| Always a foot or hand-hold away from a perilous fall, this trail traverses some of the most spectacular cliffs on Oahu. It is also one of the most dangerous on the island. |
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Description: An insanely narrow and highly perilous trip up the Kaaawa cliffs which has been described as the most dangerous trail on the island. The exposed rock dike geology of the Puu o Mahie ridgeline begins above the identifiable Kauhi ("Crouching Lion") rock formation situated between Kaaawa and Kahana Valley. HTMC: "6 Mi/Advanced/Ridge/Ka'a'awa" For additional cultural info, click More Info. What to Expect: Kauhi is the scariest of the three Puu Manamana trails (including Graveyard and Kahekili Trails). Adding to the bad news about how dangerous this is, despite its name the trail doesn't actually come anywhere near Puu Manamana! It simply climbs a scary ridgeline into the tall, convoluted topography which eventually merges into a ridge on which Puu Manamana stands. See Kahekili's More Info for details about the trails of Puu Manamana. Trailhead Location: The unmarked trailhead is right along Kamehameha Hwy near the "83" highway marker across from the woodsy Huilua Fishpond. This is just after you round the tight "corner" of the highway after you pass Crouching Lion Inn as you turn into Kahana Bay. Accessing the Trail: At this time, there is nothing known to hinder or physically restrict the use of this trail. Property/Access: Unofficial/unmaintained trail. Privately-owned ridge, owned by Kualoa Ranch, Inc. Dangers/Other Considerations: The best way to warn you is to say this: with few exceptions, you couldn't find a more dangerous trail on the island. |
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| 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 |
Danger: High Skill: Expert |