Konahuanui Trail

Trailhead

Description: Starting at a clearing on the east side of Nuuanu Valley, this ungraded trail rollercoasters once, then climbs steadily up Pauoa Ridge to the Koolau crest. Mapped as "Konahuanui", the first summit peak is 3,105 feet in elevation. A narrow saddle along the damp, windswept crest, through a generous growth of native vegetation, is followed by an ascent to the second peak: the highest peak along the Koolaus. Heavily-rained upon, this area is part of the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve. The valleys in the vicinity of the trail and peaks are pooling ravines (headwaters) for the Omao, Kahanaiki, Lulumahu, and Wahi Streams; they are active during rainfall. Terminus Views: Maunawili to Waimanalo stretch of cliffs Windward coast: Lanikai Beach to Makapuu Pt Maunawili Demonstration (Koolaupoko) Trail Olomana's three peaks Piliwale Ridge Parking lot and lookout above Nuuanu Pali Benchmarks: Konahuanui What to Expect: The vegetation remains the low, wet shrub variety and rarely extends past shoulder-height until the 3,105-ft peak is reached. The area is frequently overcast and rains are common. The terminus is almost always within clouds. Trailhead Location: The trailhead is at the Nuuanu Lookout (this is not the "Pali Lookout"!). There are two trails to the Nuuanu Lookout (elev 1,680 ft): the Pauoa Flats Trail (from Tantalus area) and an unnamed trail (from Nuuanu Valley). Accessing the Trail: To reach the Konahuanui trailhead via the first option, hike to the Pauoa Flats Trail's terminus (Nuuanu Lookout). Pauoa Flats is an open, public-access route in Na Ala Hele's"Honolulu Mauka" Trail System. It can be accessed with several connector trails as follows. The Judd and Nuuanu Trails, taken sequentially, provide access from Nuuanu Valley. Park to the right of the concrete bridge along Nuuanu Pali Drive (elev. 600 ft). Take the mauka (mountain-side / South) portion of the Judd Trail loop until the intersection with the Nuuanu Trail (about 0.25 mile). Turn left (uphill / South) Continue straight up Nuuanu Trail until the intersection (elev. 1,560 ft) with the Pauoa Flats Trail (about 1.5-mile). Turn left (East). All trails used this way are Na Ala Hele trails which are well-marked and wide. The Manoa Falls and Aihualama Trails, taken sequentially, provide access from Manoa Valley. Park along the dirt road thoroughfare just after the Lyon Arboretum (elev. 400 ft). About 0.8-mile into the Manoa Falls Trail, within 150-feet of the falls, turn left (uphill, West) onto the Aihualama Trail. The terminus of this trail (about 1.3-miles) is the junction with the Pauoa Flats Trail. Turn right (East) at this junction (elev. 1,600 ft). All trails used this way are Na Ala Hele trails which are well-marked and wide. Either the Manoa Cliffs or Puu Ohia Trails can be used to reach the Pauoa Flats Trail from Round Top Drive. Be careful when parking along the windy, narrow road. Both are Na Ala Hele trails, too. The second option to Nuuanu Lookout is along an obscure trail beginning along the Lulumahu Falls trail. It's not regularly maintained, overgrown with vegetation, and not part of the Na Ala Hele Trail System. It is not recommended. Property/Access: Closed, Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve Dangers/Other Considerations: The entire trail skirts the southeastern boundary of the State's "Nu'uanu Public Hunting Area". This unit is under the jurisdiction of the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife.	Two Peaks of Konahuanui (view from trail)
	Trailhead (Nuuanu Overlook)
	Trail - Looking Back (View from K1)
	Crest Section to K2 (View from K1)
	Maunawili to Makapuu (View from Terminus)