Likeke Trail & Old Pali Road

Trailhead

Description: A trail built by the pioneering efforts of one of Oahu's greatest hikers, Richard Davis (deceased). "Dick" Davis was responsible for scouting several trails in Hawaii but this particular trail was his own personal project having routed, cleared, and maintained it throughout his final years. This contour trail connects Nuuanu Pali Lookout (Old Pali Road, actually) with the Likelike Highway through the foothills behind Kailua and Kaneohe. What to Expect: While the footing is easy (asphalt/paved road), the descent from the Pali Lookout is a bit steep in some sections. Be careful especially if the road is wet! You'll notice the asphalt road you walk on, after passing underneath the Pali Hwy, is especially devoid of vehicular traffic. This paved path is a combination of the two closed stretches of Kianaole and Auloa Roads (one road flows into the other). Because of vandalism and other illegal activities within this rather secluded area, Honolulu Police and the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board successfully petitioned the City Council to close this section of road. The temporary ban on public use/access (facilitated by fences on both ends) was made permanent in 1994 and is still in effect today. This road is part of this hike's "Old Pali" section. Once you get to Likeke Trail, you'll find it is a graded trail so expect a relatively level hike. Of course, there are some ups and downs but the steepness is mild. The trail meanders low, in and out of the gullies forming the ripples in the gigantic Nuuanu Pali cliffs. Trailhead Location: There are two entry/exit points - one mauka of Kailua and one mauka of Kaneohe. North (Kaneohe) entry: The trailhead is an unmarked, steep descent near the guard-rail on the windward side of the Likelike Highway. It is slightly beyond the Wilson tunnels, along the shoulder edge of the Kaneohe-bound lanes. South (Kailua) entry: Along the closed stretch of Auloa-Kionaole Road (below the Nuuanu Pali Lookout), find a highly-vegetated gulch mauka (uphill) along a sharp bend in the road. A short, metal pole should be seen in middle of this patch of Mexican Cup-of-Gold vines. The footsteps (trailhead) should be just uphill of this point, paralleling an intermittent stream which crosses under the road. Accessing the Trail: South (Kailua) entry: Park at the Pali Lookout (Nuuanu Pali State Park - accessible from Pali Highway), then walk down the abandoned asphalt road just to the right of the overlook. This is the "Old Pali Road". Pass the gate, proceed down the steep road as it winds down toward the Pali Highway. It will disappear into weeds and neglect once the path reaches the highway. Once at this point, climb down and pass directly beneath the bustling concrete highway structure. Continue past the pillars and down the path until you reach another abandoned road. Turn left and follow it as it, again, winds downhill. At a small rise, which veers off to the right, turn left into the tall weeds. A set of old steps should be found almost immediately. Follow the steps into the forest where a trail continues for about fifteen minutes to the cascading waterfall. North (Kaneohe) entry: Park at the wide grassy area just off Likelike Highway's Kaneohe-bound lanes. This is several hundred yards past the tunnels. Walk back up the highway, then turn left before the tunnels. Property/Access: Unofficial trail, unsigned trailhead. Dangers/Other Considerations: Other than normal trail dangers, this trail poses no significant additional risks. As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement.	Hike Area (North-ward View from Pali Lookout)
	Likeke Trail (looking down from Pali Lookout)
	Trailhead (along Auloa-Kionaole Rd)
	Likeke Trail (just beyond Auloa-Kionaole Rd)
	Likeke Waterfall (Summer 1998)
	Likeke Waterfall (Spring 2004)
	Likeke Trail (Kaneohe side, beyond waterfall)