I finally brought my camera along to the Lanikai Bunker Hike (Ka'iwa Ridge Trail).. You will have fantastic views and great workout on this hike that travels atop the Keoulu Hills. One of my favorites! I will add more images later.
The Initial climb is steep and very slippery when the trail is dry. The dirt will crumble under foot. Ropes are in place at the trail start to assist. Once past the steep eroded section, the trail become easier to navigate. The rocks are nice and sticky for good foot holds and almost stair like. There is a narrow trail at the top of the ridge and hold on to your hats and kids because it gets windy.
Once at the top, the views of Kailua, Lanikai Beach, and Na Mokulua are amazing. Bring a camera. Enjoy the breeze. Walk five minutes more and you are at the second bunker. I like the views from here best. As you get views of Kaneohe and the Ko'olua Range on the back side looking North and West. Waimanalo and Makapu'u looking South. The beautiful Mokes east.
I have hiked this trail with my three year old and he does great. He can hike up and back. I have also navigated the terrain with him in a backpack; however, I suggest having the little ones walk up the initial slippery section and coming down if they are able to walk assisted. For me, it seemed easier to hold his hand and help him climb down rather than worry about my balance navigating back down with him on my back.
Bring plenty of sunscreen as the trail is 99% exposed with no shade. Dogs are allowed on the trail but keep a close eye on them as a sign posted at the trail start mention dogs have gone missing due to them wandering off trail and the drop offs.
The Initial climb is steep and very slippery when the trail is dry. The dirt will crumble under foot. Ropes are in place at the trail start to assist. Once past the steep eroded section, the trail become easier to navigate. The rocks are nice and sticky for good foot holds and almost stair like. There is a narrow trail at the top of the ridge and hold on to your hats and kids because it gets windy.
Once at the top, the views of Kailua, Lanikai Beach, and Na Mokulua are amazing. Bring a camera. Enjoy the breeze. Walk five minutes more and you are at the second bunker. I like the views from here best. As you get views of Kaneohe and the Ko'olua Range on the back side looking North and West. Waimanalo and Makapu'u looking South. The beautiful Mokes east.
I have hiked this trail with my three year old and he does great. He can hike up and back. I have also navigated the terrain with him in a backpack; however, I suggest having the little ones walk up the initial slippery section and coming down if they are able to walk assisted. For me, it seemed easier to hold his hand and help him climb down rather than worry about my balance navigating back down with him on my back.
Bring plenty of sunscreen as the trail is 99% exposed with no shade. Dogs are allowed on the trail but keep a close eye on them as a sign posted at the trail start mention dogs have gone missing due to them wandering off trail and the drop offs.
Directions from Honolulu:
Take the Pali Hwy East towards Kailua. The Pali will end at Kalaheo Road. Here you will need to take a right and follow the road past Kailua Beach Park (Road name changes to Kawailoa Road). You will come to a stop sign (Alala Road). Make a Left here. You will enter the Lanikai Neighborhood and the road name changes to Aalapapa Drive. Next make a left on Kaelepulu Road and park on the side of the road. Golf course will be on your left and trail starts up on the left past chain link fence.
All Content Copyright ©2008 Liisa Roberts Photography and may not be reproduced without expressed written permission.
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