Pali Puka

My wife and I hiked up to the Pali Puka yesterday and had a wonderful time enjoying the view that Mother Nature provided for us during the climb. I can say this is a very challenging and dangerous climb for those that have never climbed before, not the place for small children either. The cliffs to the right of you as you climb to up are less than 2 feet from the trail so being alert is important because it’s a long fall to the bottom, one that will bring you back. There are lots of places to stop and take pictures of the amazing views of Kaneohe and as Northeast towards Kualoa Ranch and to the Southeast towards Kailua.
There wasn’t any wind but I’m sure when the trades are whipping through it can be very treacherous walking the trail where you are exposed to the elements. Your legs will definitely get a workout as you climb to the top but once you make it to the ridge line you’ll just need to watch your footing and keep a good balance walking the train.
It took us less that 25 minutes to make it there from the start of the trailhead where the tour buses park. Good luck, enjoy the amazing views but most of all «BE CAREFUL!!»

Just a short trip from Waikiki is Pali Lookout. With stunning views you can see from Waikiki to Kaneohe. The beauty laid before you is breath taking. We came close to sunset and the view was out of a postcard. The clouds were low and covered the peak just behind us. Not too many places have the views you get at Pali lookout.
You can get to Pali Lookout from the H1 just take the Pali Lookout exit and then follow the signs. The do not charge to go up to Pali Lookout so that is a bonus. Not too many things in Hawaii are free so take advantage of this amazing experience. You park close to the lookout so like us if this is the end of your drive around the Island no worries as you don’t have to walk far to enjoy the amazing views.
For the adventurous there is a small trail where you can hike up and get even more amazing views. Note I would have boots, backpack with water and light snack as this looks like decently vertical upgrade hike. I don’t think it takes that long but it does look kind of intense.
Well worth the short drive from Waikiki and stunning views you will take with you to share with family and friends. This was my first visit and I am astounded I didn’t come here before. Good thing my brother was such a great tour guide!

From reading all of the reviews and seeing that many people do this hike I decided to try it for myself. First of all, parking. Luckily we found parking in the lot. From what I read, parking is free for local residents, you just need to show your id to the parking attendant. But we got there and we were like, what parking attendant? There is only a machine to pay for your parking. We got lucky and someone gave us their parking ticket to put on our car.
Second, to get to the trail head you walk towards the tour buses where they drop off the tourists. You will see a break in the wall and the trail starts there after. There will be a sign right as your enter the trees. When you fist step in to the trees you might get confused about which way to go. If you go left, you will kind of see a trail that goes into the bamboo trees. Don’t go that way! Go straight past the sign and the trail starts from there.
Don’t be surprised when you start hiking and all of a sudden you are scared of heights. There will be some parts of the trail where you are able to walk inside of trees that way you can avoid scaling the side of the mountain. There are a couple of spots where there is rope to help you up and down. Take advantage of these especially if it had rained earlier.
We got unlucky because right before I we reached the puka there was a swarm of bees that were infested on a tree. Not to mention that the tree was right along the trail. Going up to the puka we just ran past it and coming down we were about to avoid it and walk around the side of the mountain. When we reached the puka there were another swarm of bees that were sitting on top of the puka, so be on the lookout for those too.
This view is definitely more breathtaking than at that Pali lookout! It took us about 30 min to get to the puka.

Wind!!! Plenty of wind! And views that are breathtaking.
Really, hold onto your young children and tiny pets. The wind can and will get amazingly strong. And I have witnessed people losing their hats. It’s funny.
Don’t usually spend more than an hour here since I don’t do the hike. The hike and views look amazing, I’d have to do that soon.

