Mauumae Ridge (Lanipo) Trail

Trailhead

Description: The second most difficult trail within the State's official Na Ala Hele trail system, this ungraded ridge trails gives you excellent views and a thorough workout. Along the way are awesome views of Kaau Crater - a geographic anomaly hidden deep within Palolo Valley - and its white-wash waterfall. The best part of choosing this trail is the easy access and proximity to downtown since it starts on the far east side of Metro Honolulu. This trail, officially named "Mauumae Ridge" is also known as the Lanipo Trail (The most difficult trail by Na Ala Hele is the Manana Ridge Trail in Pearl City.) HTMC: "7 Mi/Intermediate/Ridge/Kaimuki" Sierra Club: "7mi/Strenuous/Ridge/Maunalani Heights" What to Expect: This is a lush green rollercoaster workout. You're going to sweat and you're going to get muddy. It does require some four-point climbing but ropes are always present to assist you. A good down n' dirty trail for those serious hikers who like longer, more involved trails! Terminus views are expansive, including most of the coast fronting Bellows AFB, Lanikai, and Kailua. Mauumae Ridge ends at the peak called Puu Kainawaaunui. From here, the traverse to the trail terminus (Puu Lanipo) continues right (east) as a 15-minute crest-hike atop the narrow Koolau spine. Trailhead Location: The entrance is officially marked with metal signage affixed to a cyclone fence. The trailhead is located at the highest point of Maunalani Heights (Maunalani Circle at the top of Sierra Drive). The easement to the ridge splits private property to the right and the Board of Water Supply to the left. Accessing the Trail: The trailhead is right along Maunalani Circle. From Waialae Ave, just take Sierra Drive to the top and get onto Maunalani Circle. The best locator is the chain-linked Board of Water Supply lot. Property/Access: Government Owned, Official/Open Access Dangers/Other Considerations: The longer and more difficult, the more exposure there is to the normal dangers of hiking. Keeping an eye on personal physical exertion, water consumption, and the related exhaustion should be monitored more closely. As always, be extremely careful when traversing any part of the Koolau crest as the path tends to be slippery, ungraded, narrow, exposed, and any unfortunate fall to either side isn't too healthy.	Trailhead Marker (Na Ala Hele Sign)
	Mauumae Ridge (From Trailhead)
	Trail (First Half-Mile)
	View from Puu Kainawaaunui (SW-ward toward Honolulu)
	View from Puu Kainawaaunui (NE-ward toward Olomana)