The hiking report
Valley views throughout Kamanaiki Trail hike
By Richard McMahon
The trail starts at the end of Manaiki Place in Kalihi Valley. Because parking is limited on Manaiki, it is best to park on Kalihi Street.
Description: This 5-mile excursion above Kalihi Valley begins at a concrete staircase, rises steeply to the ridge separating Kalihi and Kamanaiki valleys, and then follows the ridge line to a small clearing on a flat hill. It can be done either as a return via the same route, or as a loop returning through Kamanaiki Valley, in which case the hike is slightly longer.
Because there are some narrow places with sharp drop-offs, it is not recommended for small children or those uncomfortable with heights.
The route begins by ascending the narrow staircase, which rises steeply toward the ridge line, turns left into an ironwood grove, climbs more stairs, then passes a water tank. Reaching the main ridge, the trail alternates between open areas and small wooded patches, passing over several small knobs. There are good views into Kalihi and Kamanaiki valleys along the way. Shortly after a cable-assisted climb to a flat hill and up an uluhe-covered slope, the trail reaches a clearing with fine views in all directions. This is the turnaround point for those returning the way they came.
For those making the loop, a small trail leads off on the right toward a large, wide slope, covered with uluhe. Reaching the slope, the trail drops through a sea of uluhe and enters a deep forest on the floor of Kamanaiki Valley. Here, it follows Kamanaiki Stream, passing evidence of former taro terracing en route. About a mile and a half after leaving the clearing, a poorly defined trail rises very steeply on the right, reaching the original trail on the ridge. Turn left on the trail, returning to the water tank, and the stairway back to Manaiki Place.
Special comments: Unless recently cleared, the loop portion of the hike may be difficult or impossible to complete. The uluhe hillside overgrows quickly, and the uphill route back to the original ridge trail may be difficult to find and also overgrown.
For this reason, those wishing to hike the loop should do so with an organized group. The Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club and the Sierra Club hike this trail regularly.