Aloha! much positive energy to you.
We have made a video of the whole hike so it can help you to your hike and and see how the hike is. Enjoy !
We also tagged a green ribbon on a branch walking towards it its on the left side. So you know where the «puka» is.
Pali Puka (1670 ft)
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
Elevation Gain: Approx 420ft
Trail: Pali Puka Ridge Trail
Distance: 0.8 Roundtrip
Duration: 1.5 hours (includes time spent at the Puka taking pictures LOL)
Difficulty: Strenuous in some parts breathtaking If you are afraid of hikes I recommend not to go.
Danger: High (cliffs, exposed/​narrow ridges with sheer drop-​offs, loose dirt, steep sections along trail)
Parking it is free to local residents. Park close to the parking meter the parking guy is near that area so its safe. A cop told me people break the glasses but closer to the parking meter the safer it is.
First «Puka» means «hole»…and this trail ends at a spot where there’s a natural hole in the wall
Other than the famous lookout itself, crowded with tourists…
There are several hiking trails which rewards the slightly more adventurous amongst us.
Pali Puka has to be one of the shortest and most dangerous hikes on the island.
In fact, it’s so short that you don’t need to bring anything except for a pocket first-​aid kit and
a small bottle of water. It is both exhilirating and instantly rewarding.
This trail is considered as one of the most dangerous trails on the island very short though.
This trail contains many steep sections which aren’t roped, except for two sections. Always tugg on the rope to be safe.
This trail contains narrow ridge sections with vertical drops.
If you aren’t comfortable with heights or have never hiked, this is not the hike for you.
Intermediate and experienced hikers alike should enjoy this hike. Novice hikers are encouraged to try it too, but you need to be somewhat physically fit, though,
as it does involve some near-​vertical climbing which requires use of your hands to grab onto roots and branches or bushes and rope (already there, you don’t have to bring your own).
Some portions of the trail are slightly narrow, with sheer drops on one side… so not for those who are afraid of heights.
In addition, it is usually windy, so be very careful not to get blown off balance.
Lastly, this area is often rainy, so expect slippery mud. Do NOT wear your nice new white sneakers! Have gripped shoes it helps. For girls gloves would help.
If you’re looking for a good workout and breath-​taking scenery
(depending on the weather, you’ll be in the clouds) (actually, more like low-​lying mist),
the Pali Puka trail is highly recommended.
Our first time was raining cats and dogs so we canceled but second time was better weather.

This hike is amazing, but don’t be fooled! It can get pretty sketchy!
First of all, you park at the Pali look out and make your way towards the left. You’ll see that breakage in the stone rock wall everyone is talking about. You just follow your way up and you’ll eventually get to the puka.
The only issues my friend and I had was that it was REALLY slippery. I also suggest you carry light, because you’re gonna be on your hands and knees going both up and down this trail. Please be careful & get a good grip of where you’re going. You’re literally scaling the edge of the mountain at some points.
I’ve conquered this hike, so personally speaking, I don’t think I’d do it again! Haha.

After discovering the Pali Lookout I knew I would have to trek up, I was kind of shocked to see people not ready for this type of climb go anyway, it is dangerous, it was windy, steep and wet, but the view has no comparison in the area, even the entrance covered with bamboos reminded me of a scene of ninja scroll lol.

Breathtaking views! Be careful as the trail is dangerous.

Short but rewarding hike. It has one heck of a view but is pretty windy and of course dangerous. Keep it safe and stay closer in rather than taking the outside route if your not sure of yourself. It’s not for kids who don’t hike so bring at your own caution. Bummed it took me so long to find this gem but better late than never.

I love this short hike; it used to be part of my exercise routine when I had a more open schedule I was able to head up here several times a week.
Rating:
Parking — Ample paved lot (@Pali lookout)
Difficulty — 4/​5, NOT for children, for intermediate/​advanced hikers only (though I did tackle it several times many moons ago as a novice hiker, it was with great difficulty); however, extremely short hike.
Time — Anywhere from 15 – 45 minutes depending on your ability or breaks for pictures
Advice:
* Park in the Pali lookout parking lot and head to the left side (where all the tour buses are) bamboo forest, near the far corner closest to the ridge you will find a small opening in the bamboo where the rock wall is a little broken down, climb straight on up and head up the ridge!
* Bring camera, duh!
* Partially shaded, try to stay on the inside of the ridge, in the trees you’ll find an easier trail if you don’t feel like staying along the outer ridge, which is especially dangerous when it is windy
* Usually there are ropes (some days I go, and the ropes are gone) for the steeper parts where there are minimal things to grab hold of, most of the root systems are deeply rooted and make the trip a little easier, just make sure you have a good grip by grabbing on while you still have either good footing or a hand grip on something else, and apply a lot of pressure & wigglies first
* If you choose to stay on the outer part of the ridge (at certain points you will not have an option), make sure you have a tight grip at all times, and be wary for gusts of wind, when you feel one coming up, buckle down to the ground or against the trees/​bushes and wait it out, there have been people who were not cautious and have fallen down the mountain
* Muddy OR overly dry conditions can make the trail more difficult as either way it will be a bit slippery
* Be patient/​courteous of other hikers, some people will be going very slow; I’ve had to wait out people who literally spend 5 minutes or more just to build up the courage to continue on. I take those moments to encourage them or if there’s room, just sit and chill out to enjoy the fresh air & beautiful view of Kaneohe.

