Makiki Trails

Hawaii has so many hiking trails. Each of them are unique with their different sceneries, vegetation, and the difficulty levels of course.

Keith and I both enjoy hiking and exploring the nature. Today, we hiked in Makiki - the last time we hiked there was about 5-6 years ago, I want to say. So, it was quite an adventure - we got there after a couple of U-turns and once we got there, it felt like it was a new trail for us until we get to certain areas and remember - "oh, I remember this." Fun, fun, fun!!!

The pictures aren't so clear since we took them on our cell phone (forgot the camera - unbelievable - but another sign of me getting old and having some memory issues... :-)

This is the map of the trails in Makiki. We started at the bottom left where the Hawaii Nature Center is and made our way around the loop clockwise and went on to the stretch at the top and to the end of the trail - where we had a clear and breathtaking views of Nuuanu Valley, the Pali Highway and the Pali Lookout and beyond.

Nuuanu Valley water reservoir. Pali Highway in the background.

Makiki Cliff.

Nuuanu Valley - Pali Lookout.

We started on Kanealole Trail which hooks to Kaleawahine Trail then to Pauou Flats trail which ends at a clearing where we took the Nuunu valley pictures. There we were able to set up our one-person tent and take a little rest and enjoy leisurely lunch. (hope I spelled the trail names right - or somewhat close :-)

Keith inside and right at the entrance of the tent. It is one-person sleep system - so not very tall - I could kneel inside but Keith wasn't able to comfortably. But, it is long and wide enough we could sleep in it if we took it camping.

Me - enjoying the lunch my husband lovingly prepared for us.

After our lunch break we headed back down the Pauoa Flats trail, passed the Kaneawahine trail start and hooked up with Makiki Cliffs Trail, then to Moleka Trail, Makiki Valley Trail and to Maunalaha Trail, which brought us back to the starting stretch.

After 4 hours of steady pace hike and getting muddy, sweaty and tired, I can tell you it was all worth the view and the amazing experience. We weren't far from hustle bustle of the city; yet, felt like there were no civilization around for miles - the wind, the leaves, the trees, and the birds were the only ones making the sound around us and the clean fresh air smell was unbelievable.

If you ever decide to do this hike start on the loop clockwise. If not, the very first leg of your hike would fairly good steep uphill. Looking up from the bottom could be somewhat disheartening. Also, it is below the ridgeline - so the hot and still air isn't too pleasant. We went down on that stretch - at the very end of our hike - so the end being so close pushed us and added spring to our steps.

I am definitely grateful for the beautiful Hawaiian weather and the beauty of the nature that we can explore and enjoy year around.