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: oahu hikes
Olomana aka 3 Peaks
Olomana had been on my hiking bucket list for 3 or 4 years. Every time I drive through Kailua my eyes automatically are drawn to its majestic beauty. Mentally it terrified me, because I wanted so bad to climb it, however the history of deaths at this location intimidated me and I let my fear & absence of fearless hiking partners keep me from the challenge. Finally the day had come! My fit and fearless friends invited me to join in an Olomana adventure after I had mentioned my desire to complete this hike. On the plus side, although early January when it’s typically rainy, it was dry and clear. We met at Maranda’s house and were treated to delicious pancakes with fruit! We loaded up our gear and headed over the Pali to Olomana Golf Club. After a short paved walk we turned onto the trail. It was muddy at the beginning, but was not terribly slick. After a short distance we started the climb up to the first peak (Olomana). This ropes section was relatively easy for the first peak, with only about 15 – 20 feet to scramble. Those of you with a fear of heights or limited ropes ability may opt to stop at this first peak for the next two are increasingly more challenging.
While on this hike it struck me that even though I had been intimidated I found the actual hike to be much less scary than anticipated. Isn’t this how life is in a way? My biggest challenge is in overcoming the fear of the what if’s!! My two friends are more fit, and younger, than me so I had little time for messing around taking photographs because I needed to keep up! I found my favorite view on the second peak (Paku’i) and captured the third peak backdropped by the glorious Ko’olaus and I framed it with trees in the foreground. I did find it funny when I saw this capture reproduced by a couple of other local photographers on instagram in the next few weeks, so maybe they found this to be a cool vantage point as well.
When we arrived at the trail for the third peak (Ahiki), I now understood why I’d received many warnings regarding this hike. I could see how “one slip and down the hole you’d fall. Sorry, my brain is constantly pulling up those song lyrics, Pink Floyd, btw. A fair amount of upper body strength is needed for the third peak for in this entire section one relies on the ropes. Using my hands for anything besides holding on was necessary so I have few photos of this part. Once you descend, it is on to narrow ledges around a rock finger with wildflowers hanging off the edge and the birds below you. Overcoming this challenge at the moment was surreal in a transcendent way. After the sketchy rock finger the ascent begins to the peak of the third peak. More upper body and a few scary edges, no ankle turning here and for goodness sake hold on and take your time! The view is glorious, the feeling is euphoric, the company was perfect; quiet and contemplative.
On the return, I was a bit of a slow poke and tried to capture more of Olomana Trail and the views. We had a fun time and what a sense of accomplishment I felt! We finished off with a bit of foraging and gathering and a bit of silliness. Honestly, I recommend that you only do this hike if you are a confident hiker and have already completed some of Oahu’s more challenging trails. Mud, crumbling and eroding trails, slippery rocks and the sheer drop off’s of Oahu’s trails are no joke and not to be attempted by the foolish. Olomana is amazing and what a beautiful Oahu treasure to be respected and revered.
well kept sign 
First peak ropes section 
so far so good 
peak 2 
Ko’olau Views 
the view 
Leafy frame 
epic views at every turn 
in awe 
down we go 
scary rock finger 
around the scary rock finger 
the 3rd peak views 
do not trip in this section 
Olomano 
not a bad Iphone 7 shot 
valley view 
2nd peak 
foraging & silliness 
Aiden, Me, Maranda
Likeke Falls
Now having successfully trekked to Likeke Falls a second time, I wanted to combine the photos from my three visits to this beautiful destination. The photo gallery slideshow includes yesterdays visit August 2018, then my first successful look at the falls in May 2018, and the visit in June 2017 where we didn’t quite make it to our destination. This hike can start a number of ways. Each time I’ve started at the Pali Lookout and ventured down the Old Pali Road. I now know how to reach this hike from the Ko’olau Golf Club, which is considerably shorter but you don’t get the awesome views from the old Pali or see all the Graffiti artwork under the bridge. This visit we were greeted by a new friend Roy, a retired Fireman who worked with search and rescue for 30 years, and his Chocolate Lab Ki’i. He lived in the area and provided us with extra insights to the trail and area, plus showed us the way to the Golf course trail; the easy route. Yesterday’s visit was quite nice for I took new friends, one was visiting from Wisconsin, and it’s so fun to experience the trails with newcomers who open your eyes to more of the wonderful things that you haven’t noticed lately due to familiarity. Around every turn she was taking photos of the beautiful elephant leaf ferns to simple little morning glory flowers and we showed her the sleeping grass.
We went on a sunny clear day after an awesome breakfast a Koko Head Cafe. This visit to Likeke was more crowded than the last but it is summertime! Looking back through my photos from all visits reminds me that even though I do many of these hikes over and over, there’s always something new to see and experience. The first visit in 2017, Jacci and I didn’t make it to Likeke Falls but found this other mini falls that we mistook for the right one. We were on the right path but just needed to venture a little further! It’s fun comparing the pictures, the large graffiti has changed under the bridge, and the “mascot” has much more flair! My second visit with Jackie was a much needed respite, for it was the first hike I did after a rather traumatic experience & I was so grateful for the quiet time in nature with a new friend and outdoor lover. This valley is amazing, full of so many tropical beauties; guava, avocados, artwork, waterfalls, flowers and of course spending time in the woods is one of my favorite things! I hope you enjoy this photographic journal of Likeke Falls, please contact me for custom built photographic or hiking tours. And while your on the trail, remember to Malama Honua (take care of our island, Earth).