Trail starts off slow, then ends with big climb
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Video: Hike with Mike: Hawaiiloa Ridge |
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By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
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From summit ridges to lush, green valleys, fast-running streams to bone-dry brush, Hawai'i's public access trails offer an unrivaled variety of unique hiking experiences — sometimes on a single trail. This summer, Advertiser reporter Michael Tsai takes a look at some of O'ahu's best novice, intermediate and advanced trails.
Hawai'iloa Ridge Trail would seem to match the profile of a good novice hike: It's relatively short at just five miles total, its pathways are easily passable even at the narrowest points, and the elevation gain is a modest 1,400 feet.
If only it were that easy.
Much like that biology class you took as a freshman, that first live-in significant other, or that all-you-can-eat Korean restaurant, Hawai'iloa Ridge Trail starts off deceptively smooth and easy, builds in drama, and may very well waylay you in the end.
The trail is accessible via the Hawai'iloa gated community, and hikers must present identification and sign a liability waiver to enter the private area.
The trail, essentially a straight shot to the Ko'olau summit, begins on a dirt road and proceeds initially through a stand of ironwood trees and a brief and steep drop.
The ironwoods give way to a long, mostly level stretch of dry forest crowded with guava, 'ilima and patches of vibrant uluhe fern that burns bright green even in overcast conditions. (The trail forks at two junctions; hikers should keep to the broader, marked trail that follows the main ridge.)
The trail rises and falls, narrows and widens as it progresses toward a moss-covered knob and the first glimpse of the summit ridge.
The surrounding foliage gently transitions from guava and 'ilima to a native forest of 'ohi'a, koa and akia as the trail arcs on the exposed ridge.
After a few rolling hills, the trail rises with a series of steep ascents.
Steps shaped by recycled plastic lumber were constructed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources to aid with the climb, but many have been hollowed by erosion, making it safer at certain points to walk along the still-firm shoulders of the trail.
In other areas, climbing ropes have been installed by private groups and citizens to assist with steep climbs over loose dirt and gravel. Hikers are advised to make sure the ropes are secure before attempting to use them, and to use them only as complementary support. (Using the ropes as a primary weight-bearing device can leave hikers vulnerable to a serious fall should the rope break or detach from its anchor.)
The steep climb extends roughly a half-mile to the small knob marking the end of the trail. Hikers are advised to rest or turn back if they feel dizzy or fatigued making the climb.
While hard-earned, the view from the summit is spectacular, with a clear, continuous view of Waimanalo to the right and the three peaks of Olomana to the left.
The initial descent back toward the trailhead can be tricky, particularly with tired legs, but the trail levels soon enough to spare creaky knees and ankles.
While the width and eveness of the trail is suitable for novice hikers, the steep ascent and unstable terrain near the summit ridge warrant Hawai'iloa Ridge's usual designation as an intermediate trail.
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| BASIC SKILLS TO KEEP YOU SAFE ON THE TRAIL
It's true, to a point, that if you can walk, you can hike. But hiking well — that is, in a manner that allows you to stay safe and enjoy the experience — requires a few basic skills and understandings. Here are a few to consider: Keep a rhythm: The key to staying fresh and strong on a long hike is to maintain an even hiking rhythm. (Speeding up and slowing down will tax your body sooner.) Find a cadence that keeps your legs, arms in synch, and that allows you to maintain a consistent pace without feeling breathless. You may need to adjust your pace for unstable terrain or steep ascents, but keep your breathing in rhythm. Rest intelligently: If you start resting when you're tired, you're already at a disadvantage. On a longer hike, rest early and often (every 45 minutes to an hour, at least), but for no longer than 5 to 10 minutes less your muscles stiffen. Hydrate: A harder-line rule than the previous: If you start drinking when you're thirsty, you're in trouble. With greater exertion and respiration comes more rapid dehydration, and dehydration leads to decreased strength, stamina and coordination. On hikes of longer than an hour, drink at least 8 ounces of fluid every 20 to 30 minutes, or more if it's hot. Keep your balance: In hiking, maintaining balance is the difference between a safe, enjoyable outing and potential serious injury (or worse). Staying in rhythm will help you make your way past root, rocks and potholes without overthinking each step. Try to keep your feet at least a foot apart in your stride, don't cross one leg over another to get over or around small obstacles, and don't let your arms and legs cross over the center plane of your body (doing so will automatically throw off your balance). When walking in ruts, walk slowly down the center; stepping toward either side will cause the outside of your foot to slip. Manage obstacles: Hiking without obstacles is walking, so get used to dealing with roots, rocks, fallen trees and other inconveniences. In general, it's better to step over an object than on top of it, and safer still to walk around the object rather than over it. Be careful with ropes and handholds: Grabbing roots or branches can be tempting during a steep ascent or descent, but it can damage the vegetation and cause erosion. If you have to grab something, make sure it's firmly rooted and anchor yourself with your opposite foot as you pull. If you need to grab a tree or branch when descending a steep hill, remember that the farther you extend your arm forward or sideways, the more force your body will have to absorb as you move toward the tree and the higher your risk of pulling or tearing your chest, shoulder and arm muscles. Know your ups and downs: When climbing or descending hills, it's important to keep proper posture to ensure good balance and to minimize stress on your back, hips and legs. In general, try to align your body perpendicular to the imaginary horizontal plane at the base of the hill. For steep grades, you may need to lean slightly forward going uphill or slightly back on the downhill. When going uphill, keep your feet about shoulder-length apart (or narrower), shorten the length of your stride, and place the weight of your step on the inside of your feet. When going downhill, first cinch the laces firmly but not too tightly to prevent your toes from banging against the front of your shoe and to prevent movement that can cause a blister-causing hot spot on your foot. As you descend, keep your knees bent and let your feet react to the contours of the slope. Try not to jump or lunge, which may cause you to carry more momentum than you can control. Stay oriented: Proper navigation starts with knowing exactly where you are on a trail. If possible, bring a map of the trail or a guidebook with detailed descriptions of key features and junctures, and consult it regularly. At each significant bend, fork or change in surrounding habitat on an out-and-back trail, turn around and take a mental snapshot of what to look for on your return. This can be helpful on any trail if you get lost and need to backtrack.
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Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.
