Tantalus Exploration: Manoa Cliff Trail

This weeks Thursday trail took us up Round Top Drive, better known as Tantalus.  Recently we explored the Pu'u Ohia and Moleka Trails, also near the top of Tantalus.  The last on my Tantalus list to be explored was the Manoa Cliff Trail.  Mud, mainland-esque forest, bamboo, plant labeling, Diamond Head and Ko'olau Mountain views...not to mention hiking on a cliff.  Sometimes the cliff is a gradual (not scary one).  Other times the cliff is an "oh crap" one (as in don't think about the "Hazardous Cliff" warning sign that mentions possible death).  Ah, O'ahu hiking---always keeps you on your toes!

This week my hiking partner and I were on a limited time schedule due to summer school pick up.  But...we had to squeeze in a hike before the mid day pick up time!  We decided on Manoa Cliff because I knew we could do part of the trail in the small amount of time we had...and who doesn't love a little adrenaline rush in the morning (better than coffee!).

From what I researched before our Thursday Trail adventure, this trail is actually about 2.9 miles.  It is said to meet up with our pal from previous weeks---Pu'u Ohia (not surprising since that trailhead is just up the road).  It is also said that this trail can lead to the top of Manoa Falls (we usually just get the bottom view of the falls when hiking the official Manoa Falls trail)---which I'm guessing is the reason this trail is called Manoa Cliff, despite the trailhead NOT being in Manoa.  As we hiked along the winding muddy trail, we soon saw that the cliff we were on was indeed overlooking lush green Manoa Valley (hence another reason for the name of this trail).  I love how O'ahu trails mix and intertwine together.  

This trail was not physically demanding.  I was sweating from mugginess and minimal exertion.  There are a few small low key uphill sections that have stairs, but mostly this trail hugs the mountain and meanders through Hilo Holly plants, ginger, lavender petaled flowers, a variety of trees with moss, and the occasional person---we only saw one other small group, otherwise we had the trail to ourselves.

We hiked to the approximate one mile marker, the memorial bench where my five year old promptly made himself at home and devoured his hiking snack---Cheez-its.  The bench was also a great photo and lookout spot where we spied a waterfall across the valley (not Manoa Falls).  This waterfall and mountain duo was the perfect addition for our photos (that did not come out since I'm not a real nature photographer). 

This trail is pretty standard for a Tantalus trail.  It's not the most exciting hike I've done, but I enjoyed it for what it was---good for a quick nature outing, great spot to utilize shoe spikes, and perfect for my groups hiking level experience.  I'm hoping to get back to this trail again soon to complete it and be able to officially claim it as another hike under my belt. 

Things to consider if you want to hike Manoa Cliff:
1. You will get your feet dirty, bring slippers for after.
2. Bring binoculars for distance viewing.
3. Mosquitos were present at the car when we got back, but not so bad on the trail itself.
4. Park in the makeshift gravel lot on Round Top Drive (same lot for Moleka Trail).
5. Don't hike this alone.
6. Pig Hunters are here certain days.
7. Despite the title and the trail being on a cliff, kids can handle this---take it slow and use common sense, they will enjoy this trail!
8. If it is raining, you may want to nix this trail and stay home and Netflix and Chill!

Happy summer trail exploring!