Staying in Waikiki and don't want to travel too far for a trail? Go here. It's about a 15-minute drive from your hotel and most of it is steep uphill into a rich neighborhood, so make sure your car can handle the incline. The only drawback, I'd say, is that because it's so close to the city and next to bunch of homes, you'll feel like you're in someone's backyard; you can literally hear dogs barking and garbage trucks coming and going. So if you're looking for peace and serenity, maybe this isn't for you. Google will take you to a gated, private property area. Parking is on the street. The entrance is a narrow opening at the end of the fence line. Easy to spot. So I've seen some reviews that say the trail is a couple miles roundtrip, but it's much, much further than that. Most people will hike to the first bench, and then turn around. You can go further up and it's pretty hard work. Lots of rocks to traverse and it's steep in some parts, so be prepared to climb a little. Also, because it's on a ridge, it's narrow in a few areas so don't look down if you're afraid of heights. Having said that, wear hiking shoes with good traction. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time for sure. Didn't have time to do the whole trail, but I went in far enough to feel the bit of elevation change. Went on a hot, dry day, so the trail was in good shape. I can only imagine how difficult it would be if it rained. Anyway, even you don't go deep into the trail, the first bench will still provide you with a fantastic view of the ocean and city. I'll definitely come back to do the whole thing. read more

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Great hike, like the other ridge hikes to the east but longer. Took right around 4 hours of moving time, longer with a couple of stops for pictures and to enjoy the views and breeze at the top. Some area with ropes that aren't really necessary when it's dry, would probably be needed in the wet. Some very overgrown areas where you have to watch your footing. read more

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I love this hike. Diamond head needed reservations so we luckily were able to find this spot 10 minutes away. Views of the valley were incredible and the best part was we didn't run into anyone here! read more

Mau'umae Trail - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Perfect hike! This hike was a perfect start to the morning. The entrance was a bit tricky to find at first but once we found it the reward was amazing. The hike starts on the top of the mountain and you walk along the ridge for most of it. It has its steep rocky moments but, this is a pretty beginner hike overall. I recommend not going on a super windy or rainy day because it can become dangerous. The best time to go I believe is bright in early morning or just before sunset. This is my favorite hike yet! read more

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On a recent hiking adventure, we ended up at Lanipo Mau'umae Trail as our original plan was closed. This trail is not listed on the state's trail website. The easiest access is to drive to the top of Wilhelmina Rise and go to the top of the loop. There is plenty of easy and free street parking the neighborhood. The trail is located nearby a fence with a large "no trespassing" sign from the Board of Water Supply. Below that is the Mau'umae Trail access sign with information about distances. This trail isn't easy, but it's not super difficult either. I think it would be dangerous for children and less experienced hikers. I was given the advice by another hiker not to take dogs past the metal bench about a mile in; after that it gets steeper and there are portions with ropes on the narrow ridge. Otherwise, it's a great hike for dogs too. Be sure to bring plenty of water, a lot of it is out in the sun and it gets hot as the day goes on. You'll have gorgeous views of Kapakhi Gulch with Kahala beyond on one side, and Palolo Valley with Honolulu beyond all the way to the airport on the other. It's beautiful for taking photos. The trail itself is very muddy and slippery, with large rocks and big steps up and down. It's not an easy trail walk. There are portions in the shade, which would be nice for a picnic. As this is not a loop, simply turn around when you've gone far enough; remember it's just as difficult to go back. The metal bench I mentioned before is dedicated to a man that died on the trail with the warning, never hike alone, tell people where you're going, and take a phone. You could easily injure yourself on this hike, plan accordingly. read more

This is by far my favorite short hike to do after work or if I just want some great mountain views. The entrance of the hike is located in a neighborhood, its a drive up a very steep hill. Please be respectful of the neighborhood and the hike itself as well. It's a very secluded hike, as I rarely see many hikers while I am on the hike. It is also connected to another trail that is a longer hike to get to the other ridge. This hike takes me about 20 mins to get to the bench. This bench was made as a memorial for a fellow hiker, there is a plaque on the side of the bench which you can read and pay your respects. The hike is fairly easy as you are descending first then ascending up to the bench. Although it looks easy, there are loose dirt and rocks so please be careful. You are basically hiking a ridge with lots of room, but always be safe anyway. About 5 mins into the hike you are already greeted with a 360 view of the mountains, ocean, and city. When I don't feel like hiking the trail, I would sometimes come to this view point to sit and relax and even have some snacks while enjoying the view. Some Few Tips: -Hike on a non windy/non rainy day for this particular hike. On a windy day since it has a valley on both sides, the wind can become dangerously harsh. Rain can make the trail slippery and dangerous. -Wear sun guards as you are hiking a ridge and exposed to the sun. -Be careful, although the trail seems easy, anything can happen. -Stay on the trail, some of the rocks are bound to break off from the edge. read more