After hiking the pillbox and finishing around noon I felt like I had another wind in me for a hike. As my cousin invited me to join him and his group, we took the 30 minute drive to meet up with them and along we went. On a day of clouds and skies, the weather was definitely enjoyable.
SPOILER
If you’ve seen my previous hike reviews as much as I am for adventures and the art of getting lost, sometimes I am on a time constraint.
Directions:
As we approached the area you will notice a brick wall against some trees. Further to the left, you’ll notice a man made path between the brick walls. That’s where the hike basically begins
Hiking Difficulty:
Medium Hard
–It requires quite a lot of skills, strength, balance, and confidence. It requires a lot of proper hand and foot placing. Be sure to test steps as some grips may not be sturdier than others. Once you do, be sure to commit to those grooves. Wear gloves, proper hiking shoes, and pack light as well! I personally felt going down was easier as I was able to basically walk on my butt, know my steps, while staying grounded.
Advice:
* The sun is not the enemy here, it’s mainly the fear that you might slip and fall that is most salient.
* Go with groups for support
* Careful for millipedes! If you don’t bother them, they don’t bother you.
* Wouldn’t recommend it on a rainy day, hiking this on a warm day was dough imagine the slipperiness in the rain!
* For those looking for the puka, there’ll be a point when the path is extremely narrow but you see an option to go downwards if you take that path, it is right there.
* Enjoy your breaks, the views regardless the views are awesome.

This hike begins at the Pali Lookout. Park at the lookout and before reaching the lookout point look to the left and there is a crack in the concrete wall where the trail begins. Throughout the trail, there is a ridge view to the right but in numerous places you can walk on the left side of the trail so you don’t have the 100+ foot drop off staring you down as u hike. Yet, you don’t get the awesome views. The hike took less than an hour going up, taking pictures, and then going back down. There are a few ropes along the trail for parts to help with the dirt that will crumble under your feet. But, the views were amazing!
Most importantly– don’t go on a windy day!!!

I’ll start out by saying I am legitimately scared of heights. Even thinking about standing on the ledge of something tall gives me vertigo. However I never want to be the person that limits myself because of fear. I figured the best way to tackle my fear of heights would be to go on a hike where it would slap me right in the face. Hence Pali Puka. You are literally on a ridgeline with a verticle drop off which would result in imminent death. I knew this hike was close to my in-​laws house so I invited some family members and off we went.
The trail starts in a small crack in the stone wall where the tour buses park at Pali Lookout. As soon as you climb over the wall you immediately enter a bamboo forest and the hike quickly begins steeply uphill. After a few minutes you are on the ridgeline and my first feeling of «oh shit, what am I doing» kicks on. Luckily there are two paths that weave in and out of each other. One is a safer path (to the left) that keeps you in dense foliage. This gives you something to hold on to. If you stay right you are directly on the ridgeline with a verticle drop off to your right. At some points these two trails meet so you don’t always have an option of avoiding the sheer dropoffs. If there is any hard wind or muddy conditions from rain I would either turn around and go back or stick to the safe path.
The hike is short and you should make it to the puka within 25 minutes. There is a sense of relief once you reach it but just remember you have to turn back and go the same way you came. In our situation one of my friends who is an experience hiker and climber wanted to continue up the ridgeline. I’ve been warned against this as it is a very dangerous hike beyond the puka. I gave in to the peer pressure and I continued the hike past the puka and up to the peak. The trail goes around the left of the ridgeline and in some spots is a very steep (almost verticle) climb up to the peak. Luckily there is a lot of trees and roots to grab onto as well as some ropes there to help if you lose your grip and fall. We went on a great dry day with no rain in the previous 5 days. If there was this trail would’ve been a muddy mess and very dangerous. Luckily I had someone with me who was very experienced. I would NEVER do this without him. Please do not go past the puka unless you are experienced or have experienced climbers with you. I had a close call on the way down from the peak and luckily I had my hand around a small tree. If not I would’ve seriously been injured or worse. I had nothing beneath me and had to swing my body back onto the ropes which was almost out of reach.
Have fun with this hike and be smart. If the conditions aren’t great than come another day. It’s easily the most dangerous hike I’ve ever done.

