THE HIKING REPORT
Fast trip to Ko'olau summit via Mau'umae

By Richard McMahon
Special to The Advertiser

A spotlight of a camp site, trail or other hiking information, courtesy of author Richard McMahon

LOCATION: Trail begins at the end of Mokuhano Street in Kalama Valley.

DESCRIPTION: Less than an hour from town to the Ko'olau summit? I did not believe it until a friend proved it by guiding me up little-known Mau'umae Valley to a beautiful overlook directly above Sea Life Park and Rabbit Island.

The two-hour round trip even allows for a rest or lunch stop at the summit to enjoy the view.

Park at the end of Mokuhano Street, walk straight ahead through the open fence gate. Turn left on a narrow dirt road where there's a golf driving range on the right, and the Ko'olau summit directly to the front. The road soon becomes an overgrown trail, which is sometimes obscure. Keep the wooden electric poles to the left, and aim toward the saddle between two prominent peaks on the ridge line.

The route is open, rising gradually over dry, rocky terrain, with little vegetation to hinder either vision or passage.

After about 30 minutes, the trail joins the electric line for a short distance, before veering right to enter a shallow, rocky gulch.

The gulch blends into a flat, ancient lava base, making for easy walking. The trail resumes at a sparse stand of haole koa, ending on the summit at the low point of the saddle.

SPECIAL COMMENTS: If you can arrange the transportation, a longer, more interesting hike involves turning right on the summit trail, and following it to its end at the parking lot at Makapu'u Lookout on Kalaniana'ole Highway.