I've always wanted to do this hike, but never got to it. I even went as far as to combine this hike with the Demo hike (16 miles or so), but never got to it. Even today as I woke up, I was like, maybe no need to go, but I gathered enough motivation to get out there.
HTMC created an extension of the Likeke trail. The original route starts at the Pali and ends at a lookout somewhat near Hoomaluhia. This route starts at Hoomaluhia, does most of the original route and loops back to Hoomaluhia.
The start time was at 9am, and a huge crowd came. I only knew a few people. But I would hang around Senseil, DJ, Darrel, and Nalo Bob most of the time. We started from the second parking lot and headed toward a jeep road. From there, the trail head somewhat up the mountain near the base of the Koolaus going in and out of mini gulches. In about one hour we hit the junction to get to the Likelike Tunnels. This part of the hike was impressive, it was only a 5 minute hike to an old parking lot, but you could see the cars coming out of the tunnels. I could only imagine how impressive it would look at night.
We made our way back on the trail. Quickly we came upon the lookout. In the original route, this was the lunch spot. Today it was just a breakspot. But an unbelievable view of the Kanehoe side of the island. After our break, another hour went by before we got to Likeke Falls. We were the last ones there. I took a picture of a boy playing in the water since so many people were occupying the falls.
After the falls, we continued the loop. Sensei took us to the Old Pali Road bridge. This was a cool sight, one I always wanted to explore. The Old Pali Road led us back to Koolau Golf Course and we would walk on the road until we got back to Hoomaluhia.
This hike was impressive. It was about 6 miles round trip and offers all you'd want from a hike, a view, waterfall, even urban stuff. Dick Davis, whom the trail is known for put a lot of thought into it and it shows.
Nalo Bob near the water station
Photo with the legendary Stuart Ball
HTMC morning meeting
DJ taking a picture
Amazing view of Kaneohe
The dominating Koolau Mountain Range
Old Pali Road
Likelike Highway