Kym Miller, a Honolulu computer expert, wonders about two trees visible as one gazes up into Moanalua Valley. They stand like paired sentinels on the ridge that humps up in folds above Tripler Hospital. "They're the same size and shape, and they're by themselves, so they really stick out," he said. "I vaguely remember being told something about them when I was on a field trip as kid, but I don't remember what." Pair of pines
is visible for miles
Good call. Marian Leong, educational program director for Moanalua Gardens Foundation, said the trees are pointed out during educational hikes in the valley, because they're so visible. "They're visible for miles, from several valleys over," she said.
This is deliberate, although it's also accidental. The twin trees were planted around the turn of the century by landowner S.M. Damon. They bracketed a vacation home or bungalow, which Damon christened Maile Heihei, or "entwined maile."
The cabin had a spectacular view, cool and windswept, ranging from Diamond Head to the Ewa plain and the Waianaes. But it also was hard to get to, and when the age of the horse and carriage passed, so did Maile Heihei. Today, nothing remains except the two trees. They have continued to grow over the years, staying the same shape, bookmarks to a vanished era.
Like most Hawaii mountain ridges, this one has a hiking trail, although permission is required from the Damon Estate and the Army to gain access. Hiking is generally permitted only in escorted groups.
Burl Burlingame, Star-Bulletin