Kamehame Ridge Night Hike – October 27, 2011

I’ve always enjoyed night hikes, particularly during the full moon. There are a few trails that are friendly to hiking in the dark, one of them being Kamehame Ridge, or the ridgeline at the end of Kamehame Drive in Hawaii Kai.

The road ends near the NIKE station, and joins with the Makapuu Tomtom Trail. The views from this ridgeline are amazing, where you can often see Diamond head to Manana (Rabbit) Island to Kailua.

The moon will often rise between Rabbit Island and the Kaiwi Coastline, depending on the moon phase and time of year you visit.

Despite being the day after the new moon, there was a more elaborate light show to take place on this night hiking adventure (see photos below). Since Halloween was a few days away, several of us (Pete, Chenay, Francis, August, Duc, Rosie, Laredo, Chase and I) decided to dress up and have an epic light saber battle at the glider port along the Kamehame Ridge / Makapuu Tomtom Trail.

In the presence of a superb view, company, “contained” bonfire, and flavors of alcohol… an awesome party was to ensue.

Pete and Chenay, dressed as Darth Vader and “Slave” Princes Leia…

battled with light sabers (with FULL electronic sound effects included)…

…which also provided us with an epic light show amongst an epic background.

After their battle was concluded, they were kind enough to take on others… (Pete and Chase, above)

Even those with the most intimidating of costumes were allowed to battle the king of the dark side (Francis and Pete above).

Even couples got to “have a go” at it (Duc and Rosie joking around above).

Laredo wanted a piece of Vader, which was predicted to be an epic battle… but ended in castration. lol.

August and Chase topping off the night with another great battle.

We ended up hanging around until 11pm, after several hours of good times… Thank you Chenay for inviting the Lost Trailblazers to attend such a fun event. Next time I hope our whole crew can make it.

Kamehame Drive to the glider port is paved, and has a mild grade… however, keep in mind the area past the gate is private property and there are several no-trespassing signs posted. Makapuu Tomtom to the glider port is much longer, and slightly more difficult as you will be starting from a much lower elevation. Though it is not paved, the trail is obvious and well worn. For more information about the Makapuu Tomtom Trail from Kamiloiki Ridge, Click Here. Either way, do not do this trail at night unless you have been there prior during the day. If you do decide to do the trail at night, make sure to bring a headlamp and warm clothes, in addition to typical hiking gear.

To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery. Thanks for visiting and come back soon!!!