| A stubby hill along the windward coast, wedged between Ahuimanu and Kaneohe, this short hike brings you a panorama of Kaneohe Bay, from Mokapu to Kualoa. |
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Description: A short trail by Koolau and Waianae standards, this is half a stroll through the woods and half a gentle climb up a ridge. No significant climbing is necessary making getting to the top quick and easy. Puu Maelieli is approximately 715 feet in elevation and stands over Kaneohe Bay, Heeia Pond, and Temple Valley. What to Expect: Woodsy beginnings - most of the trail stays hidden under a canopy of trees. It's a bit damp considering its windward location and proximity to Kaneohe Bay. After the ridgeline is intercepted, the forest continues for a while until you break out as you approach the top. Trailhead Location: There are at least three trails to the top of Puu Maelieli. The one this webpage describes starts about 20 yards across from the entrance to Heeia State Park after turning left (south) onto Kamehameha Hwy. One needs to break into and through the thick stand of trees bordering the roadside. This trailhead is not marked or obvious! The second trailhead, according to the USGS topographic map, begins along Kamehameha Hwy about 7 houses north of the Heeia State Park. This one follows the ridgeline perpendicular to the ridge this webpage describes. Accessing the Trail: Other than the private landowner issue, finding the trailhead is not a simple task. This is one of those "push through and you'll eventually find the trail" trailheads. In other words, be prepared to navigate until you find an obvious footpath. Property/Access: Government and multiple private owners, unofficial/unmaintained access Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records June 29, 2002. For detailed "property/access" info, click More Info. Dangers/Other Considerations: Relative to other trails, this one has no unusual threats other than dangers typical to normal hiking. The most difficult part of this trail is actually finding the trailhead. |
 View from Trail (Puu Maelieli on left) |
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 Trail - Foothill Section (first half) |
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 Trail - Ridge Section (second half, looking down) |
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 Trail - Ridge Section (near top, looking down) |
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 View from Top (Kaneohe Bay to Kualoa) |
| 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 |