DEAN SENSUI / DSENSUI@STAR-BULLETIN.COM Hikers, from left, Jonathan Wright, writer Gary C.W. Chun, Tamara Stockman and John Bryan enjoyed the greenery along the Hauula Loop Trail during an outdoor adventure last month.

A hike is a great way to
enjoy summer’s glory

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By Gary C.W. Chun
gchun@starbulletin.com

If you're looking to ease your way back into hiking this summer, or you're already a veteran hiker looking for a pleasant "stroll," one of the easiest and scenic hikes available is the 2.5-mile Hauula Loop Trail.

It starts from the same trail head as the Papali Loop Trail, but you'll be heading right. (The nearby Maakua Gulch trail has been closed since the Sacred Falls tragedy three years ago.)

The trail is well defined and easy to follow. It widens and narrows through a variety of terrain, crossing the rocky stream beds that lead out of Waipilopilo Gulch, easy to cross now as they're summer-dry, with only the smallest trickle of water. At the first fork in the trail, you'll want to go right again, as it climbs up the Koolau mountain ridge through exposed areas of tall grass and shaded parts of planted groves of immense Cook pines and ironwood trees.

The Cook pines were brought over from New Caledonia in the South Pacific in the 1930s for reforestation and named for the discoverer Capt. James Cook. They certainly look like an introduced plant species, as the trees jut straight up into the sky. And when the trades blow through the ironwood trees, you can imagine hearing the quiet hiss of ocean surf, even though you'll be walking on a thick and dry blanket of long ironwood needles, far from any body of water.

If you take a Hawaii plant guide with you, you may be able to identify remnants of native, indigenous plant species in the gulch, including lama, alahe'e, ohi'a, hoawa, akia and a'alii. You can also find guava and passion fruit strewn about the ground, giving off their pungent, rotting aroma.

Along the way, there are several spots on the 700-foot ascent that offer the occasional panoramic view of Hauula and Kipapau Valley as you look toward Laie.

The ascent may leave beginners a bit out of breath at first, but the trail is not steep, so you should get used to it with relative ease.

The complete loop takes about two to three hours to complete. If you're driving in from town to hike the trail, take Likelike Highway to the Kahekili Highway exit. As it becomes Kamehameha Highway, you'll drive through the small communities of Kaaawa and Punaluu. Turn left onto Hauula Homestead Road, located across from Hauula Beach Park, and go up a short stretch of road. Pull off to either side to park, just before the paved road that leads up to the trail proper.

Here are a few guided hikes for those who want company. Call ahead for reservations, and note that schedules may change due to weather conditions.

Hawaiian Humane Society

Paws on the Path: Hiking group for people and their dogs meets the last Saturday of the month for hikes led by a humane society volunteer. The next hike is a 4- to 5-mile round-trip hike, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 27, in Maunawili. Cross streams to Maunawili Falls where you can swim. Meet at Maunawili Road and Kelewina Street at 8:30 a.m.

The hike begins promptly at 9 a.m. Call 946-2187, ext. 217. More information is online at www.hawaiianhumane.org. August's hike is on the 31st.

Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club

A $2 donation is requested for each nonmember. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Hikes begin at 8 a.m. Call 674-1459, 377-5442 or 596-4864. More information can be found at www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/3660/skednewsl.html.

Schofield-Waikane: Nine-mile advanced hike to the central Koolau summit, Sunday. Call Arnold Fujioka at 625-9431.

Koloa Gulch: Seven-mile intermediate hike in Laie begins 8 a.m. July 14. There's a ridge to climb, then a stream to cross. Hazards: slippery rocks, flash flood, rockfall. Lunch is at a small pool below a larger waterfall. Look for native plants along the way and 'o'opu and hihiwai in the stream. Coordinator Steve Brown, 247-8845.

Aiea Bisectual: Three-mile novice ridge hike starting 8 a.m. July 20 from the Aiea Loop Trail, veering off to the middle ridge via the paperbark forest. Coordinator Phil Booth, 488-1161.

Kamiloiki: Five-mile intermediate ridge hike in Hawaii Kai at 8 a.m. July 27 will lead you between a beguiling Eden on the west and a crowded valley on the east. It tops out with a sudden vision of the Windward coast. Check out the Pahua Heiau at the foot of this trail. Coordinator Joyce Oka, 674-1459.

Laie Pools: One-mile advanced hike from hot dusty road to guava tree "tunnels" and long graded contour trail to the Koolau summit, on July 28. Rated advanced, more for the length than the difficulty. Those wishing to shorten the hike may turn around at the waterfall/swimming hole, halfway to the summit. Coordinators Mike Algiers, 422-1048, and John Hall, 377-5442.

Waianae Kai: Six-mile intermediate ridge hike at 8 a.m. Aug. 4 ascends through mac nut trees into the upper reaches of the slopes. Coordinator Steve Becker, 678-0841.

Likeke: Six-mile intermediate hillside in Kaneohe, 8 a.m. Aug. 10, is a varied hike contouring the Koolaus with views of Kaneohe and Kailua. Pass through open areas with large mango trees as well as hala, hau and guava forests. Look up and wave at the visitors at the Pali Lookout while lunching at Pali Falls. Bring mosquito repellent and camera. Coordinator Doug Klein, 235-8330.

Kahana Valley: Six-mile intermediate trek rambles through an expansive valley with sundry streams, tricky trails and swimming holes, 8 a.m. Aug. 11. Coordinator Mike Mottl, 254-6360.

Halapepe Nui: Newer 6-mile intermediate ridge-valley hike in Pearl City is fairly easy, with spectacular views of Pearl Harbor and the upper Waimano watershed, 8 a.m. Aug. 17. Long pants desirable due to brush. Coordinator John Hall, 377-5442.

