| One of the most gorgeous trails for views of picturesque, vegetation-carpeted cliffs, dark blue ocean depths, and skies owned by the sun and misty cloud puffs. But beware! The price of these views is a strenuous, dangerous climb with exposed narrow spots. |
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Description: Kahekili is one of three trails that can be used to climb the ridge toward Puu Manamana (it is virtually impossible to reach Puu Manamana without vertical rock-climbing). Kahekili is normally hiked just to achieve Makaua Valley otherwise known as Hidden Valley: a small, lush valley which stands out of sight of ground dwellers. However, a high-elevation spur rising out of Hidden Valley connects Kahekili to the "Crouching Lion" or Puu Manamana Trail. "Kahekili" is a codename of sorts that was assigned to the trail by a local hiking group. While this trail is widely known as Kahekili, it is also known as the Hidden Valley Trail and Makaua Valley Trail. For additional "description" info, click More Info. What to Expect:Kahekili is the second most-scariest of the three Puu Manamana trails ("Crouching Lion", or Kauhi, being the most scary, "Graveyard" being the "least"). It is an "honest" trail which means it continusly climbs without dropping down (rollercoastering). At no time do you descend along the ridge until you reach the approach into Hidden Valley. There are a few sections which require some scrambling. The entire trail waivers between slabbing along the slope-side, obscure switchbacking, and following the ungraded ridgeline. It is generally decent in terms of slipperiness and is relatively dry and dusty because of its exposed, dike-rock nature (it drains quickly). However, the dustiness makes it susceptible even the briefest of showers and can make a descent muddy and tricky. For detailed "what to expect" info, click More Info. Trailhead Location:The trailhead is neither marked nor maintained. It is embedded within a brushy weed patch directly between the most mauka (mountain-ward) two private residences at the top end of Huamalani Street. Accessing the Trail: Parking at Swanzy Beach Park is recommended over parking in the secluded residential area near the trailhead - but beware of the possibility of theft (never leave valuables in your vehicle). Head north (northwest, actually) along Kamehameha Hwy (72) and turn mauka (uphill) onto Huamalani Street. There's a fire station on the corner. Property/Access: Unofficial/unmaintained trail. Ridges above residences are privately owned by Kualoa Ranch. Dangers/Other Considerations: This is undoubtedly an "expert" trail and only those of significant and serious Oahu hiking experience should attempt this hike. Also, as previously warned, this trail is not for the acrophobic! The main danger stems from climbing up/descending the sometimes narrow, moderately exposed sections with their steep drops (sometimes on both sides). In a few trail sections, very little keeps you from plummeting off the ridgeline. This trail is not a continual "freak-show" and frightful sections don't constantly appear throughout your journey. However, they do exist and you must be physically and mentally prepared for them no matter what skill level you're at or how often these stretches show up. Beware of rainy weather or muddy conditions which can significantly amplify the danger of the trail. |
 Trail Switchback Section to Ridgeline |
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 Trail Looking Back on Ridgeline |
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 Trail About halfway up |
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 Small Waterfall/Stream Within Hidden Valley |
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 View back into "Hidden" Valley Seen from Crouching Lion Trail |
| What the books say... | |
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| Hawaiian Hiking Trails Craig Chisholm |
Not listed |
| Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails Robert Smith | Not listed |
| The Hikers Guide to O'ahu Stuart Ball |
Closed |