls

Located in the back of Manoa Valley is Manoa Falls Trail.  To get their just follow Manoa Road as it continues to the back of the valley.  There is an area called Paradise Park where you can park your car for $5.oo.   Here you can find a snack shop and restroom facilities.  This is a well-used trail.  It’s a valley hike which means mud and mosquitos may be an issue.  Be sure to bring some bug repellent and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.  Along the way you’ll see beautiful plants and tree’s.  One of my favorites is the bamboo forest.  The falls at the end can be very small at times.  If you’re doing this hike to see a waterfall you should go after a good rain.  If the falls aren’t that full at the time you go the fauna along the way more than make up for it.

Aiea Ridge

If you’ve done the Aiea Loop Trail and want a longer hike, for more exercise, try the Aiea Ridge Trail.  This is an 11 mile round trip hike.  The starting place is the same as Aiea Loop.   Along with more exercise, you’ll experience a more open ridge trail that leads to the Ko’olau summit.  At the end of this trail you’ll get to enjoy beautiful leeward and windward views.

Aiea Loop

Located in the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area above Aiea, this is a fun pleasant hike.  It is a five mile loop.  This is a popular hike on the weekends.  If you want to avoid the crowds try to hike it on a weekday.  Some of the trees on this trail are strawberry guava, ohia, koa and kukui trees.  To find the beginning of this trail get yourself to Aiea High School and pass it with the school on your left.  Then drive through Aiea Heights subdivision to the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area.  Once at the park drive past the heiau and the camping area to the upper lot and park there.

Lanipo

This trail is above Maunalani Heights.  While on Koko Head Ave turn right onto Sierra Dr and take the switchback up the ridge to Maunalani Heights.  At the top of Sierra Dr. bear right and up on Maunalani Circle.  Park next to the fence that encloses the Board of Water Supply tank.  Start early because this is a seven mile hike round trip. On the hike you’ll see great windward views, a variety of native plants and even a volcanic crater.

Koko Crater

Koko Crater is a volcanic cone in Hawaii Kai.  This is a great hike for those who are interested in getting a good cardio workout.  The trail basically goes up the side of the volcanic cone while getting steeper as you get closer to the top.  The trail consists of crumbly rock and railroad ties.  The trail follows an old railway path and the tracks with ties are still there.  The railroad ties are like steps making it a stair climber exercise with a view.  Remember to bring some water with you.

  

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge

Kuliouou Ridge trail is a beautiful hike.  While hiking up in elevation, you experience several different kinds of vegetation.  The trail is usually dry but still shaded.  Some of the vegetation you’ll see are native shrubs called ulei, Lama trees that bear a red fruit and then a large forest of Cook pines.  You have a choice on this hike.  Go up to the picnic table and back.  This would be a good hike for professionals and novices alike.  Or, hike all the way over the Ko’olau mountains and view the windward coast below you.  Located on the edge of Hawaii Kai just turn mauka down Kuliouou Road.  Follow this road to Kala’au Place then park just before the roads ends at the turnaround circle.

   

This week I hiked a beautiful and cardio focused trail called Kealia Trail.  This trail is located on the north shore of Oahu near Kaena Point.  It is right behind Dillingham Airport.  To get to the trail drive into the airport and park your car in the small parking lot next to the airports tower.  Then start walking towards the mountains from the parking lot.  Follow the concrete and it will be obvious where you should be walking.  Once you get into the vegetation you will see a sign for the trail (see picture).  This trail goes up the mountain for 1 mile.  This is why I referred to it as a cardio focused hike.  That first 1 mile is up switch backs going back and forth across the face of the mountain.  This gives you great views of Dillingham airport below and several beaches all along the north shore.  Once you crest the cliff at the top the trail turns into a road.  This area is called Peacock Flats.  Keep an eye out for peacocks up here.  Keep going across the top of the mountain and at the end of this trail you'll be rewarded with a beautiful view of Makua Valley.  It is breath taking!