Palikea Summit Trail

Trailhead

To see this trail's topography, click map...

Description: Hidden in the mountains far behind Makakilo, this short trail takes you through the ridgeline forest atop the tall spine of the Waianaes. The narrow off-the-ridge graded sections allow you to bypass the steepest and rockiest stretches. The remaining crest-top walking stays relatively "calm" with no perilous climbs or drops. As the trail makes its way to the knobby Palikea peak it passes groves of native vegetation - some naturally located, others specially planted in the Nature Conservancy's native reforestation efforts. The variety and density of native vegetation and the presence of native land snails and birds are quite amazing and make this trail one of the best for nature enthusiasts of Hawaii! Palikea (elev. 3,098 feet) is the next peak just north, within 0.1-mile, of the knobby junction of the Waianae crest and the ridge to Puu Heleakala (elev. 1,890 feet) - the ridge which separates Nanakuli and Lualualei Valley. What to Expect: Despite the long trip to the trailhead, this trail is only a mile long (one-way)! Unusual for a crest trail especially in the Waianaes, the vegetation for about the first half of the trail towers far above your head. This is in the form of groves of tall bamboo, silk oaks, Norfolk/Cook Island pines, ohia lehua, eucalyptus, and others. While there are nice vantage points for views now and again, the only 360-degree vista doesn't occur until the peak of Palikea. There are some steep and very steep climbs along this ridge - it is not entirely gentle despite its graded nature. The steep sections, however, are not exposed, last only for about 25 feet at a time, and are terraced with erosion control "steps". The narrow and steep gorges on the Kunia side of the trail are the Kaaikukai and Palawai Gulches. Trailhead Location: The trail begins at the very end of the narrow, asphalt-paved Palehua Road high above Makakilo. A set of concrete stairs starts to the right of the Sandia National Laboratory (United States Department of Energy) Palehua transmission site. The trailhead, which is at the top of these stairs, is unsigned/unmarked but is obvious. The trailhead, which is about 0.1-mile past the Kapu Astro benchmark just before Mauna Kapu (elev. 2,776 feet), is approximately 2,680 feet high. Accessing the Trail: The most prohibitive problem with this trailhead is the gauntlet of vehicular gates, walking distance, and effort to obtain proper permission. First, the trailhead is over four miles beyond the first vehicular gate and about 1,500-feet uphill making any walking attempt exhaustive and extremely noticeable by area residents and operators. Second, the first vehicular gate followed by the second vehicular gate about 2.5 miles away are locked at all times. Only area residents, the Nature Conservancy, and officials of the James Campbell Trust Estate, its commercial leasees, and the USAF military installations have the key to both vehicular gates. Finally, access permission is not easily granted by the estate nor the Palikea's custodial leasee, the Nature Conservancy. The best way at present to access the Palikea Trail is via the guided, educational trips scheduled and provided by the Nature Conservancy. Hikes occur about once a month and deposited reservations are required. Note: the James Campbell Trust Estate is expected to dissolve in 2007. The Nature Conservancy's current lease, which began in 1990, will outlive the trust as it passes to its heirs. At this time, plans are uncertain as to what will occur to the trail access or the rest of Honouliuli Preserve. Property/Access: Privately-owned, conditional access Dangers/Other Considerations: The crest-walking covers narrow sections of the Waianae Mountains, but does not get too thin or exposed. There are steep sections the graded trail passes over while other sections can get a bit slippery. Caution should be exercised as with all hiking and crest-walking.	End of Palehua Road (trail begins on right)
	Trail - Initial Section (first 0.25-mile)
	Trail - Waianae Crest (about halfway)
	East View from Trail (Honouliuli to Pearl Harbor)
	West View from Trail (Nanakuli Valley & Puu Heleakala)
	View from Trail Terminus (Lualualei & Waianae Valleys)