Awesome hike! Very short but enough to get your adrenaline pumping if you are afraid of heights.
Not a hike to bring the kids on unless those kids are older not afraid of heights and can go up and down very very steep terrain. Not a hike to bring pets or older people on.
I underestimated this hike before going since everyone said it was short but seriously please be careful one kid went the opposite direction of where the easier way to get to the puka and he did not listen to us and went rolling down the mountain. I thought he was a goner but luckily he rolled on the opposite side the one with more trees and I think a branch caught him so he was able to walk back up, but he had a tough time I mean he did roll off the damn mountain.
The entrance is exactly what the Unilocalers here said it would be [ someone posted a pic] go in and then straight up, the roots have traction so it’s easy just steep. And just pretty much go all the way up until you’re face with a rock wall in your face. — there were only 2 thin ropes when we went so you’re going to have to scale it up. On the way down if you’re not confident and have good traction it’s best to go down all fours and grab some roots.
Some people had a tough time finding the puka. So here. Go all the way till you get faced with the big rock wall in your face. That ridge you are standing on that’s facing that huge rock wall is the puka. So you have to go down to the left of it. I’ll post a pic of how to get down it. Please don’t go any other way since that’s how that boy fell.
Awesome, awesome hike. Just please be careful.

My bf and I loveeee to hike! I happen to be afraid of heights, but that doesn’t stop me from climbing mountains. My feet do start to feel tingly and get a bit sweaty once I stop and acknowledge that i’m so darn high up (I even get that feeling when i’m at the top of the kids’ jungle gym lol). Yep, that’s when the thoughts of falling of the edge or the wind carrying me away take over.
Anyway, this hike was gorgeous! 20 – 30 minute of incline. I found the entrance amusing — literally where the tour buses park (look for a crack on the wall and climb over). The ground was a bit slippery when we went, so holding onto the tree roots while climbing helped. Definitely take your time and make sure you don’t misplace your foot.

I love coming here. But you can fall and die if you aren’t careful. That’s my disclaimer. Don’t be bold, just be aware.
Best time to do this is during Kona weather. When there aren’t any trade winds. If you do go when it’s normal weather, I would suggest when it is light trades. The winds are pretty brutal here. Haven’t you heard of stories or seen news reports that people would spit and then the spit would hit them in the face? No? Ok, that’s just disgusting, but that’s just to give you a sense how windy it is. Another thing to consider is the rain. I wouldn’t recommend going up when it is raining or just rained hard. It gets slippery and there are ropes on the trail that may not hold your weight because they are swollen.
For those who are afraid of heights, do not think that this will cure your phobia. Because it won’t. If anything, it will scare you to pieces. Yeah, the view from the puka is pretty awesome, but if you’re afraid of heights, this is not the hike for you.
It is possible to do this hike in 20 minutes. (Yes, I have) Otherwise, give yourself about an hour going up, some time to enjoy the view, then back down in about 45 minutes. So, plus or minus 2 hours round trip.
I believe that you can continue on the Koolau summit hike. But that’s only if you are prepared to do so. Don’t be gung ho and think, hey, I’ve conquered the Puka, now the rest of the summit! That’s absurd! The summit trail is for experienced nut jobs, I mean hikers.
If you are a Hawaii resident, you don’t have to pay for parking. Sometimes, there will be people watching to see if you pay. Don’t be intimidated by them! (Usually it’s a big muscular guy) You are a Hawaii resident, and parking is free. Just be prepared to show them a state ID or license.
Trail head is the cracked opening in the wall at the bus parking area. The trail is well used, but otherwise, you just to all the way to the edge and go up. That’s it. Be careful, have fun, hold onto your belongings, and most of all, pack out what you pack in!

