All posts tagged Nu’uanu

A Quick Visit to Alapena Falls and Kapena Falls

by Coty on January 8, 2013 in Hikes with 2 Comments

You’re in town and you want a quick waterfall fix? And I mean really quick. Get your fix in Nuuanu, just a few minutes away from downtown Honolulu. Alapena Falls and Kapena Falls is the fastest waterfall hike on the island. Once you’ve parked your car, it will only take you about 3-5 minutes to reach the falls. Most of you won’t even break a sweat.

Since it’s been raining like crazy over the last few days/weeks, I’ve been out searching for as many waterfalls as I have time for. This time, I decided to bring Michelle along with me to Alapena and Kapena Falls so that she could add a few waterfalls to her Instagram repertoire. She was unimpressed by the hike to the falls, because, really, it’s not much of a hike. However, she enjoyed the falls. And so did I.

The best way to access these falls is via the Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary. Park in the last lot at the very back of the park. facing the end of the parking lot, you will see a grassy trail leading to the falls. The trail will be on your left and will take you immediately to the stream. Almost instantly, you’ll spot Alapena Falls on your right. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it. Make your way down the short hill, swatting mosquitos along the way, and you’ll be rewarded with a small but pleasant waterfall.

Follow the short path beyond Alapena Falls and Kapena Falls will quickly come into view. The waterfall itself isn’t very large, but pool below it is. Many locals enjoy jumping into the pool, which is said to be anywhere between 15-30 feet deep. Of course, you can do the same, that is, if you would like to risk getting leptospirosis. In a 2010 assessment of the surrounding Nuuanu area, nearby Hawaii Baptist Academy mentioned:

“According the Department of Health, there is no law against swimming in Nu’uanu Stream and the pools. However, the Department of Health warns that the stream is a “hot spot” for leptospirosis, which can cause flu-like symptoms if it enters a person’s body from cuts or from drinking.”

Ancient Hawaiians have also been linked to Kapena Falls. Here’s a legend associated with the area:

“Once upon a time a couple of strangers came to O‘ahu and settled above Kapena Falls in Nu‘uanu Valley. The couple said they came from another island, but the folks who lived in Nu‘uanu began to suspect that they really came from Kahiki….The couple had five pet dogs. The larger of the five was called Poki. Each of the other dogs had names which have been forgotten. These dogs were much attached to the couple. They never left the environs of the couple’s home and they never allowed strangers to set foot within the grounds until either the man or the woman welcomed the visitors.

In time all friends of the couple became friends of the dogs and that was when people began to notice that these dogs were not ordinary dogs — they seemed to be kupuas in dog form, super-natural beings. The path to the Pali went by their home. Ordinarily the dogs did not stir when a stranger went by on the path minding his business. If the stranger tried to enter the home, the dogs set up a great howl, but they did not attack the stranger. Then there came a day when friends of the couple went by, journeying to the Pali. The dogs rushed out, set up a terrific howl and laid themselves across the Nu‘uanu path in front of the couple. One friend turned and returned to Waikiki, but the other friend patted the dogs and insisted upon going to the Pali. There he was set upon by robbers and killed.

The friend who had returned to Waikiki rejoiced that he had heeded the warning given by the kupua dogs. In time, the King of O‘ahu heard about the dogs and sent a company of men to the Pali to clean out the robber band which infested the place. After that, the people of O‘ahu realized that the dogs at Kapena Falls were really kupua dogs. When they journey by Kapena Falls, they got into the habit of leaving flowers, leis, ferns and food for the dogs. It was their way of saying ‘thank you’.”

So, if you visit Kapena Falls and you see a stray dog, say hi. The dog just might be one of the legendary kupua dogs.

Alapena Falls. The first waterfall that you encounter and a few feet from the Nuuanu Memorial Park back parking lot. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Looks like I was looking for something. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Just upstream from Alapena Falls. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Showing Michelle something. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Kapena Falls. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Up close and personal with Kapena Falls. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Nu’uanu Pali Puka Trail: A Short, Intense, and Exhilarating Hike

by Coty on September 6, 2011 in Hikes with 11 Comments

To kick off the 2011 Labor Day Weekend, Joel, Marvin and I tackled the Pali Puka Trail. It was along this ridge trail that the Battle of Nu’uanu took place and where Kamehameha I defeated King Kalanikupule of Oahu and unified the Hawaiian Islands. This short trail took us about 30 minutes to reach the top, however, don’t let this short hike time fool you because the Pali Puka trail is considered one of the most dangerous trails on the island. The trail begins to the left of the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout and you will be able to find the trailhead in the parking area reserved for tour buses. There is no warm up walk on this hike. The closest thing that you will get to a nice flat terrain warm up will be the walk from your car to the trailhead (this will take all of one minute). The trail will start off immediately with you working your way up the Pali and things will start to get steep very quickly. Within a few minutes, you will reach open ridge area and you will be exposed to exhilarating views of the Windward side of Oahu. The views are spectacular, but be mindful of the intense winds – they are strong enough to blow you right off of the exposed ridge.

