Hiking the Mokuleia Trail with HTMC

February 16, 2003 • By Dayle K. Turner

I've only hiked the Mokuleia Trail in its entirety once before, about six or seven years ago with the Sierra Club. Today's Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (HTMC) outing was well-attended with at least 60 hikers on hand. Stuart Ball coordinated the outing, briefing the large group and ensuring everyone signed in, listed their vehicle licenses, and read the liability waiver.

Heading Out from Farrington Highway

We set off from Farrington Highway by the Silva homestead—marked by a large, memorable monkeypod tree (the only house on that side of the highway past Waialua High School). We followed a path along a field of ornamental plants, then picked up a jeep road made muddy by Friday and Saturday rains. The heavy mud added a good five pounds of weight to each foot!

Eventually, we reached the foothills, crossed over a barbed-wire fence, and followed an old jeep road up a broad ridge. Once in the hills, the group spread out. Hard-chargers Griggs, Kempf, and Nigel led the pack, while I hung back, chatting with John Hoover, Marcia Stone, and Dave Webb.

Ascending the Mokulēʻia Ridge

The trail contours along the west side of Makaleha Gulch before climbing steadily toward the Mokulēʻia Forest Reserve. As we gained elevation, the mud dried up, and we enjoyed sweeping views of the North Shore coastline and the Mokulēʻia plateau.

We reached the shelter at the top of the ridge in good time, stopping for lunch and taking in the panoramic vistas of the Waiʻanae Range before beginning our descent.

Trail Highlights & SEO Summary

• Location: Mokuleia / Waialua, North Shore, Oʻahu
• Trailhead Access: Farrington Highway near Waialua High School
• Key Landmarks: Silva Homestead, Makaleha Gulch, Mokulēʻia Forest Reserve shelter
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (especially in muddy conditions)

Aloha and Happy Trails,
Dayle