Trail: Maunawili Round Trip: About 20 miles
Getting There: Assuming a launch point from downtown Honolulu, take the Pali Highway over to the windward side. When you exit the tunnel on the Kailua side, proceed for about a mile. Just before a sharp bend in the highway, pull into a parking area on the right. Find a stall and park there. If you are taking the city bus, hop aboard a 56 or 57. Exit at the stop at Kamehameha Highway and Pali Highway. This is the first the stop the bus will make after going through the tunnel. Walk a mile back up Pali Highway to the parking area.
Trailhead Location: There are three clear-cut entry/exit points. Two are in the vicinity of the Pali Lookout, one is in Waimanalo. There are several lower ridge routes which have been used to connect with the trail, but they tend to be more obscure.
North (Kailua) entry:The official trailhead is near the hairpin turn off Pali Hwy (on the Kailua side) at the scenic lookout parking lot. The unofficial connector trail junctions with the Old Pali Road (beyond a rock restraining fence) and with Maunawili Trail about 0.5-mile from the official trailhead.
South (Waimanalo) entry:Along Waikupanaha St, just after Mahiku Pl, on the right side.
Description: Pick up the trail at the upper end of the parking lot. It climbs initially to gain elevation. You will arrive at a signed junction. Bear left on the MDT. The trail heading up to the right goes to the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. For the most part after this, the path contours along the base of the Ko'olau Mountain Range toward Waimanalo. There is no huge elevation gains or losses. As a result, the trail is a favorite for mountain bikers and runners as well as hikers.You'll pass a watertank along the trail. You'll also enjoy panoramic vistas of Maunawili Valley and the summit of the Ko'olau Range. The pointed peaks you see to your left are Mount Olomana. Plan to cross several rocky streams. During rainy weather, water will flow down these streams and waterfalls will cascade down the steep slopes of the windward pali (cliffs). Magnificent.
Guidebook:
The Hikers Guide to O'ahu, Stuart Ball
Danger: Low Skill: Novice/Int
The Hikers Guide to O'ahu, Stuart Ball
Danger: Low Skill: Novice/Int
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