Exploring Lulumahu Valley: Connector Route from Konahuanui to Lulumahu Ridge

January 17, 2002 • By Jay Feldman

Wednesday morning, I arrived at our rendezvous point on Tantalus Drive and was taken aback to find only Wing Ng waiting for me. For this to happen is about as common as finding a blooming Lobelia on the trail! Shortly after, Ed and Peter joined us, and we set out for our objective: finding a way across Lulumahu Valley from Konahuanui Ridge onto Lulumahu Ridge.

Tantalus to Nuʻuanu Overlook via Kalawahine

Coming in on the Kalawahine Trail, we noted a ton of white ribbons marking an upcoming 100-mile trail race. We left those intact and made our way to the Nuʻuanu Overlook, taking in the views while ducking out of gusty 20–30 mph winds.

We made a quick ascent up Konahuanui to a side trail leading down into the valley, following ribbons left from past clearings toward the stream.

Stream Exploration & Hidden Waterfalls

Descending into the basin, we crossed a dry gulch and contoured toward the stream to locate a pool and waterfall previously noted in route scouting:

• The Upper Pool: We reached a pristine pool about 12 feet in diameter and 4 feet deep, sitting directly below an un-climbable rock-wall waterfall.
• Lower Channel: Dropping down, we spotted a steep, gnarly rock channel leading to another potential pool further downstream, which we saved for future exploration.
• Upper Falls: We contoured above the first waterfall toward a second waterfall marked by prominent flat rocks visible from the Konahuanui Trail.

Scouting the Lulumahu Ridge Connector

Following the streambed further into the valley, we worked our way directly under the saddle following the prominent double hump of Lulumahu Ridge. Standing on the steep bank, we evaluated our climbing objective—a near-vertical slope as high as a ten-story building.

After a quick lunch on the ʻuluhe, we spotted a potential ridge-climb advantage worth exploring. We elected to save the steep ascent for another day when we had fresh legs. While heading back out, we reconnected with Wing, who was busy lopping, clearing, and ribboning behind us.

Route Summary & Trail Details

• Location: Lulumahu Valley / Konahuanui / Tantalus, Oʻahu
• Key Landmarks: Kalawahine Trail, Nuʻuanu Overlook, Konahuanui Ridge, Lulumahu Ridge
• Flora & Vegetation: Heavy presence of invasive Oxyspora paniculata (a Miconia relative without purple leaf undersides); native species sparse in the streambed.

Hike On!

Jay F.