Hike Schedule • Safety and Ecological Rules

LIKEHIKE gang usually meets on the designated Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in front of Hilo Hattie’s in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Be sure to check the individual outings for other meeting times and places. Hikers should bring lunch, a canteen of water, and rain gear. Hiking boots are appropriate footwear, but walking shoes are generally okay. We hike to experience the natural environment, so please turn off or mute your cell phone and avoid making casual calls while on the trail.

Hikers joining the group for the first time must call Ed at (808) 455-8193 (before 9:00 p.m. HST) or send e-mail to Ed for information about the hike.

By its very nature, hiking can be hazardous. The hike leaders will point out the major dangers of each trail, but each hiker is responsible for their own well-being and safety. All hikers must read and agree to follow the Safety and Ecological Rules.
 

General Trail Ratings
Easy	2 miles in length or less and has less than 200' elevation gain/loss
Moderate	2 to 4 miles in length or has less than 600' elevation gain/loss
Moderately Difficult	4 to 6 miles in length or has less than 1,000' elevation gain/loss
Difficult	Greater than 6 miles in length or has less than 1,000' elevation gain/loss
Very Difficult	6 to 8 miles in length or has between 1,000' and 1,500' gain/loss
Strenuous	Greater than 8 miles in length or has greater than 1,500' elevation gain/loss

 LikeHike Schedule thru Sept. 2009 

Sunday, June 21
Kaunala (Pupukea)
Trail Rating:	Elevation Gain:	Total Distance:	Return to Ala Moana:
Difficult	600 feet	4 miles	Around 4:00
This trail runs over the ridges and valleys of the Pupukea Forest Reserve. We start at the top of Pupukea Road at the Boy Scout Camp. Beginning in a grove of paper bark trees the trail loops around through tropical rain forests. There are some great views of the north shore and Kahuku areas. To complete the loop we return to the trailhead via a military jeep trail.

Saturday, July 4
Lanikai Hills
Trail Rating:	Elevation Gain:	Total Distance:	Return to Ala Moana:
Difficult	570 feet	2 miles	Around 10:30
Independence Day fireworks hike above Lanikai. We meet at Thomas Square fountain at 5:00 p.m. After carpooling and driving to Lanikai, we will hike up into the hills in the early evening. On top we will have a picnic dinner. Bring a pupu or light snack we can all share. After dinner we will watch the renowned Kailua Independence Day Fireworks. It will be still light going up, but a flashlight will be needed for the descent. Total distance is 2 miles — returning to Thomas Square around 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 19
Tom-Tom
Trail Rating:	Elevation Gain:	Total Distance:	Return to Ala Moana:
Difficult	1,100 feet	4 miles	Around 4:00
The Tom-Tom Trail leads up a steep ridge above the eastern side of Waimanalo. It’s quite a climb, but the views of the valley and the eastern side of Oahu from the top are terrific. After lunch on the ridgeline we will enjoy the breezes as we hike along the summit ridge. We will hike down a route on the leeward side instead of returning via the pali. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. This hike is definitely not for acrophobic hikers.

Sunday, August 2
Kahana Valley
Trail Rating:	Elevation Gain:	Total Distance:	Return to Ala Moana:
Moderately Difficult	400 feet	6 miles	Around 3:30
We have often done the lower loop in the valley, but on this hike we will also hike the upper loop. We will be crossing the stream a number of times. There is a variety of trees and plants including: Hala, Guava, Ohia, Heleconia, Banana, Koa, rose apple, Bamboo, Ginger and Mango. Our lunch spot will be at a refreshing pool with a set of rapids at one end. The return loop crosses the stream (plan on getting your feet wet) and passes down the opposite ridge. The valley is part of the State Parks system and has a number of interesting attractions. Along the way are some old Hawaiian burial sites, World War II bunkers, and before we leave the valley a dam and gauging station. There are a lot of mosquitoes in the valley so long sleeves and long pants are recommended.

Sunday, August 16
Kaipapau Valley
Trail Rating:	Elevation Gain:	Total Distance:	Return to Ala Moana:
Very Difficult	400 feet	8 miles	Around 5:30
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Ala Moana. Come and enjoy the best valley hike on Oahu — Kaipapau Valley. The trail does not involve any ridges or long climb. But it will involve crisscrossing the stream a lot (30+ times) and eventually rock hopping in the stream for about the last mile. The valley is very much like some of the other valleys in the area — very narrow with towering walls hundreds of feet in height. There are the dangers of flash floods and rock falls, but the reward is at the 90-foot waterfalls. It will shower us as we swim in the most pristine, crystal clear pool on Oahu. Besides the usual things, hikers should bring mosquito repellent and an extra energy bar for this long hike.

Sunday, August 30
Ho‘omaluhia
Trail Rating:	Elevation Gain:	Total Distance:	Return to Ala Moana:
Easy	200 feet	2 miles	Around 3:00
This trail winds its way through the City’s botanical garden in Kaneohe. Situated below the Pali, the park is filled with lush, exotic plants. This short hike winds through the rain forest along the course of one of the streams. We will lunch on the lake, built to control the flooding water of the many streams that flow into the park. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent; mosies can be a problem in the wet areas along the streams. For more info about Ho‘omaluhia, click here.

Friday-Monday, September 4-7
Molokai — The Friendly Isle
Trail Rating:	Elevation Gain:	Total Distance:	Return to Ala Moana:
Strenuous	2,800 feet	17 miles	Not Applicable
This four-day adventure takes us into some of the most amazing areas of Molokai. We will stay at Pu‘u O Hoku Ranch — the hill of stars — on the north-eastern side of Molokai. The 14,000 acre ranch has a 4 bedroom home that will be our lodging for our stay. From this quiet retreat we will take day hikes to Kalaupapa National Historic Park, Halawa Valley and Kamakou Preserve. The Grove House holds a maximum of eight, so that will be the maximum number of participants. Reservations will be on a first come first serve basis with the leader’s approval. Participants must have solid hiking experience with LikeHike. Contact the hike leader if you are interested in this unforgettable trek. Estimated cost is $280 and does NOT include air fare.