The Papali Loop Trail in Oahu, Hawaii

On my first date with my girlfriend, who later became my wife, I took her kayaking off of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. That first date was a near disaster because we were swamped by huge waves and could have drowned. Thankfully, we survived and she even consented to go on another date with me and the venue was even her idea. It was to be a hike on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii. I was agreeable because I like the outdoors and working out, so a hike fit that ticket. Plus, I enjoyed being with my wife-to-be.

She had spotted a blurb in a local Hawaii newspaper about a hike with a local hiking club. As it turned out, the club was the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club and the outing was on a trail called the Hauula-Papali Double Loop. Rated as a moderate hike, the outing seemed very doable to me. My wife was a go-getter, quite active, and full of energy so I figured she would have no trouble with the hike. As it turned out, she didn't.

On the other hand, I did. Not only did the uphill sections of the trail test my aerobic limits, I also ended up getting us lost. As a consequence, we only were able to complete one of the two loops.

Almost a decade and a half later, my wife and I finally returned to the trail to complete our first hiking date.

That first time, we did the Hauula Loop. On our return, we hiked the Papali Loop, also known as the Maakua Ridge Trail. I had done this trail on a few occasions in the past, but never with my wife, and I can report that she had a good time hiking it. So did I. Hiking-wise, my wife and I have come a long way since then, and we have hiked many, many trails together, including a rugged backpack to the summit of 13000+ foot Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii.

To hike the Papali Loop we needed about 90 minutes. We started late, around 3:30 p.m. and finished at just past 5:00.

Underfoot, the trail was just fine: no mud and no obstructions underfoot. Parts of the trail, though, required some ducking down to avoid or get under overhanging tree limbs and branches. My wife, who is 4'10, rarely ever had to duck. I, on the other hand, did a whole lot of ducking which is not my favorite thing to do be doing while hiking or otherwise.

The hike requires crossing three streams. All were dry yesterday. In fact, I can't recall a time when I ever crossed those streams when there was water in them. There are wonderful views along the way, including excellent vistas into the upper watershed of the majestic Koolau Mountain Range.

Along the way on the trail are two benches with nice views of the Hauula coastline and the rolling whitecaps that thunder to shore. There is also a covered picnic shelter early on along the trail. The spot is non-descript and not a place I'd have a picnic, but kudos go out to whoever built the shelter.

I have written in more detail about the Hauula/Papali hike and you can read about it here.