Mariner's Ridge Hike

Oahu, Hawaii Print   Leave a comment

Description

Hike to the top of the Koolau Mountains and gaze over the edge at Waimanalo Bay and the sparkling coastline along the windward side of the island! This hike starts in Hawaii Kai at the top of a residential area. The beginning is dry, with some guava bushes here and there. The entire hike is uphill. Further up you enter a windswept forest of wispy ironwood trees. A great place to stop and kiss on a bed of soft pine needles! You will need the rest too- believe me! Peak down at Hahaione Valley, a pretty residential area, Maunalua Bay, and Koko Marina as you ascend the hike. Bring lots to drink- I wished I had! Some parts get really steep and you'll be mad at whoever is egging you on! Or you may have to egg your partner on. But make sure you don't give up because the end is a view you'll never forget.
At the top, sit on a rock, feel the cool breeze, and take in the marvels of O'ahu: the haunting shadowed ridges of the Koolau mountains, and the dazzling array of blues and greens in the ocean below. You won't want to leave.
If you're hungry, check out the restaurants in the entry called Hawaii Kai Places To Eat.
To cool off after your hike, have a heavenly swim at Eternity Beach.

Photo Gallery

Views of Koko Head and Maunalua Bay from near the bottom of the hike.	Views of Maunalua Bay.	Views of Koko Head and Koko Marina.
Views of valleys that go on and on for miles.	The misty mountain peaks.	Olomana twin peaks- views from near the top of the hike.
Ironwood tree forest on Mariner's Ridge hike.	Rich soil!	Views from the hike.

Directions

At the end of Kaluanui Road at the very top of the Mariner's Ridge subdivision in Hawaii Kai.
From Kalanianaole Hwy eastbound, turn left on Keahole Dr. It becomes Hawaii Kai Drive. Turn left on Kaluanui Road and follow it to the top where it dead ends. The trailhead is at the dead end.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating:

pamela 09/23/2010 21:16	When I was growing up my family and/or friends would hike up there at least once a month. Great memories!!
Liz 09/21/2010 09:58	DIVINE!
stephanie 05/29/2010 09:10	So cool, my son took me there the day of his graduation...awesome!
kathy 05/28/2010 13:03	Awesome! Congratulations on reaching the summit! :)
Elly 10/22/2009 19:41	Great, made my day
Megan 10/06/2009 14:43	Very well said. Thank you for writing this.