Pu'u o Hulu Kai hike offers dramatic views from ridge

Richard McMahon
Special to The Advertiser

Occasionally we will spotlight a camp site, trail or other hiking information, courtesy of author Richard McMahon.

The twin peaks of Pu'u o Hulu Kai and Pu'u o Hulu Uka, midway between Nanakuli and Ma'ili, provide a quick route to a dramatic overlook of the Wai'anae coast, and a trip back in time to the days of World War II. This hike begins from Hakimo Road, about one-third of a mile mauka of Farrington Highway. It climbs to the top of Pu'u o Hulu Kai, then descends to Kaukama Road, for a total distance of about 3.5 miles.

Description: Pu'u o Hulu Kai contains one of the largest World War II bunker complexes on the leeward shore of O'ahu. Five separate concrete gun emplacements still stand a lonely vigil. The foundation of a barracks, scattered chunks of wood and metal, and a rusted cable car terminal are all that remain of once extensive support structures. The rocky climb to the summit from Hakimo Road is not for young children or those uncomfortable with heights.

From Hakimo Road, turn left on the dirt road heading toward the saddle dividing Pu'u o Hulu Kai from its mauka sister peak. A cable is usually stretched across this road. The road becomes paved and soon reaches a large water tank enclosure. Bear left around the fence, following it as it turns steeply uphill. At the saddle, turn left, leaving the fence line, and proceed along the ridge, which rises as it heads toward the sea.

The trail reaches the top of one small peak, then drops down before turning up again for the final climb. It generally follows the ridge top, but sometimes falls off to its mauka side. The trail is narrow, and occasionally gives way to rocky scrambles, before reaching the summit bunker, 856 feet high.

For those who have not positioned a car on Kaukama Road, and do not wish to walk back along Farrington Highway, the return is via the same route. Otherwise, continue along the ridge line toward the other bunkers, watching for a sharp right turn just past a small bunker on the left. This is the former supply trail to the complex. Take this trail, which switchbacks down the north side of Pu'u o Hulu Kai, ending at Kaukama Road, about half a mile from Farrington Highway.

Special comments: Doing this hike with an experienced group will avoid making wrong turns, which are possible at certain spots and might cause delay.

This is a hot, dry hike, without trees or shade. It is best done in the winter months.

Persons uncomfortable with heights may do the hike in reverse, starting from, and returning to Kaukama Road.