2025 Mokuleia Campout

The 2025 Annual Presidents’ Day Mokuleia Campout was another memorable experience. Eleven backpackers spent two nights and three days camping in the Waianae Mountains from Friday February 15 – Monday February 18th.

The first day starts early on the West side of Oahu as the campers meet at 8am below the guard station to Kaena Point Space Force Station at the end of Farrington Highway for a drive up the hill to the Kuaokala Trailhead. The 6.5 mile hike is a beautiful and varied trail that follows sections of the Waianae Summit Trail (WST).

Our fearless leader John giving the briefing before we head out (photo by Jill)

We hoist our backpacks weighing anywhere between 30 – 40+ pounds and head out along the Kuaokala trail. This section of the hike offers stunning ocean views dotted with ponderosa pine trees intermingled with black wattle trees and a few native plants pop up here and there.  Multiple trees had fallen across the trail after recent strong winds and rains. Lucky for us a few of the trail clearing crew backpack with hand saws and went to work on the obstacles.

John cut and removed one of the many trees that had fallen on the Kuaokala Trail*

Angela and Pat clearing tree fall debris at the Kealia Trail Junction

Spectacular views along the Kuaokala Trail looking towards Makua Valley

Once the Kuaokala Trail intersects the Kealia Trail terminus with a peakaboo view of Makua Valley, the route follows sections of fence line and along the Mokuleia Forest Access Road towards Peacock Flats. Eventually we veer off the road up Pahole Spur Road, this is the steepest uphill section taking us above the Waialua Nike Site. The top of this hill marks the lunch spot since everyone is ready for a rest after the strenuous uphill trudge.

Bobbie backpacking a muddy section of the Mokuleia Forest Access Road

Bob hiking down Pahole Trail

From there we continue on along the Pahole Trail through an ongoing native plant restoration projects (NARs). After multiple ups and downs, over fences and switchbacks we pass a predator-proof snail enclosure before reaching the fence line along the Makua Rim Lookout. Taking in the spectacular views we continue along the roller coaster fence line and just past the tall pine towards our final destination and camp spot nestled below Makua Rim.

Looking towards Mt. Ka’ala from Makua Rim Lookout (photo by Angela)

Fence line following Makua Rim (photo by Angela)

This year the weather was especially warm and without the trade winds blowing, many were overheated and a few ran out of water just before reaching camp. After reaching camp everyone scouts out their tent spot and sets up their gear. After settling in, it was time to relax and enjoy an early dinner. It is always magical to end the day watching the sunset from the Mokuleia Benches perched along Makua Rim.

Tent City at the Mokuleia campsite (photo by Jill)

Larry organizing his gear at the campsite

Toasting the sunset (photo by Julie)

Night time stargazing at camp (photo by Pat)

Day two can be whatever you’d like – a short hike, a longer hike or just relaxing around camp and welcoming the HTMC Mokuleia day hikers. This year a group headed towards the Mokuleia Trail to explore and collect oranges. Two of our campers departed early hiking down to Peacock Flats and from there taking the road to Waialua. The rest of us enjoyed another beautiful sunset from Makua Rim and a spectacular star filled sky!

Mokuleia Trail with Bobbie, Pat, Andrea, Julie & Larry

Sour orange trees along the Mokuleia Trail (photo by Angela)

Trail wandering with Hawkins, John and Angela

HTMC Day hikers visit Patrick at camp; George, Janice, Don, Lisa, David & Patrick

Jill and Bob took it easy and hung out at the campsite (photo by Jill)

Day three began early when at 4:30am a heavy rain began falling loudly on our tents making it hard to sleep. With a brief break in the rain, we packed up our wet gear quickly and departed the campsite at 8am. The cooler overcast weather for the hike out was appreciated after the hot hike in. We stopped briefly at the Kealia junction for a snack before the heavy rain poured down on us as we  hiked back along the Kuaokala Trail. By the time we made it back to our cars we were thoroughly drenched and smiling – happy to get out of our wet clothes and grateful for the experience.

Backpackers ready to hit the trail

Backpacking out in the rain and mist (photo by Pat)

Angela hiking out along the rainy Kuaokala Trail

Bobbie smiling in the rain as she finishes the backpack out!

Consider joining the Annual Presidents’ Day Mokuleia Campout next year. HTMC has a special permit allowing us to camp in this special area. Keep your eye on the website/newsletter for a link to sign up. It is always a memorable experience communing with nature and fellow club members. .

*Photos by Hawkins unless noted otherwise.