Here's Coty doing his traditional OWLing pose over the Pali Puka. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Just below this rockface is the infamous Pali Puka. The high winds threaten to blow Joel and Coty off the ridge. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

The trail to the Pali Puka is fairly well defined, so once you are on the exposed ridge simply follow the trail (it will weave in and out of the ridge) until you reach a large rock face (see below). The Pali Puka is located just below this rock face. Carefully navigate your way down and you will be greeted by the Pali Puka. If you made it to the puka be sure to pat yourself on the back and then soak in the views of the Windward side. Since the hike was so short, we decided to spend a considerable time at the Puka just enjoying the view and taking a ton of photos. Once you’ve had your share of the Puka, you just work your way down the trail by taking the same path that you used to come up.

Directions:

To get to this hike simply take H1 east bound from Waikiki. Then take the Pali Highway exit. Since the Nu’uanu Pali State Park Lookout is a popular tourist attraction, there are ample signs for you to follow that will lead you straight to the Pali Lookout parking lot. If you’re not a local resident then parking will cost you $3. After you’ve parked your car, you will walk to the left of the lookout and toward the parking area designated for tour busses. Look for a trail head leading toward a bamboo opening.

Pali Puka Trail Tips:

You are allowed to park in the Pali Lookout parking lot. If you are a local resident with a local ID then parking is free.
Set aside at least 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete this hike roundtrip.
Watch out for bees. I spotted just one on this trail, but other hikers, notably by veteran Hawaii hiker Kaleo Lancaster has reported the presence of large numbers of bees. If you see a swarm of bees, retreat, retreat, retreat and attempt this hike on another day.
This trail can get very muddy and therefore very slippery, especially if it’s been recently raining. I used my Merrell Chameleon 3 Ventilator GORE-TEX hiking shoes on this hike, but Marvin noted that Kahtoola MICROspikes would have worked well on this hike.
Again, don’t let the “shortness” of this trail fool you. There are many risks involved in this trail which even led Kaleo and company to turn back before reaching the Puka (though they did go back a few months later to complete the hike).

Explorers: Marvin Chandra, Coty Gonzales, and Joel Sabugo.

Marvin scouting the Puka. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

A view through the Puka. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Coty lounging in the Puka. It's a makeshift wind tunnel so be careful! Photo by Joel Sabugo.

Marvin peaks through the Puka. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Joel and Coty hanging out at the Puka. Photo by Marvin Chandra.

Kaniakapupu: The Summer Home of King Kamehameha III

by Coty on August 29, 2011 in Sights with 23 Comments

Note: Kaniakapupu is not open to the public. It is illegal to hike this trail and to do so would be cause for citation or arrest. There is also a risk of falling boulders, landslides, and drowning. As such, all accounts here are fictional. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Adobe Photoshop is a wonderful piece of software that allows one to superimpose another into a photo making it seem as if they were somewhere when if fact they were not. Got it?

You can count this one as a totally awesome find. Why? Because you will not find Kaniakapupu in any Oahu guide book. It’s a hidden treasure that few locals know even exist. Tucked away in Nu’uanu lay the ruins of the summer home of King Kamehameha. These ruins are known as Kaniakapupu, or ”the singing of the land shell.”

A few of us decided to venture out to the outskirts of the Pali highway to find this ancient Hawaiian ruins. This is the perfect excursion for those of you who want to do a little exploring but don’t have a lot of time to spare. The trail to the ruins is located off of Nu’uanu Pali Drive and takes about 5-10 minutes to access the site. You’ll need to navigate though about 600 ft. of bamboo to reach the ruins.

A view from the front of Kaniakapupu.

A view from the back of Kaniakapupu.

Kaniakapupu is the only remaining structure associated with Kamehameha III. Furthermore, since Kaniakapupu was the home to a king, it was considered to be kapu (Hawaiian word meaning forbidden, though it also carries the meaning of sacred, consecrated, or holy). It honestly did feel a bit eerie to be roaming the home of a former Hawaiian monarch. There were a few chicken skin moments that I experienced while I was exploring the back of the ruins by myself. It was like I could feel the mana (Hawaiian word meaning supernatural or divine power, or to have authority, privilege or power) being exuded from the site.

There isn’t much left of the home, however, there is a memorial placard posted toward the front of the home. It reads:

Kaniakapupu

Summer Palace of King Kamehameha III and his Queen Kalama

Completed in 1845, it was the scene of entertainment of foreign celebrities the feasting of chiefs and commoners. The greatest of these occasions was a luau attended by an estimated ten thousand people celebrating Hawaiian Restoration Day in 1847.

Directions:

From Honolulu, you will take the Pali Highway towards Kaneohe. You will then take the Nu’uanu Pali Drive exit. Follow this road until you see the Board of Water Supply building on the left. Park your car on the side of the street. You will find a bamboo pathway across the street of the Board of Water Supply building which marks the start of the short trail. Follow this trail about 300′, then take the first left turn and walk another 300′. The ruins will be at the end of this short trail.

