Ulupaina – July 12, 2012

Summer is almost over. I have a trip to Indiana next week, which means my hiking time will be cut short. It’s okay though, I get to go to Indiana! That’s not me being sarcastic either. Since I’ve been exploring the island so much, I’ve become intrigued about visiting other places outside of Oahu.

I still want to accomplish Stuart Ball’s book, and so I looked for a hike I haven’t done yet – Ulupaina was one of them. Since I would most likely be hiking by myself, this hike fit the bill. Short and sweet. Danger level low. Perfect for a solo adventure.

I did some research the night before, but emailed my hiking friend Sensei who has done the hike before. He gave me directions to the trailhead, which helped a lot.

I dropped the kids off at summer fun and drove to the windward side of the island. I parked at McDonalds on E. Hui Iwa Street (like I always do when hiking in this area), walked on Kahekili Hwy., and then jaywalked across the street to the Valley of the Temples cemetery. The Ulupaina hike starts at the last grave on the left side.

This hike is 4 miles and the terminus is at some power lines. It reminds me of Aiea Bi-sectional and its power lines. The trail is graded and contours below the ridge. There is a junction about 5 minutes in, just like Papali, you can go either left or right for the loop. I decided to go left, which is a natural instinct for hikers. Going left meant that I would do the trail in a clockwise direction. The trail is well groomed and marked. A little over a mile of meandering through the valley, I hit the ridge. The ridge offers some huffing and puffing which may be difficult for kids. I didn’t have any problems, but I was sweating like crazy. Eventually you hit another junction. Going right is the return trek of the loop, going straight is to the power lines. I went straight. In about 10 minutes of passing lauhala trees, I hit the power lines. There are some views of Kaneohe, and the windward side, but not great views.

I took a short break and headed back. Continuing in the clockwise direction, the ridge goes up and down, which is a surprise. If you do the trail counterclockwise, get ready for some good cardio. I finished the trail in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

This hike can be doable for kids, but the steepness of the trail can be a problem. Also, I saw bees, which you may want to watch for.