Poamoho Ridge Trail

Trailhead

Description: This is hands-down one of the most wonderful trails you'll find on the entire island. Not only is the forest a lush collection of some of the rarest, native plants in Hawaii, the trail is short, graded, and in decent shape. The actual trail to the summit is slightly less than 3 miles - it's almost too quick of a journey. And, to top off the great feeling you're getting on the hike, you'll be absolutely wowed and in awe of the spectacular vista of the Punaluu/Kahana amphitheater at the crest. So, what's the catch to this great trail? See below for the access problems. What to Expect: It is nearly 10 miles (total, one-way) from Kamehameha Hwy to the Koolau crest. The first 4 miles covers the distance from the highway to the forest reserve boundary and climbs 480 feet. At the end of the fifth mile (and 220-ft climb) is an open area which can be used for parking. The actual trail starts about 1.5-miles in (6.5 miles from highway). The footing is slippery and rocky as you approach the top. At the end of the trail is a small, windswept grassy meadow which spans a short length of the Koolau Summit Trail (KST). The KST extends north to Pupukea and south to Waikane and Kipapa. See the Koolau Summit Trail for more information. You'll also see the Cline Memorial at the trail terminus - a small stone/mortar monument erected in honor of Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club member Geraldine Cline who died in a car accident. At the trail terminus you'll be above the Punaluu Valley side of the spectacular Punaluu/Kahana Valley amphitheater. Far to your right (south) is Puu Pauao marked by its steep ridge from the windward valley floor. About 20 minutes in this direction (toward Puu Pauao) is the state's Poamoho cabin which requires a permit from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife for overnight stay. Trailhead Location: The trailhead is located at the end of the dirt access road through the pineapple fields beyond the Helemano military radio station (north of Wahiawa). This well-worn dirt road connects to Kamehameha Hwy (Rte 99) and is the first right-hand turnoff (northbound) after passing the Dole Plantation museum/garden tourist attraction (64-1550 Kamehameha Highway). It is approximately 6.5 miles to the actual trailhead. Accessing the Trail: The problem with accessing this trail is two-fold. The first problem is physical barriers, the second problem is ownership/permission issues. To start, the physical aspects of the dirt road will hinder your advance to the trailhead. First, the distance from the junction with Kamehameha Hwy and through the pineapple fields will add over 6 miles (one-way) to the hike, if you decide to get dropped off, park, or take the bus to the Dole Plantation tourist attraction. If you attempt to drive the distance, you may encounter severe ruts and erosion beyond the second mile that only a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle can handle. If the rutted road doesn't stop you, the locked vehicular access gate will. The second access problem is harder to detour around. The owner of the vast pineapple fields, Dole Company, has cut off easement access through its land due to frivolous lawsuits made against them and continued illegal activity, such as vandalism and dumping. Na Ala Hele, which maintains this trail, is trying to re-open the access. At this time, permission is granted only to scheduled hiking groups with adequate liability insurance. Property/Access: Open/public Na Ala Hele trail. However, there is no open/public way to get to the trailhead and the forecast for any positive change is grim. Dangers/Other Considerations: As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement.