Pu`u Ma`eli`eli - February 4, 2012

Sommer wanted to go hiking, again, this Saturday. She was able to drag along our friends TJ and Shelly Daw. We headed over to Ahuimanu and Temple Valley for a quick sunrise hike up Pu`u Ma`eli`eli.

We started off from Kahekili Highway just before the Temple Valley McDonalds.

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Of course the day I decide to do a short hike the Ko`olau are clear from any clouds! I kept thinking I should be up in the Ko`olau!

We gained the crest of ridge seperating Ahuimanu and He`eia as the sun rose over Kailua.

The Ko`olau was bathed in the soft orange glow of the rising sun.

The trail quickly ascends to the ridge line then it's a short hike to the summit.

In less than an hour from pushing off we reached Pu`u Ma`eli`eli.

The summit is topped with a sign announcing Pu`u Ma`eli`eli and recounting the history of the hill. The summit also houses an underground bunker.

The trail continues past the summit to a double storied bunker over looking Kane`ohe Bay. The sweeping view stretches from Chinaman's Hat in the north to Mokapu and Kailua to the south.

The clear skies made for some great views.

Pu`u Ohulehule

True Manamana

Pu`u Olomana and Pu`u Ahiki

`Aiea Summit

Konahuanui

Pu`u Eleao

Haiku Stairs and Pu`u Keahiakahoe

Kalihi Saddle

Pu`u Lanihuli

TJ and I dropped down into the lower bunker.

After taking in the views for half and hour we headed back to the civilization.

Holding hands for support.

About halfway down the trail we took a detour and made a loop of the trail, coming out at the back of the Hui `Iwa townhouses and made our way down Hui `Iwa Street to our car.

Final drop down into Hui `Iwa.

We then headed off to Boots & Kimo's in Kailua for some post hike refueling.

Rest of the pictures here:

GPS track: