| A continuation of Kuaokala Ridge, this ungraded ridgeline path behind Makua Gulch brings you out of Pahole NARS to the distinct "three corners" triple-ridge junction before Mt. Kaala. Arguably, this is one of the best viewspots on the island. |
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Description: This is often known as the Three Corners Trail because the end of this trail is the T-intersection ("Three Corners") of the distinct fork in the northwestern end of the Waianae Range: the Keeau-Makua and Kuaokala Ridges. The three ungraded ridgelines split the destination possibilities from "Three Corners". The first is the return trip back along Kuaokala to the campsites, trails, and the USAF satellite tracking station. The second is the ascent toward Mt. Kaala which eventually merges with the restricted Mt. Kaala Access Road. Finally, the third is the death-defying climb toward Ohikilolo - the pyramidial peak atop Keeau-Makua Ridge. Three Corners includes a "corner" of Makua Valley to the west and a "corner" of Makaha Valley to the south. What to Expect: This trail is an ungraded trail with the usual up's and down's of a rollercoaster ridgeline. The ridge tends to be of dryer vegetation and the footing is generally good with the exception of a few crumbly areas. A fenceline, which works as a feral goat exclosure, proceeds along the ridgeline alternating between helpful handholds and hiking hinderances. Trailhead Location: There is no official or designated trail entry. It is generally accepted that the trail begins where the official state DLNR "End Trail" metal sign is posted along the Kuaokala Trail (the ungraded portion). This junction coincides with the small connector trail which leads down off the Kuaokala ridgeline and connects along the Mokuleia Trail. There is a small hunter's shanty and camp area located along this 200-yard-long connector. Accessing the Trail: In addition to entering this trail from the west via Kuaokala Ridge, one can travel about a mile up the Mokuleia Trail (which starts at the end of the 4WD road from Peacock Flats) and break off through the aforementioned small campground to gain the Kuaokala Ridgeline. To reach Peacock Flats, one needs to use the Kuaokala 4WD access road from either the Waianae (via USAF Kuaokala Satellite Tracking Station) or from Mokuleia (via either the paved, locked, vehicularly-gated access road or the Kealia foot trail). Property/Access: Government Owned, Unofficial/Unmaintained Access Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records June 27, 2002. For detailed "property/access" info, click More Info. Dangers/Other Considerations: Aside from normal trail dangers, be careful while hiking atop the ungraded rollercoaster. |
 "Three Corners" from afar (Viewed from Mt Kaala) |
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 Makua Valley (View from Trail) |
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 On the Trail (Looking Back) |
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 Eastern Kuaokala Ridge (View from Three Corners) |
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 North Shore (View from Three Corners) |
| 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 |
Not listed |