Mau'umae Trail - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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After deciding against Stairway to Heaven due to lack of preparation we turned to this hike - thank you AllTrails! It was a bit of a drive from Kaneohe to the trailhead but it was simple and easy to find. It starts in a residential area through a chain link fence off the road. Street parking available steps from the entrance. This hike is an in and out with multiple peaks. The peak at the end is higher than Ka'au Krater's ridge and you can look down into the crater from multiple vantage points along the hike. WEAR PANTS . The last half of the trail is almost completely overgrown and will scratch you up. Water and food are a must. This is not a casual hike. One of our group turned back about a third of the way through it. But the top is absolutely worth it. Such a fulfilling and satisfying hike. Nothing too dangerous or risky, simply long and steep and scratchy. read more

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Fun hike! For anyone who is their first time in Honolulu this place is a must durning the morning.

Definitely a long and narrow trail once your get past the initial stretch and bench. And pretty difficult at times. Took almost 6 hours round trip to complete (including about 1 hour to enjoy the wonderful Windward Side views at the end and summit). Parts of the trail can be really muddy and there are lots of stag horn ferns that will literally and figuratively scratch you up. Even when wearing long pants, expect lots of snags when brushing against all those plants, so choose apparel that you won't mind getting damaged. read more

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Wow, this hike is beautiful! It's a lot of uphill and climbing. There are narrow paths with steep cliffs on either side so I'm not sure if I would recommend bringing children to this one. This is perfect if you're looking for gorgeous views and a bit of a workout! We had trouble finding the entrance, it's a bit overgrown and right next to a driveway with a small sign. read more

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Great trail to hike in slippers! Pretty easy and the parking was easy too. Started the hike late and brought flashlights. About halfway up the trail is a clearing with great views all around from east to west. Stopped there as it was already dark and admired the night time skyline of town and the stars above. Will do again, maybe do a sunrise hike. read more

Mau'umae Trail - Sunset of town about halfway up the trail - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Not a short trail. I hike a lot and this is still the hardest hike I've done. 6 miles or so but it is grueling because it constantly has rolling terrain. Took me 6 hours round trip and ran out of water (3 liter Camelback plus 32oz Gatorade) gone with 1 mile left. The last mile sucks because it's a damn hill you gotta climb up in the blazing sun. Highly recommend starting at dawn. Not dangerous just long and some rock climbing. Spikes and gloves recommended read more

I'm surprised to find I'm the first Yelper here. This is a beautiful 6.24 mile hike that leads you over views of Ka'au Crater and the Honolulu skyline. The sign at the entrance posts mileage of 3.7 mile to the summit but using GPS I found it to be less. Here are three things that I learned about this hike: 1. Choose a dry day, some parts can be muddy. 2. Wear trail pants, ferns can scratch the hairs off your legs. 3. You may need a hat because 80% is uncovered. The views at the summit make it all worth it. As with many hikes like this the view can be dependent on weather. We could see all the way to Chinaman's hat and to Kokohead. GPS shows summit at 2386ft. you tower over Olomana. Google Maps shows address 4945 Maunalani Cir. however it is next door to 4969 driveway. See some of my pics. I'll save the best views for you. read more

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Found this trail through Yelp and it was in my neighborhood of Wilhelmina Rise / Kaimuki. Getting there is a challenge, since I didn't have a car and I needed a hill work out anyway, so I scaled it from the bottom of the mountain and finally made it to the trail head in about an hour before taking on the trail. Needless to say that was just a warm up and I strive to have fun with this journey before flying out to the mainland again. With that said, the Mau'mae Trail sits on top of the Wilhelmina Rise mountain. With spectacular views and an epic panoramic photographic opportunities, this trail is very scenic and probably one of the better trails out there. It's close to home, so I didn't have to go to Pu'u Pia in Manoa or take the bus to Tantalus when I have something in my own back yard, in a way. Very beautiful and scenic, although my first time hiking here was at night, so not recommended. I'm not an experienced hiker, but I had a head lamp, which made it much more bearable. Maybe I'm just an adventure seeker when I want to be. Thankfully, I didn't end up on the local nightly news that night. It wasn't raining when I went, so that's a big plus, when you are trying to get some sort of footing on the trails. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, just so you don't side step and tumble down the hill. I definitely will be back here when it's daylight, just because I went all the way to the end, but I could not see much of anything, due to being pitch dark up there. I'm sure the views during the day are well worth the effort, so definitely will need to come back. I basically wore my running gear and tried to run this thing in the dark - again, not recommended. Most reasonably sane hikers would need to dress comfortably, carry water and a cell phone, and probably have a gps, just to play it safe. Located on Maunalani Circle, Mau'umae Trail is pretty good too. I must admit that I was forced to hike this trail many years ago when I was in boy scouts. Needless to say, I have gotten wiser and a lot crazier since then. See you on the trails! A+ read more

