Dupont (De Ponte) / Mt. Kaala Trail

Trailhead

Description: Variety is the spice of this trail! From open-sky grassy pastures to densely-wooded footpaths, dry and brushy lowlands to lush and wet highlands, wide 4WD paths to narrow and rocky sections, gentle and sure-footed grades to steep and eroded climbs - this is the Dupont climb to the top of Oahu. What awaits is Oahu's premiere native botanical "basket": the bog within the Mount Kaala Natural Area Reserve This trail was named by hikers in the early 1920s for a female acquantance called Mary De Ponte. Note: The ridge this trail is on has often been incorrectly referred to as Kamananui Ridge. Puu Kamananui (elev. 870 feet) resides on a ridge spur which connects Kaukonahua Stream and Kamaohanui Ridge (which eventually terminates at Mt. Kaala) What to Expect: Getting away from concrete and asphalt? Not so fast! Ironically, though you climb through thousands of (vertical) feet and several miles worth of Oahu wilderness, this trail begins in civilization and ends at civilization. More information about what's at the top can be found on the Mount Kaala page. Regarding the trail, you'll find that you need to expect everything (like it says in the description). Specifically, watch out on a few eroded sections, a steep, 30-foot drop, and a narrow slippery stretch nearing the top. Most important to consider is the time factor. Because of its 5.5-mile length (one-way) up 4,000 feet, start early in the day to avoid the heat during the peak of the climb and to ensure you can return well before sunset. For additional Mt. Kaala info, click More Info. Trailhead Location: While the actual footpath trailhead is about 2 miles in at an elevation of 400-feet, multiple access problems has forced the acceptance of the trailhead to be along Farrington Hwy (in Waialua, on your way to Mokuleia). This is an old cane-haul road located kitty-corner (on the west/Kaena side) of Waialua High School. You'll know you're on the correct road since you'll walk in with the high school's track on your left side. Accessing the Trail: There is no official access or procedure to access for individuals wishing to hike this trail. Unfortunately, as with many trails in Hawaii, you need to cross through several private tracts of property just to get to the trail and the length of the walk in often means you won't go unnoticed. The best bet to stay legal, however, is to venture onto this trail with large hiking organizations (who have met the conditions to obtain permission) on scheduled hikes. Property/Access: Trailhead: multiple private parcels, no public access Terminus: USAF facility, restricted entry Dangers/Other Considerations: While not prevalent, there are both steep and exposed, narrow sections along this trail. Higher elevations along the ridge are susceptible to slippery conditions. Exercise due caution! Because the USAF facility is smack dab atop Mt. Kaala, hikers must come into close proximity of the radar site to reach the lunch spot (which sits right along the fenceline). Therefore, do not agitate the facility's personnel by requesting a tour or wandering around the buildings or they may contact civilian (or military) police to remove you. Just leave them be.	Trail - 4WD Section (foot-trail ahead, Kaala in distance)
	Trail - Wooded Section (initial forest section)
	Trail - "Level" Section (looking back, near halfway up)
	Trail - Eroded Section (looking back, about halfway up)
	View from Trail - North Shore (Waialua to Kahuku Point)
	Looking Up the Ridge (Kaala towers slightly to the left)