NO NEED FOR AN EXTREME FEAR OF HEIGHTS TO FEAR THESE HEIGHTS
Please be aware, some have posted on Unilocal that they consider this hike to be «mild to moderate». I believe it absolutely can be mild for some, but not for most.
It is an uphill climb almost to the very end, but you definitely get pops of areas where you can stop & enjoy the AMAZING views. The climbs can get pretty steep where you are forced to use your hands: grabbing roots, ledges, trees, whatever your hand can find grip in order to keep going & not fall.
There are many parts of this hike where the trail seems to ride right on the edge of the vertical drops, but we noticed that there is an interior trail (most of the time). Doesn’t necessarily mean that it is safer, because it’ll most likely be wet, slippery, & even more of an incline than the parts right by the cliff, but it is an option if the heights are beginning to mentally challenge you.
If you haven’t reached the area of the hike that has a rope, then you need to keep going in order to find the Puka. On the particular day we went, the rope was not needed for the climb up, but it was helpful for the climb back down. The rope (as of 11÷10÷14) seemed sturdy, but make sure you have your foot grounded & are holding on to something else; don’t just rely or put all of your weight on that rope (or anything, for that matter).
With all of that said, THIS HIKE IS AMAZING. It offers a wonderful cool breeze & specatular views. The puka is such a gem & perfect for some awesome photos.
Just please, take care & hike with a buddy.

This isn’t a long hike, but it is pretty tough. Mainly because its going all uphill and you are on the edge so mentally it can be challenging if you are afraid of heights or falling. Coming back down was easier, but scary. We were grabbing on to branches in hopes we wouldn’t fall or the branches break on us.
To get to the trail for Pali Puka, you have to go on the side of the parking lot where all the tour buses park. You will see a rock wall and a spot that is broken. That’s where you start (sorry I should have taken a picture of it~!). Its all uphill from there!

Short and sweet!
Very steep most of the way up, there are a few ropes to help but they are not necessary. Only about 30−45min to get to the puka, if that, with some outstanding views.
Though I wouldn’t call it an «easy» hike, due to the very steep incline and some narrow parts that take you disturbingly close to the cliff, where you could meet your end. Yet, it’s still very doable for most people who don’t have a strong fear of heights.
Directions
Park at the Pali Lookout, but don’t walk to the lookout. Instead, walk to the left toward the huge parking stalls for buses. You’ll see a rock wall and an opening in the brush. Once you step through, the trail is obvious. If anything, ask the parking attendant, he’ll probably point you in the right direction.
Tips:
If it’s raining, I’d turn back, but you can learn that lesson yourself. On the way up there are a few parts where the trail splits. The left takes you to the usually muddy route through the trees; the right takes you out in the open where trail will be very narrow, windy, and with a steep drop off. Brah, buggah iz nuts! That is, it can be slightly unnerving. I use the bushes as hand holds here.
Altogether a fun little hike. If it were a little longer, or a little less traveled by others, I’d probably give it a 5 stars. Still, I’ll be back many times to come.

Now THIS is the hike I’ve been dying to review (literally).
Simply, you can park in the same parking area as if you were going to Nuuanu’s Pali Lookout area. Good thing if you’re a resident cause free parking ah! So, instead of going into the lookout area, turn left at the sign and follow the stone wall. You’ll find a noticeable crack in the wall and that’s where you enter into the bamboo trees. Go up from there, but before beginning, let me warn you that it’s a risky hike if you’re afraid of heights and if it’s wet!
**BE EXTRA CAREFUL IF THE TRAIL IS MUDDY!!! I advise beginning hikers not to try it if it’s muddy. Follow the ridge till it’s end and you’ll have to walk a few steps down below you and see that you were above the puka (which is at the end of the ridge). I took an alternative route to get to the puka and it was slippery. Of course, I slipped because that’s what slippery things do to you… I fell 50 feet down the opposite side of the ridge of the mountain and got super muddy. Thank God I sort of landed on a tree branch before falling further into God knows what! Despite my accident, I’d still do it again! (the hike, not the fall).
The hike reveals a breathtaking view of Kaneohe and the east side. The puka, well I’m not sure of it’s significance but of that it’s a hole in the mountain. LOL be prepared for slippery slopes and using ropes to get up steep areas.
This is definitely a hike to experience! Don’t hike alone, avoid it on rainy days, and ALWAYS BE CAUTIOUS.