Malaekahana Loop -- HTMC


I coordinated this hike for the club this yesterday (4/3/2004). There were 22 of us on the outing, which was a good turnout given the rainy conditions that prevailed when we gathered by Laie Park at 9:15 a.m.

Fortunately, the ua abated by 9:30 and with spots of blue skies offshore, I figured better weather would come about by midday. That forecast was correct and we enjoyed warm sunny conditions as the day progressed.

From the park, we walked along the usual route to the Laie and Malaekahana trails. Before reaching the head of the latter, just past where the dirt road crossed Kahawainui Stream (thanks to Tom Yoza for the reference), we headed off onto an old, seldom used jeep road, heading mauka on the north side of the stream.

Jacque (my wife-to-be) and I had scouted out the route earlier in the week and we had found that the TM crew had done a fine job clearing and marking the trail a few weeks back. Jacque also joined me yesterday, and it was great to have her with me, for she has so much energy and enthusiasm, which she infused the group with.

The trail crossed Kahawainui several (6 to 8?) times, and group members were very good about helping each other during these fords. The earlier rain had raised the water level some, but not enough to cause concern.

All but a few passed on visiting the terminus of the hike at a bubbling little cascade, and we endured a short, sweaty, and slippery climb to the ridge on the south side of the stream.

Once atop the ridge, we headed makai, with most of us stopping in a shady spot that was just above an eroded area downslope of us. We snacked and rested there, with discussions of organic gardening, the former Czech Republic, class action suits against Oceanic Cablevision, and proper hydration being among the topics I heard being bandied about. Jacque had packed a nice lunch for us (chicken, bratwurst, protein bars) and we enjoyed this together.

After lunch, we continued makai on the ridgetop, passing a trash-laden campsite with a fire ring and eventually emerging in a low eroded area near the bottom of the Laie Trail. We hiked along the Laie trail for about 100 meters and then retraced our steps back to Laie Park.

Jacque and I were the last ones out at 12:30, and after doing a check of the vehicles at the trailhead to see if any belonged to hikers who had signed up in the a.m., we drove off, bound for the HTMC clubhouse.

In all, a good hike. Next up for me is Waimano Tunnels in May, a week before Jacque and I get married.

Go HTMC!

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