As I work towards slowly conquering as many Oahu trails as I am able, I constantly seek out new ones to add to my list of completed trails. I definitely use Alltrails for much of my information and this particular trail is listed on their site. Many of the trails on Oahu are private or off limits due to liability problems that may arise due to careless hikers. This trail starts near the skatepark in Hawaii Kai off Malahuena Lane. Please stay to the left and do not disturb the sacred Heiau. The start to the trail is slightly deceiving because of the overgrown grasses and the downed trees, but continue up the faint trail and as you climb, the trail is easier to follow. Most of this trail is exposed to the elements so be prepared for the weather. This weather this day was bright and sunny so I ended up with a sunburn. I also ran out of water at the end, which is rare, for I usually carry more than I need. Fortunately we were almost through when I emptied the bladder and I had more water in the car. This hike has continuous views of the Kamiloiki valley and most of Hawaii Kai. It follows the ridge that is mostly rocky and desert like with short Kiawe trees. I manage to step on a Kiawe thorn that went straight into my hiking boot & when removed was over 1/2 inch; ouch! As we traversed up and down the ridge with the sun beating down on us we noticed, with relief, a forest towards the end. Here was a campers paradise. It was a completely flat area with a beautiful Eucalyptus tree grove where the shade and wind provided a nice resting spot! Back on the trail there was a bit more up and down: mostly up: and soon we reached the KST. Turning right from here it was a short climb to the top and a drop dead gorgeous view of Waimanalo Beach. This trail took us 4 1/2 hours, however we did spend a good amount of time on photo taking and breaks! This hike really is a special one for both the killer views & the fact that there was not a soul on the trail!
Tag: hawaii
Tripler Ridge Hike
The Tripler Ridge hike is both rewarding and challenging. I set out last Thursday with my favorite hiking buddy, my son Brenden, with the intention of hiking the Moanalua Valley trail to find the Moanalua Falls. Apparently we were supposed to head off onto the Kulana’ahane trail to locate the falls, however we didn’t find the trailhead. We were happy enough spending time together in the woods and working on our photography skills.
Although I had done a little research before our trek, I was unable to get a signal on the trail, and did not realize that we were on the Tripler Ridge Trail until we were high up the mountain and almost to the summit. This trail is incredibly beautiful with several creek crossings and variations in flora and fauna. Tall Grass I especially loved the section with the tall grasses, but the mucky and muddy sections weren’t my favorite. Mud seems to be a reality for almost any Ko’olau hike, however, so it’s always good to bring microspikes to get through the challenging areas! Today we hiked a total of 10.7 miles on an in and out route and climbed to 2,700 ft. elevation. Further research shows there are several ways of doing Tripler Ridge, however our route started and ended in Moanalua Park. I’ve decided to invest in a topographical map of this area and will bring my compass on the next hike so as to be more prepared to find the correct trails and to explore this area more safely.
One of the highlights of the day was our interaction with what I’ve learned to be a Black Witch Moth. It’s as big as a small bird and is the largest Nuptial moth in the world. Apparently there are many legends regarding this creature, most of them involve death. The Hawaiian legend states that when seeing one you are being visited by the spirit of a loved one who has recently deceased. Interesting! Thanks for visiting my post. The gallery photos were taken by Shannon Jammin’ Photos and by Brenden McNally. Mahalo and Malama Honua.
Hamama Falls
Aloha friends! I’m sure most of you have been to or heard of Hamama Falls. This is a super easy 3 mile round trip trail located on Honolulu Water Board property in Kaneohe. Please obtain a permit to be a good upstanding legal citizen before embarking on this adventure. I’ve probably completed this trail 6 or 7 times, and love all the diversity in scenes and photo opportunities! Chilly creeks, banyan tree forts, Jurassic Park scenes, Tag art, nature and of course WATERFALLS can be found on this adventure. Having heard there was a second falls off the trail, I had never actually located Waihe’e falls until this visit! Woohoo! Another beautiful waterfall, chased and caught! I am not going to divulge where this trail is exactly, for I prefer that fewer folks know how to get to a trail, for I appreciate enjoying my experience without the presence of many other people, like the crowded Lulumahu or Manoa Falls, for example. This was an excellent morning spent and enjoyed with peaceful company. I especially loved sticking my head under Hamama Falls with a stranger, finding a new waterfall and the rope section next to the cascading Waihe’e Falls. Please enjoy the gallery of ShannonJammin’ Photography, plus two of me taken by Jaqueline Hansen, of my most recent waterfall adventure. Contact me to make arrangements for your custom guided photography or hiking adventure! Mahalo and remember “Malama Honua!”