Pu'u Konahuanui is the tallest peak in the Koolau range,
piercing the clouds at 3150'. For some strange reason, I see it clear during most
weekdays but you can bet that when the weekend rolls around the peak will be shut out.
The first time I did this hike was with the HTMC when we crossed the summit
and went down Mt Olympus to Kolowalu. Incredible
views!! This time it was just up to the top and back down the way we came.We
started the hike from Paradise Park and heading left at the sign just after the stairs at
the start of the Manoa Falls trail. We linked up with Ahuilama and then Pauoa flats
up to the Nuuanu overlook. From here if you look to the left of the pali, you can
see your destination! It's here that the real hiking begins! You break out
into native vegetation and do a few ups and downs before hitting some steep climbs.
I found that if I keep looking around at the increasingly fantastic views, the climb goes
a lot faster and before you know it, you're at the top of peak 1!
It was really muddy and stagnant up there but we trudged on, clearing away a lot of
clidemia and those pokey grass (the ones with the fine needles that make you itch for
days). I think it must have taken us an hour to reach peak 2, but we were doing our
best to clear out the alien and leave the natives.
When we finally got to the top of peak 2, it was mostly cloudy but it would clear up
enough so that we could see through the clouds for brief minutes. Well worth the
trip. At least until we started heading back down. Somewhere along the way my
right knee started to give way and became increasingly more sore all the way down.
By the time we were out I could barely walk! I thought it might have been ligament
damage but I'm happy to say that it seems to be getting much better! Give it a
weekend off and I'll be ready to go again!
Date: September 13, 1998
Time Duration: 6.5hours (4 up, 2.5 down)
Difficulty: Blue
Danger: Blue
Notes: The uluhe is somewhat overgrown in the middle sections and the top was
pretty bad. Definately wear long pants and bring gloves or you'll be itchy for days!
The climb before the top is a bit tiring but there are lots of views to distract
suppress any regrets. Once you get to the top, the views are incredible and just
being up there is a rush! Much more than Kaala because
you're actually sitting atop a peak! I think it actually could be done it in about
4.5 to 5hours because we were clearing up and I was limping down.
