Another weekend, another hike! This time we went on the Maunawili Demonstration Trail, sometimes called the Pali Trail. We also call it the Hairpin Hike because you park at the hairpin turn on the Pali Hwy (see “Do it yourself” below).
We’ve been on this trail before but I had forgotten that it starts with a short uphill section. I remembered correctly that most of the hike (the first few miles anyway, I haven’t hiked the whole thing) is shaded and you hike between trees and see lots of tropical plants like these wild orchids.
But I had forgotten all about the great views of the windward side from the trail. In fact, I’d told the visiting relatives we took on the hike that there weren’t many/any views. How could I forget seeing great vistas like this?!
I have to say, blogging has helped me pay more attention and notice the details more in life. A benefit of blogging I hadn’t expected!
We barely saw our boy the whole afternoon. He assumed his favorite place in the lead and let me tell you, his pace has definitely picked up. I think he was afraid the teens in our group would pass him if he didn’t keep a move on it so he rose to the occasion and kept up with them the whole hike. They put up with him and even made him feel like part of their group. Anyone who has a negative perception of teenagers hasn’t met the ones I know!
The trail is mostly level and the majority of it is smooth so we let our boy wear these, knowing he would come begging for the socks and closed toed shoes we wise parents stuck in the backpack. But nope, he happily wore these the whole way.
I used to be a reluctant hiker but I have to say, lately I’ve not only enjoyed, but looked forward to our hikes. So stay tuned for more hikes to come I’m sure!
Do it yourself:
• No restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail.
• This trail is 10 or 11 miles long and goes all the way to Waimanalo. We always hike until we are half worn out or half out of time and then turn around and head back. I’d like to do the whole trail one of these days and have someone pick me up at the other end but I’m not sure the kids are ready for that long of a hike.
Parking for this hike is at the hairpin turn off the Pali Hwy on the windward side. From the leeward side, go through the tunnels and look for a pullout on your right just as you begin the hairpin turn. To get there from the windward side you have to go past the hairpin, through the tunnels, exit at the Pali Lookout, and get back on the Pali heading back toward Kailua. The lot can fill up on weekends, but we’ve always managed to find a spot. Hope you do too!
To get to the trailhead, walk up the Pali behind the guardrail. Pass the sign warning you about the water and at the end of the guardrail you will see the trail head into the trees.
When you get to this junction, a turn to the right and up the stairs will take you to the Pali lookout. To go on the Maunawili Trail, keep to the left.
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