Most people call this the Lanipo hike. Park at the top of Maunalani Circle near the fence. There's a sign at the start of the hike and you walk between the fences next to the home there to start it off. This is one of the harder hikes on this side of the island. It's about 7 miles round trip and should take 4-5 hours to do at a decent pace. At the time of my review the 2nd half of the trail is very overgrown. The ferns will eat you alive! I suggest you wear long pants, long sleeves, and bring gloves. HTMC is planning to clear out the trail on 7/21 according to their calender so you might want to go after that happens if possible. You get a great view of Ka'au Crater on the left while you go up (see attached picture). If you look closely you can even see the waterfalls on your way up. You also get a nice view of Wiliwilinui on the right side while going up. read more

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I didn't make it to the end so I can't speak for the parts that are muddy but at least to the bench and a little beyond are awesome. It's a ridge hike with ups and down and lots of rocks to climb over. Helllllo quads, hamstrings, and glutes! The views are beautiful, especially for sunset. Lots and lots of gnats flying around our faces was our biggest gripe. Bring water, not much shade. Perhaps wear pants, lots in the beginning and end are overgrown. Looking forward to hiking all the way to the summit soon! read more

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Please do not park at the Maunalani Nursing and Rehabilitation parking lots. It's really disrespectful to the residents and their families if you do and your vehicle will be reported for towing. read more

Wait! What hike did I hike, if not this?! My phone told me this hike was 10 miles...not 6-7 miles like everyone else is saying. *Confused* Anyway, I shall review this hike based on my personal experience: 1) If you're going to do this hike, I would suggest you do it with people who will not complain a lot and/or take many breaks. 2) BRING WATER! - My friends and I were not anticipating this trail to be as long as it way, because the signs were completely misleading. As a result, I only brought a measly 16oz bottle of water, while 1 friend opted to bring her hydroflask (smart) and the 2nd friend opted to bring NONE (not smart). - Because my 2nd friend didn't bring her own water, I ended up sharing my bottle with her. I also ended up having to share my smaller water bottle with my friend who had her own hydroflask...which I didn't understand, but whatever. I digress. - Whatever the case, if there's one thing you leave with from reading this review...BRING LOTS OF WATER! (and a snack) 3) Go in with the mindset that the end peak is NOT the first peak you see. In fact, the end of the trail is not until after maybe 5-6 peaks (maybe even more)? That was heartbreaking...but we were able to get to the end. TYJ! 4) Don't wear leggings that you like because there are a lot of plants that will snag your clothes. I wore my brand new leggings...but after that hike, my leggings look as if I've had them for 10 years. So sad! Don't wear shorts, either - the plants will get you. 5) The trail consists of a variety of topography...inclines, declines, dirt, plants, narrow walk ways, rope areas, broken tree trunks, tree roots that'll trip you, etc. 6) We took longer than others did because we took a lot of breaks. It took about 3.5-4hrs for us just to get to the top. Coming back, it took me 2 hrs, but that was after I ditched my friends :/ They were taking so many breaks, I couldn't handle it - I just needed to get out (plus the weather started to turn for the worse). So I went solo, while they stayed with each other. As a result, the whole hike took me 6hrs to complete, while it took them 8hrs. 7) Hat and shades are good to have. My friend who didn't wear a hat or shades was bombarded by bugs. She had two incidences where she got bugs fly in her eyes :/ Yuck. I, luckily had a hat and sunglasses, so I was safe :) 8) Because of the different topography, as well as length, I would say this is NOT a hike for children or those who have knee problems...it's obviously more difficult for the height inclined. All in all, this hike is doable. You just need to go with the right people and bring water. It shouldn't take you as long as it took us, so good luck and enjoy yourself! :) read more

