Kuli’ou’ou Makai
From the back of the neighborhood park, hike up a rocky switchback trail to lower Kuli’ou’ou ridge and head mauka. Head east across Ka Alakei Valley to Mauna O Ahi Ridge and climb to the summit. Crossover west along the KST until you reach the top of the Kuli’ou’ou State Trail. Hike down the state trail to the boy scout shelter, return via Mabel’s trail to the bottom of the Kuli’ou’ou State Trailhead.*
A $5 donation is requested for each non-member, age 18 or over.
Elevation Gain: 2,998 feet.
Trail Conditions: cliffs with drop offs, narrow trail, rock fall, navigating roots, slippery stairs, sun exposure and unimproved trail.
Trail Features: pohaku, views of south and windward Oahu, spectacular drop offs, ironwood and cook pine forests.
Trail Route: lollipop loop.
Native Flora & Fauna: ‘a’ali’i, peperomia & ferns.
Moku & Ahupua’a: Kona & Waikiki.
Hawaiian Name & Meaning: Kuli’ou’ou = Sounding knee – referring to a knee drum.
HTMC has a no-post social media (including GPS trail apps) hike policy on all trails that are not state trails in order to protect the trails from being “loved to death” and to discourage hikers from going on hikes for which they are not prepared or are beyond their experience level.
*The club takes no responsibility and disclaims any liability for the contents of hike descriptions including any inaccuracies, omissions, errors, misleading statements, incompleteness, or incorrect information. (click here to read our full disclaimer)