Olomana Hoopalua: Bisecting Olomana via the Pakui and Ahiki Saddle

January 28, 2003 • By Scott Villiger

Ed and I had another great Tuesday hike today. Taking inspiration from the Aiea Bisectual route, we bisected Mount Olomana via the Pakui / Ahiki Saddle (between Peaks 2 and 3).

Ascending via Olomana Mauka

We started at Maunawili Playground and proceeded along the Olomana Mauka "Bathtubs" Trail. At a bend in the former road (just above the Luana Hills Clubhouse), I pointed out a ribboned spot I had scouted previously.

Ed took the lead with the machete while I followed with loppers and pink ribbons:

• Bypassing the Hau Tangle: We pushed through ʻuluhe fern until hitting a thick hau tangle. The original ribbon installer had gone straight through it, but we routed straight up and contoured slightly right to reconnect with the path.
• Gulch & Boulder Landmark: Passing huge boulders on our left, we confirmed we were on the route previously taken by Dayle Turner's group.
• Steep Climbing: As we neared the saddle, the wet ground made gulch climbing steep and slick. (Exploring the ridge to the right could be a drier future alternative, provided you slab left at the top rockface).

Reaching the Saddle & Descending Makai

We topped out at the Pākuʻi / Ahiki Saddle and enjoyed lunch slightly higher up toward Ahiki (Peak 3), just before the puka rock. We performed some light trail maintenance along the trail to Peak 3 before heading out.

From the saddle, we descended the Makai side in short order, coming out at Old Kalanianaʻole Highway.

Note: While the "Bathtubs" are on the Mauka side, today we officially found the "Kitchen Sink" on the Makai side!

Hike Summary

• Location: Mount Olomana / Maunawili, Windward Oʻahu
• Route Type: Bisect / Traverse (Maunawili Park to Old Kalanianaʻole Highway)
• Key Landmarks: Luana Hills Clubhouse, Pākuʻi (Peak 2), Ahiki (Peak 3), Puka Rock
• Terrain: Dense ʻuluhe fern, steep gulches, wet slopes, and thick hau brush

— Scott