Pupukea Summit: Nine-mile intermediate ridge is a sampling of a short, sane stretch of the Koolau Summit Trail, 8 a.m. Aug. 25. Hike as far as you want until turnaround time. Coordinators Kris Corliss and Larry Oswald, 638-7268.

Kamanaiki: Six-mile intermediate valley-ridge in Kalihi offers a steady climb to a lookout in the shadow of Lanihuli, which may loop into the small valley on the right, 8 a.m. Aug. 31. Coordinator Joe Bussen, 262-5506.

Nature Conservancy of Hawaii

Reservations and a $5 refundable deposit are required. Call 537-4508, ext. 220.

Palikea Trail: Interpretive hike, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Moderate, recommended for ages 13 and older; some steep drop-offs.

Kaluaa Loop Trail: Interpretive hike, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 28. Moderate, steep downhill section.

Sierra Club

Requested donation for participants age 14 and under and Sierra Club members with a membership card is $1; donation for all others is $3. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. More information can be found at www.hi.sierraclub.org.

Kaala Natural Area Reserve Service Project: Two-mile moderate ridge service hike Saturday is not for those uneasy about heights. Ride far up Kaala, the highest point on Oahu. Help remove nonnative species and plant natives in an area damaged by feral pigs. Long-sleeved shirt and long pants required. Work area requires a steep climb over uneven terrain. Bring gloves and tools (sickles, pruners, hand saws, etc.). Be prepared for rain, cold and great views. Reservations required. Leader: Arlene Buchholz, 988-9806.

Mount Olympus: Six-mile strenuous ridge and summit hike, Sunday. Weather permitting. Call Gwen Sinclair at 734-3214 or Ed Mersino at 455-8193.

Miconia Removal, Manoa: Two-mile strenuous climb in ridge and valley July 13. Help remove evil miconia, which is also out of control on Maui and the Big Island. Bring insect repellent and rain gear. Work area is off trail and brushy. Wear long pants and shirt, and bring clear lens eye protection. Bring a machete if you are handy with one. Leader: Jordan Jokiel, 739-6710.

Hauula-Papali: Seven-mile moderate contour hike, July 14. Call Joanna Yin at 734-5323 or Lin Black at 247-8845.

Kawaewae Heiau Service Project: Meet at 8:30 a.m. July 20 at the First Hawaiian Bank parking lot in Kaneohe's Windward City Shopping Center. Half-day project involves the removal of vegetation to help restore this sacred site with great views of Kaneohe Bay and the Koolau Range. Bring water, a snack, rain gear, insect repellent, gloves and tools (sickles, pruners, hand saws, gas weed trimmer). Leader: Sherine Boomla, 739-3936.

Luaalaea Late Hike: Three-mile moderate trek through the valley of Manoa, July 21. Meet at the intersection of Manoa Road and Waakaua Street at 1 p.m. Plan to get your feet wet. Call Maile Sakamoto at 946-5712 or Randy Ching at 381-2891.

Wailupe Gulch Family Hike: Easy 3-mile hike for families in Aina Haina. Meet at 9 a.m. at the mauka end of Hao Street. Mostly woods with gradual ascent to a lookout. Kids must be 4 and up unless you have a child carrier. Leaders: Reese Liggett and Suzan Harada, 732-4489.

Pahole Natural Area Reserve Service Project: Three-mile moderate ridge hike in Mokuleia on Aug. 13. Help build trails and weed out invasive plants. Leaders: Annette Kaohelaulii, 235-5431, and Betsy Gagne, 239-4280. Reservations required.

Laie: Twelve-mile strenuous ridge hike Aug. 4. Meet at 7 a.m. for trek through strawberry guava patches, with a possible side trip to a swimming hole on the way back. Leaders: Ed Mersino, 455-8193, and Mel Yoshioka, 587-0879.

Haleiwa Family Hike: Two-mile moderate Opaeula Valley hike Aug. 4. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the parking lot adjacent to Queen Liliuokalani Church on Emerson Road, across from Matsumoto's. Includes two stream crossings, mostly woods with ups and downs to swimming hole. Kids must be at least age 4 unless you have a child carrier. Leaders: Reese Liggett and Suzan Harada, 732-4489.

Miconia Removal: On Aug. 10. See July 13 for details. Leader: Hoala Fraiolla, 239-9877.

Ulupaina Late Hike: Four-mile moderate ridge hike in Kahaluu. Meet at 1 p.m. Aug. 11 at the First Hawaiian Bank parking area in the Windward City Shopping Center. This hike offers spectacular views of the Windward coast and wetlands. Leaders: Gwen Sinclair, 734-3214, and Randy Ching, 942-0145.

Kawaewae Heiau Service Project: On Aug. 17. See July 20 for details. Leader: Bob Moore, 942-2734.

Kaau Crater: Six-mile strenuous Palolo Valley ridge hike Aug. 18. Waterfalls and native forest are also included on this hike. Plan on getting muddy and/or wet. Leaders: Frances and Hurston Roberts, 254-3626.

Waimalu Ditch: Six-mile moderate Waimalu Valley hike Aug. 25. Bring a swimsuit. You'll get your boots wet on the many stream crossings. Leaders: Betsy Weatherford, 526-3986, and Arlene Buchholz, 988-9806.

Hawaii Loa Family Hike: Three-and-a-half-mile moderate ridge hike at Hawaii Loa Sept. 1. Meet at 9 a.m. at Kawaikui Beach Park (about 5400 block of Kalanianaole Highway). Mostly woods with gradual ascent. Kids must be 4 and up unless you have a child carrier. Leaders: Reese Liggett and Suzan Harada, 732-4489.

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