This is the short story about my Koolau Summit Trail attempt on Oahu, Hawaii.

I am providing a very detailed account of my trip, but do not take it as a guide. If you want to take a short cut on the way up, look for the blue 6ft Tiki like pole, pass it and go to the left, you could shave off 10 minutes. Puu Maelieli Trail is a hiking trail in the Kaneohe region of Oahu. WHAT DID WE GET OURSELVES INTO. The hike through the mud is definitely worth it though, with a stunning view of Koolau mountains Kaneohe bay, Chinaman's hat, Secret Island & even as far as Rabbit Island. Kāneʻohe is visible on the right side.
Or take the short cut back down. Too funny since we later ended the hike saying it was a blankity blank. Attempting the Koolau Summit Trail (KST) on Oahu, Hawaii is something I look back on with a smile but am happy to be writing about it from the comfort of my apartment in Honolulu rather than still shivering in the cold Koloa Cabin. The Koolau Summit Trail has only been completed … No joking this trail is a bear. The hike essentially follows the abandoned highway up the Ko’olau mountains, which we thought was pretty darn cool. Hiking Likeke Waterfalls Share via: ... With the water constantly collecting in the high Ko’olau mountain range, you find beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout, including Likeke Falls. The modern Koʻolau mountain forms Oʻahu's windward coast and rises behind the leeward coast city of Honolulu — on its leeward slopes and valleys are located most of Honolulu's residential neighborhoods. The volcano is thought to have first erupted on the ocean floor more than 2.5 million years ago. That said you have 8 foot tall elephant grass to chop or push through.

Koolau Summit 8 Day Thru Hike 3/25/12-04/01/12 Chase W. Norton Warning and Disclaimer: This trip has been put together from years of solo backpacking trips on the summit of the Koolau Mountains. The portion on the old road is easy to follow, you never feel you could get lost. View of Koʻolau Range from the top. Wear long pant or high socks, long sleeve shirts and have gloves. I do not encourage anyone to repeat this hike as the dangers and risk level are very high.

The Hike. You’ll also get the mountain views of the Koolau range just by being in Kaneohe too.

This trail is recommended as a hike to do if you’re looking to get out of Waikiki for a day and want a hike that offers you stunning coastal views! As I mentioned above, there are two ways to get to Likeke Falls.