 | Mariner's Ridge Hike |
| Oahu, HI 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
Click on photo to see large versionViews 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: 
Dominic Kadooka 07/02/2012 12:16 | On my way for the first time. That picture at the very top of this website is our family farm (Waimanalo Country Farms) I wanted to see what it looked like from above, in real life. Thanks for a beautiful picture. We can be found on Facebook at \"Waimanalo Country Farms\", or online at www.waimanalocountryfarms.com Thanks again. \"And here we go\"! | |
boomr49 06/04/2012 12:58 | Great short hike to see the scenery on both sides of the Koolau's. Some sections are pretty steep but manageable. The people doing this hike are pretty laid back and friendly. My chihuahua enjoyed the hike up and down this trail. Wouldnt do this trail if it rained the night before or raining the day of the hike, the ironwood roots will be very slippery and the bottom half of the hike will be very muddy. | |
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. |