Like Hike Schedule
For more information, contact Ed Mersino
at mersino@hawaii.edu or 455-8193

    Likehike gang usually meets on the designated Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in front of McDonalds 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 shoes are appropriate footwear, but tennis shoes are generally okay.

    Hikers joining the group for the first time must call the hike leader 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 attached Safety and Ecological Rules.


Sept 10 POAMOHO

Trail Rating:           Strenuous
Elevation gain:         700 feet
Total Distance:         8 miles
Return to Ala Moana:    around 5:00 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Ed  455-8193

We will meet at 8:00 a.m. for this long hike. A number of times in the past we have hiked the Poamoho Ridge Trail to stay at the Poamoho Cabin.  This time we will hike to the Koolau summit ridge and then along the ridge for a mile checking out the rebuilt cabin along the way. Along the trail we will view the wonderful wild interior valleys of Oahu.  Once we reach the summit ridge, there are fantastic views of Kahana Valley and the windward coast.  The plan is to hike south along the ridge trail to where an old trail was cut into the mountains.  If permission from the military can be acquired and the logistics worked out we may return via the Schofield-Waikane Trail instead of returning the way we came.


Sept 24 HAWAI LOA RIDGE

Trail Rating:           Difficult
Elevation gain:         1400 ft.
Total Distance:                 5 miles
Return to Ala Moana:    around 3:30 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Bob  833-4095

This trail is one that has not been "discovered" by many hikers on Oahu, so we should have it mostly to ourselves.  The trail follows the ridge to the Koolau summit. Since we are starting at the top of a subdivision, the total elevation gain is less than most Koolau summit trails. There is a bit of climbing involved, but the scenery and the cool breezes make the effort worthwhile.  There is one short rope assisted section. Be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.


Oct 8 MOKUAIA (Goat Island)

Trail Rating:           Easy
Elevation gain:         0 feet
Total Distance:                 1 mile
Return to Ala Moana:    around 4:30 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Bob     833-4095

The tide will not be low as we go out to Mokuauia Island near Laie, so we
might have to swim the 1/4 mile out to the island.  Bring a floatable raft, surf board, or snorkel, masks and fins for the trip.  Coming back the tide will be falling in the afternoon so you can wade across. Bring shoes that you don't mind getting wet.  Bare feet are a no-no on the coral strewn bottom.  The island has a great beach and bay with a sandy bottom for swimming and snorkeling.  There are often others on the island, but it's a pleasant spot for a picnic.



Oct 22 MANOA CLIFFS

Trail Rating:           Moderately difficult
Elevation gain:         600 feet
Total Distance:                 5 miles
Return to Ala Moana:    around  3:00 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Dale    734-7313

This trail above Honolulu begins by winding through a forest above Pauoa Valley and eventually leads to Pauoa Flats.  We will hike across the flats through the bamboo forest to the Nuuanu reservoir overlook for lunch.  After returning to the cliffs trail, we will follow it around Mt. Tantalus to prime views of Manoa Valley.  There are a number of interesting and rare plants along the way that include: Ohia, Koa, Mountain Naupaka, Kopikoand a native white Hibiscus.



Nov 5  MOKOLII IS.   (Chinaman's Hat)

Trail Rating:           Moderate
Elevation gain:         0 feet
Total Distance:                 1 mile
Return to Ala Moana:    around 3:30 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Wally  941-0578

Instead of hiking we will swim to our destination point.  Off the point from Kualoa Beach Park, the Island has a terrific open water beach and a steep hill to climb (bring shoes for the climb). From the top one gains a lovely panoramic view of the green windward coast.  Everyone must know how to swim well, and have a floatation device.  Snorkeling may give another view of the swim to the island.  Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. We will have a potluck lunch on the island.



Nov 19 KALAUAO VALLEY

Trail Rating:           Difficult
Elevation gain:         600 feet
Total Distance:                 4 miles
Return to Ala Moana:    around 3:00 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Dale     734-7313

Off of the well-traveled Aiea Loop Trail, this is a relatively unknown trail, that is somewhat rough in places.  It angles down into the valley's lush tropical rain forest and follows along down Kalauao Stream. The pool and small waterfalls in the stream are well worth the effort.  The return loop has a short, but steep climb.  At the top we will be rewarded with some good views of Pearl Harbor.



Dec 3 KAENA POINT

Trail Rating:           Moderate
Elevation gain:         100 feet
Total Distance:                 5 miles
Return to Ala Moana:    around 4:30 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Wally  941-0587

We will hike to the Western most point of Oahu from the Waianae side.  It's
a very hot and dry hike, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
  At the point we can enjoy the panoramic view of two of Oahu's spectacular coasts:  the North Shore and the Waianae Coast. If conditions permit we will be able to go for a swim in a tidal pool near the point.  Also we can visit the rock Hawaiians believe is the soul's jumping off place to the next world, a small cave and a number of rare, native plants.


