Oahu Hike Tales

I hiked this trail from the top down on the fourth of July 1997. I ascended the Kuliouou switchbacks and after arriving at the summit, turned right (east) in the direction of Makapuu. A rough trail exists along the summit and the thing to remember is to stick close to the windward crest to avoid bushwacking and/or descents along steep, slick slopes. Eventually, I reached a towering set of powerline poles and soon thereafter is a fairly distinct trail that heads off through a thicket to the right. That trail is Haihaione/Mauna o Ahi. Actually, the ridge the trail is on is Mauna o Ahi. The descent is somewhat steep but ample trees and footholds are available to make the downward trek manageable. The Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club uses this route for a hike so the way is cleared periodically and ribbons are affixed to trees on the way down. Eventually, when the ridge leveled off, I reached a junction with an old jeep road that went off to the right and descended to Kaalakei Vall...

One fall Friday morning, I took off a few hours from grading essays and headed out to the Sandy Beach-side of the island to hike up Koko Crater. It was my first time up that oft referred-to Oahu directional landmark, and I enjoyed the 3-mile roundtrip journey. The hike began at the Koko Crater Botanical Gardens which is adjacent to Koko Crater stables and the Hawaii Kai golf course. In fact, as I was putting on my hiking boots, I watched several golfers tee off. The day was a superb one for ascending Koko Crater: the sky was clear, the winds were delightfully cooling, and best of all, I had the trail to myself. To reach the actual trail, I ambled along a dirt road through the Gardens, all the while inhaling the sugary aroma from a thick grove of plumeria. Reaching the end of the garden, I followed a rutty dirt road until I found the trail heading up to the rim of the crater. The ascent to the rim was a lung-buster but after about 10 minutes of cl...