Dangerous Hawaii Hiking: The Pu'u Manamana Trail

Pu'u Manamana is one of the most dangerous hiking trails on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Known for its spectacular yet perilous narrow ridge sections, Manamana is legendary and revered among Hawaii hikers.

Have Hawaii hikers died here? Yes, they have. While I don't have any hard, firm stats, I do know that more than one person has met his end while hiking this trail. So be careful. Be very, very careful.

In fact, I recommend that only the most seasoned and sure-footed hikers attempt the Pu'u Manamana trail. While the whole hike is just 4 miles, there is over 2000 feet of elevation gain with a very steep initial ascent and very steep final descent, and those legendary narrow ridge sections sandwiched between.

If you are thinking of hiking Manamana, consider hiking with and then joining the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (HTMC), which has this trail on its annual schedule of outings. Note that when the club conducts this hike, it is for members only. And it is rated "Advanced."

Having hiked Manamana several times over the years, I can vouch for the advanced rating. I can also testify to the fact that on my first attempt, I turned back, being unwilling to put my life on the line at that time. But I did return. And I did so with the HTMC. And I made it that second time, and several times thereafter.

How To Get There

You'll travel 25 miles on the drive from downtown Honolulu. Take the Pali Highway to get to the windward side of Oahu. Once you are through the Pali Tunnels, descend downhill, turning left on Kamehameha Hwy. About 2.5 miles later, turn left onto Likelike Highway. Turn right onto Kahekili Hwy. which after 4.5 miles transitions to Kamehameha Highway (key landmarks there are a 7-11 store on the right and the Hygienic Store on the left. Continue on Kamehameha Hwy. for just short of 10 miles. Not long after passing the Crouching Lion Inn on the left and just before a bridge is Trout Farm Road on the left. Turn onto Trout Farm Road and find parking along the street there.

By bus from downtown or at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, board the #55 (Kaneohe Circle Island). The ride will take about an hour and costs a bargain $2. Get off at the stop along Kamehameha Highway by Trout Farm Road.

Trail Description

From Trout Farm Road, head back to Kamehameha Hwy. and walk along the near shoulder toward Crouching Lion Inn. Look for a trail heading up a slope on an embankment to your right. The trail is just past a short guardrail and a Rte 83 sign.

Now you begin your encounter with danger.

The first section of the trail is not dangerous, but you'll get a test of your fitness level due to some steep ascending.

After a while, the steep ascending becomes rocky and the ridge narrows. Cables and/or ropes may be available for assistance. Be sure to test these before using. Be cautious.

After the steep ascending ends, reach a flat area (yes!) with awesome views of Kahana Bay and the coastline of the small town of Kaaawa. Rest and enjoy the scenery and beauty. Then continue on as the ridge takes a dogleg right to continue on. For a brief period, the trail at this point is along a quite wide section of the ridge.

But do not be fooled. Worse is yet to come.

Ahead are the legendary narrow ridge sections. Again, there are cables for assistance. But be cautious when using them. There is no telling when these were affixed there. Know that cables and ropes have been known to break. And know that people holding onto these fixed lines at the time have gotten hurt, some very seriously

At times, you will be edging gingerly around rockfaces. At times you will be descending steep rocky sections.

Having made it safely past all these, you will find the trail becoming much more vegetation-enclosed. Bear in mind that the ridge is still perilous and narrow but the vegetation disguises this fact, so don't lose your concentration.

Beyond are some muddy sections that also can get quite brushy and overgrown. Eventually, you will reach a heavily ribboned junction with a trail going off to your right. Continue straight ahead to a clearing. The trail on the right will be your descent route.

Proceed to a clearing called "Turnover." Look for a round metal benchmark on the ground. This is the traditional rest and lunch spot for the Manamana hike. Hunker down here to eat and recover from the tough hiking you've been doing. This spot is far from the greatest lunch places of Hawaii trails, but you'll likely feel very satisfied, having negotiated safely some very dangerous segments.

But again, do not let your guard down because you have a very steep and slippery descent to make along what is called Cemetery Ridge. If the area has had rain in recent days, be prepared for a muddy slip and slide down to the floor of Kahana Valley.

And the ridge is very narrow in places. At one point, you will make your way past a rockface with the aid of fixed cables. Again, test these lines when/if using them.

The trail (at last) ends at an old cemetery. The dilapidated building nearby is the remains of a Mormon church, one of the oldest buildings from the LDS church in Hawaii. You will emerge on the road where you began.

Give yourself a pat on the back. You've completed one of the most rugged and challenging hikes in Hawaii.