Dec 17 MANANA SERVICE PROJECT

Trail Rating:           Moderate
Elevation gain:         300 feet
Total Distance:                 2.0 miles
Return to Trailhead:    around 3:30 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Ed 455-8193

We will meet at the trailhead for this hike above Pacific Palisades.  Exactly six years ago Likehike planted 300 pine trees on an old slide area where the bare earth was being eroded. Few trees or plants had taken root in the exposed subsoil.  Most of our trees are doing well, but some could use a little fertilizer, which we will supply.  If we can obtain some more trees we will plant them in the open spaces that remain.  We will also remove the Australian Tea Trees that have started to invade sections of the trail.  This invasive pest engulfs trails and pushes out the native plants.  Bring shovels or other digging tools, machetes, and small pruning saws.  The leader is planning a reward after the hike. Because of the logistics involved, this project will be limited to the first 15 people that call, want to participate and are willing and able to do some light work.


Dec 31          Likehike Leaders Camp


Jan 14 MAKAPUU POINT

Trail Rating:           Difficult
Elevation gain:         600 feet
Total Distance:                 4.0  miles
Return to Ala Moana:    around 3:30 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Ken 261-1121

One of our favorite hikes, Makapuu trail begins at the foot of Makapuu Point, and transverses the rocky coast.   Several large tidal pools are inviting places to swim and have lunch.  We will pass a couple of blowholes not seen from the road then make the precipitous climb up to the point and great views of the windward coast.  Hopefully we will be lucky and spot some whales in the Molokai channel.  Be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.  This trail involves some rock hopping in addition to the climb.



Jan 28 WAIANAE KAI LOOP

Trail Rating:           Strenuous
Elevation gain:         2000 feet
Total Distance:                 5 miles
Return to Ala Moana:    around 5:00 p.m.
Hike Leader:            Ed   455-8193

Likehike hasn't hiked this ridge hike since 1987, but it is a spectacular hike with great views of the Waianae Coast.  There are a number of native plants to see and if we are lucky we might see some of the rare native snails.  The trail starts in the back of Waianae Valley and follows up the DLNR access road.  From there it transverses in and out a couple small valleys, before a steep ascent to the ridge.  We will return down along the ridge separating Waianae from Makaha and connect with the ancient Hawaiian Kumaipo Trail.  From there it is a steep descent to the access road. Bring at least two liters of water and sunscreen.



LIKEHIKE SAFETY AND ECOLOGICAL RULES

1.      The designated leader must be followed.  No one should pass the leader, because they may lead the group in the wrong direction.

2.      No one should fall behind the designated "sweep", who will carry the first aid kit.  This avoids one person getting left behind and losing their way.

3.      During the hike, if a person loses sight of the person ahead, they should yell "stop".  Everyone ahead will stop and wait until those behind catch up.  This eliminates the possibility of half of the group straying from the trail.

4.      We are responsible for ourselves and each other.  Each person must not take unnecessary risks that might cause them injury, and consequently endangering everyone in the group.  In addition if a person is injured or lost, all members of the group are responsible for the safety and welfare of that member.

5.      Hikers should warn those behind of dangers along the trail.  These warnings should be passed on to those that follow.

6.      Don't eat strange plants, or drink untreated stream water.

7.      Avoid swimming in streams, if you have open sores or cuts.  Diving into pools should be avoided.  Even familiar pools may have newly fallen boulders.

8.      Be alert for roots, rocks, ledges, holes and other hazards. Be cautious when crossing streams, wet trails, loose or crumbly soil, rocks or areas with strong gusty winds.

9.      Don't go off on your own, and avoid side trails.

10.     Use sun blocks when necessary. Drink water to avoid heat exhaustion.

11.     Keep your hands free.  Carry lunch, water etc. in a pack on your back.  If you must use a walking stick, use fresh, green wood -- not dead weak branches, which break when you rely on them most.

12.     Wear protective clothing if you are allergic to insects' stings and bites.

13.     Be especially cautious near steep valley walls, cliffs and waterfalls, where falling rocks and slides present a hazard.

14.     Stay away from streambeds and other flood prone areas during a flash flood watch.  Be weary of narrow gulches during rainy periods.

15.     Carry plenty of water, lunch, mosquito repellent and any necessary medication.

16.     Leave your itinerary with others, not going on the trail.  Be sure to contact them when you return.

17.     To avoid spreading weedy pests, clean all seeds and dirt from shoes, boots and all hiking and camping gear.

18.     Don't pollute.  Carry out all rubbish litter, and trash.

19.     Take pictures, but leave the plants.