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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
22 Comments
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celeste wright
August 23, 2018 at 7:51 AMthis looks so beautiful. I would love to come visit one day
Julie
August 23, 2018 at 1:48 PMYou would love it! 🙂
Amanda
August 22, 2018 at 8:20 AMMy 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!
Julie
August 22, 2018 at 10:00 AMIt will be a totally different experience! I love exploring the islands 🙂
celeste wright
August 21, 2018 at 8:04 PMI have been wanting to go Hawaii. This trip looks incredible 🙂
Julie
August 22, 2018 at 9:58 AMHawaii is awesome! Might be expensive to get here but a lot of the amazing things to do and see are free!
Laura Liira
August 21, 2018 at 4:42 PMWhat a STUNNING hike!! Hawaii is on my bucketlist!! Hoping to go next February!!!
Julie
August 22, 2018 at 9:57 AMYes!! So much to do you will love it! February would be a great time to make a trip!
Ali Gilbert
August 21, 2018 at 11:51 AMWow, 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?
Julie
August 22, 2018 at 9:56 AMYou 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/
Clair
August 21, 2018 at 10:21 AMWhat a beautiful place to go hiking! I can’t imagine getting to look at that view!
Julie
August 21, 2018 at 11:30 AMIt doesn’t get old! Love hiking here 🙂
Chrissy
August 21, 2018 at 3:18 AMThis 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.
Julie
August 21, 2018 at 5:57 AMYes! There is so much to explore, I live here and feel like I’ve only scratched the surface 🙂
Kristin Cook
August 21, 2018 at 2:22 AMI’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!
Julie
August 21, 2018 at 5:56 AMThis is a short one too, so not too much work for a high reward! Aloha Kristin!
Danielle
August 20, 2018 at 2:57 PMThis looks seriously incredible. I clearly need to get here.
Julie
August 20, 2018 at 3:02 PMYes!! Hawaii has so much beauty and adventure to share 🙂 Aloha!
bronwen
August 20, 2018 at 10:04 AMAbsolutely stunning photos. What a treat!
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Julie
August 20, 2018 at 10:34 AMThanks so much! It’s beautiful for sure 🙂