Pu’u Ohulehule
Overview
Directions
Proceed down the rough road toward the Kahana Stream and cross the dam to the other side. (You will make three more stream crossings in the next hour, and then no more for the remainder of the hike, so you may want to make some effort to keep your boots dry. Across the dam take a left turn and follow the trail for a short while (70 yards or so) until you see a fairly obvious turn off to the left. Take the left turn instead of the main trail which continues straight.
Continuing on this valley trail you will make stream crossing two more times.Continue along the trail which becomes a corridor of sorts through buttonwood plants and hala (screw pine). The fallen leaves will provide a deeply
thatched path for you to follow. Continue on through a small grove of ironwood trees and you will notice on your left a pu’u called Turnover, followed by a series of very noticeable jagged teeth and Pu’u Manamana. On the other side you should catch sight of Pu’u Piei.
Eventually you will arrive at a large koa tree and an obvious left turn off the trail you have been on. The trail will begin to descend into a valley going through uluhe and clidemia and a small bamboo grove. After a very narrow
stream crossing (three dry hops or so) you will enter more bamboo and very quickly make a sharp right turn and make a steep ascent out of the valley.
There follows a long generally level but winding walk along another corridor of uluhe, sword fern, buttonwood, and eventually a few lovely large koa trees.
This section of the trail is very open and affords great views to either side as well as Ohulehule ahead. This section of trail is generally dry and hot. There is a perfect rest stop under a huge koa tree, perfectly placed to prepare you for the next and more demanding leg of the trail. A very steep ascent up the NW spur that will require time and energy.
Eventually you will arrive at the first of the sections that are assisted with ropes or cables. Passing through two such sections will bring you to an open rest area with a lovely view. Following this rest stop there are several more very steep sections aided by ropes to a look over point where the eastern windward coast will become visible. Turning left at that point you will begin your final ascent on Pu’u Ohulehule. As you continue to climb this last section of trail before the summit you will find so many ropes and overlaying cables that their very number may hinder your progress. However, this indicates you are almost to the summit. Upon arrival, and given the day is a clear one, your exhaustion will be instantly forgotten, thanks to the magnificent views of Waikane, Hakipu’u, Ka’a’awa, and Kahana valleys that lay before you. A view that may reach to Makapu’u point and hopefully to the outer islands of Lanai and Molokai as well. It is even possible to view Mt. Ka’ala from this vantage point.
The summit, at 2,265 feet, is large and open and can accommodate a large group of people. It is an excellent lunch spot. The return is much quicker and less strenuous. However, if the trail is wet, going down can be treacherous and extreme caution must be taken. Allow 2 1/2 to 3 hours for your return.
Hazards
- Sections of this hike require very steep climbs. Caution is required even on a dry day; extreme caution is advised in rain.
- On any day hiking this trail can be extremely energy demanding. On a hot day you must have sufficient water (for most people a minimum of 3 liters).
- Crossing any swollen or fast moving stream can be dangerous. Leptospirosis, a freshwater bacterial infection, is also a danger when making stream crossings with open cuts.