Kamilo Nui to Hahaione Valley

Although not very popular valleys to hike in Hawaii Kai, Kamilo Nui and Hahaione Valleys have several potential routes which may connect via the Koolau Summit Trail. Despite being poured on the entire hike, we (Pete, August, Katie and I) connected a short one-way route from the west side of Kamilo Nui Valley to a spur ridge (just below the summit Kaluanui Ridge) into Hahaione Valley.

Eyeing up the socked-in target ridge for a moment, we start our hike near the end of Kaiwi Rd.

Though we found some faded trail ribbons, they were far and few between long stretches of chest-high California grass.

Soon, we were scrambling up the overgrown ridge on wet rock, some of which was unstable (left). Higher up, the ridge was much wider and mildly graded when compared to what we encountered earlier (right).

The view of Kamilo nui valley and koko marina area would have been great if it weren’t for the stormy conditions; it’s not everyday that the top of Koko Crater is socked in by the clouds.

Probably taking a leisure ~45 minutes to intersect the Koolau Summit Trail (KST), we were welcomed by thick cloud cover and heavy rain.

After hiking north along the KST, we quickly reached the summit of Mariners (Kaluanui) Ridge, where there was absolutely no view of the windward side… where normally the views are quite rewarding. We ended up taking shelter from the wind/rain in ironwoods just below the summit.

Descending via the popular ridge trail, we veered off to make use of the benches at the Navy Seal Memorial… of which most hikers miss while hiking here.

We then detour from Kaluanui ridge down a perpendicular “spur” ridge toward Hahaione Valley

Again, we were socked-for most of the hike down,

…but the clouds started to thin out on the lower third of the ridge. We ended up finishing the hike in about 4.5 hours, exiting ~ Hahaione St. where we had staged our vehicles earlier in the day day.

Such a short but great route! Mahalo nui loa to Pete and August for letting Katie and I tag along on the hike. Awful weather, but fantastic company.

NOTE: Though not a long or difficult route to most, this is not a maintained trail and it is not hard to get misdirected if hiking here, especially under the conditions we had. Make sure to do proper research / mapping, as well as have the proper gear if attempting. Please make the safe decision and be prepared to turn back in the case of uncooperative weather or if any of the obstacles are out of your physical abilities. More questions? Just ask!!!

Aloha and mahalo nui for visiting… Come back again soon!