Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Trail Hike

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Trail is a short, moderately challenging hike in Kāneʻohe on Oʻahu’s windward side. The 3-mile round-trip trail climbs through lush forest and gentle ridgelines before opening up to sweeping views of Kāneʻohe Bay, the Koʻolau Mountains, and the offshore sandbar. Expect some mud, roots, and short steep sections, but the panoramic lookout at the summit makes the trek well worth it.

Recommended for the hike:

• Bring plenty of WATER and snacks to keep your energy going. There is very little shade.
• Wear a pair of closed-toe shoes with good traction.
• Hiking poles may help on steep descents and ascents.
• Spikes may help on loose gravel and slick sections.

HIKERS POLICY/DISCLAIMER (please read):

Respect the Host(s), fellow hikers and the 'aina.

New Friends in the 808, a Meetup Group (Group). and/or its Event Hosts, or Organizers, shall not be liable for any injury, loss or damage to persons and/or property, direct or indirect, arising out of any events of the Group. The assumption of risk, which is inherent in this type of outdoor activity, is implied on the part of each person participating in any Group hiked. Every person participating in any of these events assumes all risk and liability during the event.

All hikes, require advance registration (RSVP) before the hike's date, to allow the Host to make preparations. For intermediate/advanced hikes, the Host may: 1) contact members in advance; 2) close RSVP early, when necessary to limit the size of the hiking group; 3) refuse RSVPs to persons who may not be sufficiently strong to stay with the group; and 4) turn back any hiker, the Host feels can't complete the hike.

Adopted/modified from:

Mountain Club of Maryland / Hiker’s Policy
13740 Oster Farm Road
West Friendship, MD 21794
email: contact@mcomd.org

used with permission

SAFETY TIPS FOR HIKING:

1. Bring sufficient water. Do not drink stream water.
2. Stay on the trail.
3. Allow ample time to return before nightfall by figuring 1.5 miles per hour.
4. Bring proper equipment, as indicated by the host; including a first aid kit.
5. Wear proper shoes and clothing.
6. Hike in a group and keep track of those in your party.
7. You are responsible for your own safety.

(created 12/1/2019, updated on 1/27/2025)