Kaniakapupu Ruins Tips:

Use bug repelant. The Pali is notorious for being wet and mosquitos love wet things!
Respect the ruins. This was the stomping grounds of Hawaiian royalty. Pick up your trash before your leave.
This is a high break in area. Do not leave your valuables in your car.

Look for this bamboo passageway on Nu’uanu Pali Drive. It marks the start of the trail.

Navigating the Bamboo.

Once you reach these three trees, you’re close to the ruins.

View of Kaniakapupu.

The Front Door To Kaniakapupu.

Closer view of the Kaniakapupu Memorial.

Fresh Bananas.

Map of the site of Kaniakapupu done by an archaeology field school in 1999. The Luakaha property extends below the “stone perimeter wall.” Nu‘uanu stream lies off to the right. Via PacificWorlds.

Old Pali Road Trail to Waterfall (via Likelike Trail)

by Coty on August 15, 2011 in Hikes with 4 Comments

The Old Pali Road Trail (sometimes called the Old Pali Highway Trail) is one that you can do relatively quickly. If you need an escape but don’t have much time on your hands then you might want to consider hiking the Old Pali Highway.

Directions: To get to this hike simply take H1 east bound from Waikiki. Then take the Pali Highway exit. Since the Nu’uanu Pali State Park Lookout is a popular tourist attraction, there are ample signs for you to follow that will lead you straight to the Pali Lookout parking lot. If you’re not a local resident then parking will cost you $3. Alternatively, you can start from the Ko‘olau Country Club’s parking lot.

Before you venture toward the trailhead, you will be greeted with what most tourist come here for – the Pali Lookout. It was here that in 1795 King Kamehameha and his warriors (which consisted of a fleet of 10,000 soldiers and 960 war canoes) defeated the warriors from Oahu and its then ruler, King Kalanikupule. In doing so, Kamehameha The Great united the Hawaiian islands and became its first unified King. As you stand and stare out towards Kaneohe Bay, know that over 400 men were forced off the Pali’s cliff, a drop of 1,000 feet. Yes, that happened at the Pali Lookout.

The Battle at Nu'uanu Pali by Herb Kawainui Kane

Once you’ve completed this tourist trap, it is now time to tackle the Old Pali Highway Trail. Facing the lookout, you will walk to the right of it where you will find a concrete road. If you follow this concrete road you will encounter a sign that says Road Closed. Passing this sign and following this road is by far the easiest way to access the OldPali Highway. Alternatively, you could ask someone to drop you off on the side of the road on the new Pali Highway – granted, you’d have to know the exact access point if you do this route or start at the Ko’olau Country Club. We’ll stick to crossing the Road Closed sign – which you will do at your own risk.

The road is closed, but you will need to pass it to access the trail. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Old Pali Highway. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Once you’ve made the decision to ignore the Road Closed sign, simply follow the road down, down, down. As you do so, take in the views to the left of you. You will continue down this road until you reach a dirt path and a sign that marks the start of the Maunawili Trail. Venture to the left of the Maunawili trailhead and towards the new Pali Highway. When we were there, someone had placed some marker ribbons. What you need to look for is a pathway that will lead you under the new Pali Highway. There will be some old wooden stairs to help you through your journey towards the Old Pali Highway.

At this point, you will follow a dirt pathway that will lead you back to Old Pali Highway. Follow this road until you reach a junction in the road with Au’uloa Road – at this point, you will go left. The steps that mark the start of the trail is very near the junction. They won’t be obvious, but they are right behind a concrete slab sticking out the ground and a pole without a sign attached – it should be on the left just before the road curves left. Almost Paradise was smart enough to snap a photo of the slab and pole.

The shady wooden stairs that you will need to climb down. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

If you are headed towards the waterfall then you must keep an eye out for this large tree. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Follow the steps located behind the concrete slab upward. The hike it self is pretty easy and will lead you to a beautiful waterfall. This hike is actually part of a larger trail – The Likelike Trail (but we will save that for another post). To get to the waterfall, follow this path until you reach a gravelled portion, to your left you will see a large tree with markings on it. You want to follow the pathway past this tree. If you follow the trail you were originally on all the way through, you will pass a large water tank and eventually reach the Ko‘olau Country Club’s parking lot (mentioned earlier as an alternative start point). If you reach this point then you missed the waterfall. Retrace your steps back up the trail about 0.3 miles until you reach the tree, then turn right and follow that trail towards the waterfall. Once you reach the waterfall, take your time and enjoy the view. If you face away from the waterfall, you will be treated to a beautiful view of the Ko’olau Range. In total, it should really take no more than 2 hours from the top of the Pali Lookout and back. The trail is a total of 5 miles.

This is the view you are greeted with behind the opposite the waterfall. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Old Pali Highway Trail Tips:

Remember to bring $3 for parking (if you’re not a local resident) or even better, bring a local along for the hike.
Bug repellant is useful for this hike to combat mosquitos.
Say hi to the chickens that run around the parking lot.
One final note, remember to bring your camera! On this excursion I forgot my point and shoot and was left with just my iPhone 4. Turns out that the iPhone worked pretty well, but I still wish I had brought my camera.

Explorers: Marvin Chandra, Coty Gonzales, and Joel Sabugo.