| A merging of two trails, this is a superb crest-walk along the southeastern section of the Koolau Range. Exposure to sun and wind is high as you huff-and-puff the brittle ascents of the Makapuu Trail, grabbing the crumbly rock for assistance. Oogle the views upon the precipitous cliffs until the Tom-Tom Trail drops you down into Waimanalo Valley. |
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Description: Usually done as a one-way trip, this is by far one of the best trails on Oahu for its gorgeous vistas and constant sight of them! This mildly-rocky trail represents the typical tradeoff found hiking in Hawaii: excellent features mean extra hardship. This is a "roller-coastering", heart-pounding, exposed, dry trail with a perilous cliff to one side (see warnings below!). However, the reward is one heck of a display of every blue you can imagine followed by every green you can imagine! Feeling the constant Pacific tradewinds blowing through you helps alleviate the heat, but don't forget the sunscreen! For detailed "description" info, click More Info. What to Expect: Hot and exposed, this trail is over territory that has been exposed to the direct and constant brunt of the Pacific tradewinds and scorching sun for hundreds of years. As a result, the trail is parched and somewhat crumbly. Thankfully, you don't need to hand-over-hand climb very often - you remain upright on your feet for most of the time. Don't expect vegetation until you close in on the lunch spot which is a tell-tale grove of tall, frondy ironwoods standing high on a peak. You can see this stand of ironwoods even from ground level in Waimanalo! For detailed "what to expect" info, click More Info. .Trailhead Location: The trailhead is ambiguous - definitely not officially marked. It's right across the Kalanianaole highway from the Makapuu Lookout. Beware of fast-moving traffic zipping around this blind spot! The general idea is to start directly up the hill making your zig-zag path through the rocks and low-lying scrub brush. As you ascend, make your way toward the right side, or the windward edge, of the hill. That's where the ridgeline begins to form. After a while, the trail becomes obvious as it travels consistently with the windward cliff on your immediate right. Accessing the Trail: Take Kalanianaole Highway past Hawaii Kai Golf Course (from Honolulu) and pull off in the Makapuu Lookout parking lot. The Makapuu Ridge Trail is to your left (westward) as you gaze at Rabbit Island. Property/Access: Private, Conditional Majority Landowner: B P Bishop Estate Trustees Minor Landowner: Maunalua Associates Inc Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records June 28, 2002. It is your responsibility to obtain permission from proper landowners. For detailed property/access info, click More Info. Dangers/Other Considerations: Warning! This trail has some extremely dangerous spots due to many sheer cliff drops to the windward side. A hiker, in Spring 2002, was killed when he fell off the side of the trail and down one of these cliffs. (In 1999, your website's author also fell off the trail and was headed toward Waimanalo town 1,500 feet below! He was lucky to have stopped, after sliding down 10 feet, before stopping at the cliff's edge! Whew!) Also, some of the rocks you climb through/over are jagged and extremely sharp. (Your website author has left blood on some of these rocks.) |
 The Trail from Afar (southside-view from atop Koko Crater) |
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 Ridgeline - 3rd Peak (elev. 909 ft) |
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 Ridgeline (4th Peak Ascent) |
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 Abandoned Facilities (elev. 1,150 ft) |
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 View from Ironwoods (N toward Waimanalo/Lanikai) |
| 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 Hike |