Schofield Waikane Trail Report — June 17

Schofield Waikane Trail Report — June 17

Posted to OHE on 24 July 2007 by Ed Mersino
Aloha All,
Here's a recap of our recent Sierra Club hike on the Schofield Waikane Trail.

Getting to the Trailhead

We secured a permit, but were informed that due to troop training, driving to the trailhead was not allowed. Instead, we parked at the Air Assault School Headquarters, walked through the open gate, and trekked 2.2 miles up the jeep road to the actual trailhead. Strangely, we didn't encounter any troops or vehicles all day — frustrating!


Trail Conditions

The first third-mile was cleared and easy, likely for the trail clearing crew's lunch spot. Beyond that, the trail became increasingly overgrown. Progress was tough, especially through the thick uluhe. Thankfully, others took turns leading and clearing the way, giving me a break.

A couple from California with us started to tire, so at 11:30 I suggested they rest and wait for our return. It was clear we wouldn't make it much further.

We stopped for lunch at noon, about 2 miles up the trail. In places, the uluhe was so thick and tall that the trail disappeared completely into a beautiful green sea. I've never seen the trail so overgrown!

Trail Maintenance Updates

After the hike, I contacted Aaron from Na Ala Hele about the trail's condition. He mentioned their focus has been on reopening the Poamoho Trail, but now that it's open, efforts will shift back to clearing the S-W Trail up to the 2-mile mark by August 7

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