Kamanaiki Ridge Trail - beginner - 5 miles
Hosted by Oahu with Anton
Details
Kamanaiki Ridge Trail - beginner - 5 miles This is a joint hike with Oahu Hikers and Adventurers.
Imagine starting a hike by walking up a steep set of concrete stairs past a home where Buddhist monks live.
Rising up in the middle of Kalihi Valley is a prominent ridge called Kamanaiki. It’s what Stuart Ball, in his book, calls a commanding view of Kalihi Valley. This is a 1.75 to 2.5 hour hike depending on the pace. It is not the longest trail on Oahu nor is it the hardest (or easiest). Instead, it's what one might categorize as a "tweener." The challenge level of this hike is medium (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/1102/medium.html). There are lots of steps at the start.
If you drive (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/1123/drive.html), get onto H-1 westbound via Punchbowl Street onramp. Proceed along H-1 for about two miles; then exit on Likelike Hwy (exit 20A). Proceed up Likelike for 1.5 miles and then take a soft right onto Nalanieha Street (right before a pedestrian overpass). Reach a stop light at Kalihi Street. Turn left there and then almost immediately turn right onto Manaiki Place. Note that parking is limited there so you may have to find parking on Kalihi Street.
The trailhead is at the end of Manaiki Place, a steep residential street. We will meet at the trail head at 10:15 AM.
Proceed up the concrete staircase. My experience says that the residents of the house you will pass are friendly. Respect their privacy and home by hiking by quietly upon arrival and departure from the trail. Here, we call this hiking with Aloha. Past the house, the trail continues steeply to the ridgeline via more concrete steps. The stairs end at a water tank. The trail continues up around the right side of the tank. Enjoy the views
Safety Tips for Hiking:
Inform a friend of your route and your expected time of return. Never hike alone or go beyond your capability Always bring water, basic first aid kit and rain gear, just in case. Do not drink stream water which contains biological impurities STAY ON THE TRAIL. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN HEALTH AND SAFETY. Plan your hike by knowing the terrain to be covered, the length of the trail, weather conditions, time of day, and hazards along the trail. Allow ample time to return before nightfall by figuring 1.5 miles per hour. Wear proper shoes and clothing. Stay on the designated trail and be extra cautious when crossing streams and walking on wet, slippery trails or on loose, crumbly soil or rock. Hike in a group and keep track of those in your party.