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[Note: This post is titled True Makapuu to Tom-Tom because of a previous inaccurately titled post. The previous post actually documented a hike from Kamiloiki to Makapuu.]

When it comes to scenic hikes, it’s hard to beat the trek from the Makapuu portion of the Koolau Summit Trail to the Tom-Tom trail in Waimanalo. Throughout the entire hike you are spoiled with impressive views of the lush windward shores. If you’re visiting Hawaii for the first time and looking for an adventure with unforgettable views then this is the hike that I would recommend. In fact, with my friend Mark visiting Hawaii, I thought that this would be the perfect first hike for him to do. Oh, and I decided to do this hike while battling a cold. It was worth it.

Mark and Coty at the trailhead. Follow the gate up toward the ridge line. Photo by Ernest Tsang.

Along the way, I found an awesome OWLing spot. Photo by Ernest Tsang.

And then Mark found this phallic stone overlooking Makapuu Beach. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

You get an awesome view from the top of Sea Life Park at the start of the hike. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Joining us for this adventure was Mark’s college buddy, Ernest, who is an avid hiker himself (i.e. Lanipo, Haiku Stairs, and all three peaks of Olomana just to name a few). As I would find out, Ernest is quit the character. He’s an avid toy collector, he works for Tetris (yes, the game), his family runs Frostcity, and he runs marathons. Speaking of marathons, he was set to run the Honolulu Marathon the day following this hike. For those who don’t know, the 26 mile Honolulu Marathon is a world class event that attracts runers from across the globe. Little did Ernest know, he was in for a challenging hike the day before the big marathon. In fact, both he and Mark were shocked to say the least. Mark, pretty much knows nothing about Honolulu hiking trails so when I told him that we were hiking from Makapuu to Waimanalo, he assumed that it would be a nice and easy walk along the coast. And since Mark was the one who invited Ernest, he had told Ernest that this would be a short and non-strenuous hike. LOL.

The trailhead for our route on this day began across the street from the Makapuu Scenic Lookout Point. It’s the same trailhead that we used when doing the Makapuu Sunrise Timelapse and also when Marvin did his summit hopping from Makapuu to Wiliwilinui. When we did the timelapse, we stopped just short of the Makapuu Puka, which we affectionately re-named the Makapuu Glory Hole on this particular hiking jaunt. As we gained elevation and ridge walked to the Makapuu Glory Hole, we could not help but notice the world class views of Makapuu Beach. Also in plain sight were Manana and Kaohikaipu Island. Of course, you’ll also get a top-down vantage point of Sea Life Park and you’ll even hear the dolphins from the park as you make your way along the ridge. These amazing views follow you throughout nearly the entire journey to Waimanalo and the Tom-Tom trail. If you’re looking to take postcard worthy photos during your visit to Hawaii then this is the trail that you want to do.

Guess who we found at the Makapuu Glory Hole. Waldo! You know, of Where's Waldo fame. Photo by Mark DeBlois.

Waldo played it risky while hanging clinging to the inside of the Makapuu Glory Hole. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Speaking of the Makapuu Glory Hole, did I mention that we found Waldo. Yep, we found Waldo. Beyond the Glory Hole will be more ridge walking and scrambling with multiple ascents and descents. Eventually, you will reach a jumpoff point used by Hang Gliders. This area will be covered with old dirty beige carpet and the wooden launch spot covered with green carpet. Behind the green jump off spot you will notice a set of wooden and concrete steps.

You can either work your way pass the old metal gate and go toward the ridge line or you can walk on the side of the building. Both routes will get you to the other side. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

We found Waldo again. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Inside one of the old buildings. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Walk down these steps and continue on the concrete road. When you reach the top of the road you will see an open area to your left with a slab of concrete and in front of you will be a building structure. There are two ways to continue on from this point. Either walk toward the concrete slab and to your left you will see an old gate along the ridge line. Walk on the ridge and continue pass this old gate. Or, you can choose the easy route and follow an alley next to the building structure. There were ribbons when we did this indicating the trail. Walk a short distance and then trail will turn right into tall grass (again, ribbons helped us). You will eventually find yourself once again walking on the ridge and will eventually meet up with those who chose to go the more difficult route past the old metal gate near the concrete slabs.

Ernest and Coty launching on the launching pad. Photo by Mark DeBlois

Find these steps behind the green launch pad and walk down them. Follow the concrete road. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

You will then eventually reach another set of old buildings. To your right you will see concrete steps. Walk up those steps and continue with your journey to the Tom-Tom trail. Your next landmark will be two large cylindrical concrete structures with concrete slabs on top of them. Continue past these two concrete sturctures and keep following the ridge line. Eventually you reach a steep descent where a blue rope has been installed. The descent is actually not so bad and none of us required the use of the rope. Just be sure to make your way down nice and slow. After more ridge walking, you eventually reach an ascent into some Ironwood trees. Follow the ribbons pass the Ironwood trees and continue toward Waimanalo.

This rope section looks daunting, but it's relatively safe. None of us needed the rope. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Steep Drop. Photo by Ernest Tsang.

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