Honopu Ridge Trail – Kokee 2012 (Pt 1/4)

Although not the most well-kept of trails we visited during our Kokee 2012 camping trip, Honopu Ridge probably had one of the most rewarding views. The trail starts along Kokee Road, slightly north of the Awaawapuhi Trail, with enough room for a few cars to park at the unmarked trailhead.

After settling into our (Baron Yamamoto, Josh Serrano [of the 808 Goonies], Steve Decker, Katie Ersbak, Suzette Padden, Clayton Childs, Jenelyn Castillo and I) 12-bunk cabin in Kokee, we quickly packed up our hiking gear to investigate the nearby ridge.

The first section of trail was fairly open and not difficult to follow…

Although as we started losing elevation, there were several forks… which may or may not come out to the same place. Uluhe ferns also started to envelope the loosely ribboned trail, which did not help either. Luckily we had Steve with us, who had been here before and knew the correct turns to take down the ridgeline.

The trail began to widen, although the descent became much more steep.

Many of us were dreading the hike back up the ridge since we appeared to only be going downhill.

The dense native forest opened up 30-40 minutes down the ridgeline,

…to epic view of Awaawapuhi/Nualolo Valleys on the left and Honopu Valley on the right.

As we got further down toward the ocean, we were able to see up the Na Pali Coast and could even almost see Kee beach in Haena!!

We could also catch glimpses of Kalalau Beach, which most of us had backpacked to last year.

As usual, Jenelyn got insane jump-shots… which I continually discourage. lol.

Further down the bare ridgeline, the footing became increasingly unstable…

…forcing several of the crew to stay behind.

I’m guessing most of the people who hike here don’t go further than this point.

Those of us with microspikes and who were willing to force our way through the thorny lantana and thick, prickly grasses, pushed on.

But the torn up clothing and skin was all for good reason… We came to a wide clearing, where could see up and down the coastline…

…far better panorama than we had seen earlier, higher on the ridgeline.

The landscape here was incredible… the deeply incised valleys/ridges around us and the vibrant colors of the landscape and ocean… so breathtaking.

The sun started lowering in the sky and neared Niihau and Lehua Islet on the horizon, so we decided to start our long ascent up Honopu Ridge. I am sure that I will never forget the views here for the rest of my life.

The Honopu Ridge Trail does not appear to be a regularly maintained trail, but is very doable for most regular hikers. Most of the hike is easy to follow and continually descends down the ridgeline. I do not recommend hikers to venture further beyond the open ridge section unless they are prepared to do so… for example, walking on loose, undercut sections of soil, as well as navigating without trail through dense overgrowth of thorny, prickly vegetation… Make sure to know how to “backtrack” people!!! The hike back up can also be intense for some, especially in the heat of the exposed sections, so bring adequate water and clothing.

Aloha and mahalo nui for visiting and come back again soon!

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