Awesome challenge. Not good for kids. Short trail but kick ass. It is also known to some, as the Lanipo Trail. When you park at the top of the Maunalani Circle, you will see the Board of Water Supply sign "NO TRESPASSING"---its a gated area but the trail starts to the right of the gate. There is the Mau'umae Trail (3.5 to the summit) and Lanipo Trail (1.5 miles). After the initial descent down, you will find the bench about 20-40 minutes in depending on your pace. We saw many people along the way but they only went to the bench. Continue the trail and you will have ascending hills and descending hills. the terrain changes so be prepared for rocky, dry, roots, rutted, rope and a couple of iron wood areas that offer relief from the sun. The trail continues and you soon find yourself in the stag horn fern area. This part of the trail is quite overgrown---some areas as high as 6-7 feet. Few areas of mud---but if it rained the night before then you may encounter a muddier trail than we did. After a few pine trees, the ascent to the summit begins and some areas are really narrow and be sure to focus on your footing. The summit is gorgeous, well worth the hike. Similar views of the summits at Wiliwilinui (to the right), Wa'ahila (to the left) and Kulio'o (few ridges over to the right). But none-the-less, it is a spectacular breathtaking view. Bring lots of water and wear sunscreen and a hat; pants for the area of stag horn ferns (long sleeved shirt if you desire). I drank my entire 3L camo bladder plus a 16oz water bottle filled with added electrolytes. ENJOY!!! read more

Well, I guess to start off I should probably say I am not the most experienced hiker so this trail was not the easiest for me. There were quite a few points with amazing views, especially in the beginning. I didn't make it to the very end because my friend and I decided to hike later in the day so we were forced to race the sunset. But we made it to the point where you can see Ka'au Crater. Long pants and possibly a long shirt is probably a very good idea if you decide to hike this trail unless you plan on coming back with a bunch of scratches on your legs. I thought long socks would be enough and returned with ripped socks and scratches on my legs. I also came back with a few bruises thanks to how clumsy I am. I personally would not recommend hiking it because I'm scared of heights, but if you're up for a challenge this might be the hike for you. The entrance to this hike is to the left of the driveway with the surfboard address marker. read more

takes about 5 hours, but not dangerous. awesome views almost the whole way. some loose dirt, so wear shoes and be careful. almost entirely uncovered, so wear a hat and sunscreen. do it read more

Mau'umae Trail - look how small olomana is from up here - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Tiring hike - even on a cool, partly cloudy day; at least, 4-5 hours depending on your pace. Can't emphasize enough comments on water (bring a lot!!) and long pants (at least have a pair to put on in the uluhe fern forest; the uluhe ferns will poke you hard, and scratch after you push through enough of them - and I was lucky that I was behind one of the Trail clubs was weed-whacking a lot of area that morning - and the trail was relatively wide and fern-free!! (the fact they humped the weed-whacker up the hill is still pretty amazing . . . ). As Laura L. states - the "fern forests" approach shoulder high - and I'm 6'. The Summit was awesome!! Views the best I've seen on most of the ridge trails; 360 all around windward and townside - but the roller-coaster ride of ridges, hills, contouring can be very tiring. The actual summit was not that bad compared to Wiliwilinui, Waahila Ridge, or one of the other "stair-master" ascents to the summit. Rather gradual. Couple of ropes and cables along the way to help you through some steeper parts - as always - check them first - and don't trust your entire body weight on them. Surveyor tape well marks the trails. Nice views of Kau Crater and the waterfalls off the eastern edge of the crater!! Beautiful scenery - all kind of local plants, shrubs and trees. Ohia especially beautiful Upon return to the bench - the 1800m remaining to get to your car - ALL uphill - is discouraging. The thighs were a "bit" sore. Lastly - BRING A LOT OF WATER - more than you think you need!! It can be hot in the exposed areas of the trail (which is a lot of it) - and even with the trades blowing and keeping you cool - you're loosing a LOT of water in your sweat you don't realize - my 70oz/2L camelbak (completely full @ start) was completely insufficient; I'd recommend electrolytes/potassium (coconut water) at a minimum. I was completely empty by the time of the 1800m back up hill (piss poor preparation and pre-planning on my part) - it was not a fun 1800m back to my truck. Need at least 3-4L. Sunscreen and hat a must. Removable micro-spikes would make several of the slick mud places much, much easier (and safer). Overall - a really, really nice hike, great views - but certainly NOT the easiest there are out there for a summit view hiking experiences. read more