Manoa Cliffs – June 11, 2012

When you’re a family looking for a hike, exploring the Makua Trail System is a must. The system offers numerous trails that offer all the amenities of beginning hiking. 

Today the kids and I hiked part of the Manoa Cliffs trail, turned on Pu’u Ohia, turned again on Round Top Drive, creating a loop. I thought this hike would be around 4 miles, but it was more like 3. My thought process was to take us on Manoa Cliffs first, so it would be less intense going down Roundtop Drive because going uphill on Tantalus provides one

We started a little after 10 am. I thought elevation was gained, but it wasn’t too bad. Mary complained about how hard it was. But I managed to get the tightness out of her head. Jared led the charge today. Most of the views were covered by vegetation. However, some views of Manoa Valley were present.

After about 1 hour we hit the Pauoa Flats junction. Continuing on the Manoa Cliffs would take us to the Kalawahine junction. The Manoa Cliffs trail gets to Pu’u Ohia really fast. We hit the communication tower quickly and went on the paved road, eventually rejoining the Pu’u Ohia trail till Round Top Drive.

I became so paranoid on Round Top Drive as cars were going down the road. I quickened my pace, so we could complete the hike. After 1 ½ hours we were done and went to eat at Ala Moana.

The kids wanted Panda Express, while I ate at the Chinatown Express. I don't know why, but I love to eat at that place. The dim sum is excellent. This trail is good, if you wanted to, you could actually take this trail to Manoa Falls via Pahoa Flats and Aihualama trail. But you would need a ride back.