22 In Hawaii/ Wellness

Hawaii Hikes: Pu‘u Ma‘eli‘eli Digging Trail

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Digging Trail View

Short and sweet with glorious views, Pu‘u Ma‘eli‘eli Digging Trail on the Windward side is a chill hike away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular trails. If you only have a short timeframe and want to fit in a nice hike, I highly suggest this one. It has great shade, easy incline (with only a couple of moderate segments) and ends with amazing coastal views.

How to get to Pu‘u Ma‘eli‘eli Digging Trail

The trailhead is easy to find, literally right off Kahekili Highway. You can park on Hui Iwa St. directly across from the entry point to the Byodo-In Temple. Head down to Kahekili and take a left behind the guardrail. Once you get to the end of the townhomes you’ll see the trailhead.

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Digging Trail Map

You’ll start with a relatively steep incline which if muddy can be a bit slippery but not really dangerous. I remember hiking this with my kids when they were really little and we were sliding all over the place, it was more comical than anything. Because it can be rainy, especially on the Windward side, I suggest keeping some trash bags and towels in your car just in case you come back a bit dirty.

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Digging Trail

Looking back toward the Trailhead

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Digging Trail Rope

Ropes to help.

Keep following the clearly marked trail and you’ll wind your way through the lush landscape and even happen upon some peek-a-boo views. These are a treat within themselves.

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Digging Trail View

You’ll also come to some areas where you need to weave yourself through some trees. Nature’s obstacle course! At this point, you are getting close to the outlook.

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Digging Trail Trees

Soon you’ll pass a wooden sign and come upon some old military bunkers. Continue on the trail until you reach another bunker and voila, glorious views! Sit back and take it in, have a snack (or two) and enjoy.

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Digging Trail Outlook

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Digging Trail Outlook

Puʻu Maʻeliʻeli Digging Trail Outlook

All-in-all Pu‘u Ma‘eli‘eli Digging Trail is a great option, especially for those not looking for anything too aggressive. Get out there and check this one off your list. Aloha!

Looking for more Hawaii Hikes? I got you.

Hawaii Hikes: Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

Hawaii Hikes: Aiea Loop Trail

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22 Comments

  • Reply
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    March 27, 2019 at 5:47 AM

    […] Pu‘u Ma‘eli‘eli Digging Trail […]

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  • Reply
    celeste wright
    August 23, 2018 at 7:51 AM

    this looks so beautiful. I would love to come visit one day

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 23, 2018 at 1:48 PM

      You would love it! 🙂

  • Reply
    Amanda
    August 22, 2018 at 8:20 AM

    My goodness this post has me LONGING to go back to Hawaii. I was younger when I visited so not much time for hikes–would love to return as an adult and explore the trails!

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 22, 2018 at 10:00 AM

      It will be a totally different experience! I love exploring the islands 🙂

  • Reply
    celeste wright
    August 21, 2018 at 8:04 PM

    I have been wanting to go Hawaii. This trip looks incredible 🙂

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 22, 2018 at 9:58 AM

      Hawaii is awesome! Might be expensive to get here but a lot of the amazing things to do and see are free!

  • Reply
    Laura Liira
    August 21, 2018 at 4:42 PM

    What a STUNNING hike!! Hawaii is on my bucketlist!! Hoping to go next February!!!

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 22, 2018 at 9:57 AM

      Yes!! So much to do you will love it! February would be a great time to make a trip!

  • Reply
    Ali Gilbert
    August 21, 2018 at 11:51 AM

    Wow, is this gorgeous! We have been wanting to go to Hawaii- hiking this trail would be so fun. I read that you hiked it with your kids years ago…how old were they? Mine are toddlers…do you think it would be too steep for them?

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 22, 2018 at 9:56 AM

      You would love it! My kids were 5 and 7 at the time, but I have seen kids younger than that hiking this trail. There are a couple of steep areas but nothing that they wouldn’t be able to scramble up (with some help maybe). When you reach the pillbox they need to be careful as there are some drop offs as well. There are a lot of easy hike options on Oahu including another that I wrote about at https://alohalovely.com/hawaii-hikes-makapuu-lighthouse-trail/

  • Reply
    Clair
    August 21, 2018 at 10:21 AM

    What a beautiful place to go hiking! I can’t imagine getting to look at that view!

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 21, 2018 at 11:30 AM

      It doesn’t get old! Love hiking here 🙂

  • Reply
    Chrissy
    August 21, 2018 at 3:18 AM

    This is gorgeous! I’ve only been to Hawaii once and everything there was so incredible. I’d love to make it back another time and explore more islands.

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 21, 2018 at 5:57 AM

      Yes! There is so much to explore, I live here and feel like I’ve only scratched the surface 🙂

  • Reply
    Kristin Cook
    August 21, 2018 at 2:22 AM

    I’m not gonna lie, I absolutely HATE hiking. BUT, those gorgeous ocean views might actually make it worth it, even to someone like me. I love that you are able to get out and do stuff like this in such a beautiful place!

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 21, 2018 at 5:56 AM

      This is a short one too, so not too much work for a high reward! Aloha Kristin!

  • Reply
    Danielle
    August 20, 2018 at 2:57 PM

    This looks seriously incredible. I clearly need to get here.

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 20, 2018 at 3:02 PM

      Yes!! Hawaii has so much beauty and adventure to share 🙂 Aloha!

  • Reply
    bronwen
    August 20, 2018 at 10:04 AM

    Absolutely stunning photos. What a treat!

    http://www.babblesnbooks.wordpress.com

    • Reply
      Julie
      August 20, 2018 at 10:34 AM

      Thanks so much! It’s beautiful for sure 🙂

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