Return to Rocks and Wind: Lanipo Trail (or Mau'umae Trail)




Our tradition of family weekend hiking resumed this past Saturday, it was the last weekend of summer (my oldest started High School today and my youngest starts Kindergarten Thursday!).  We changed our routine slightly and ate BEFORE hiking (which I don't usually like to do).  Hiking on a full stomach makes me sluggish, unmotivated, and more inspired to nap than climb  mountains, but this is how the schedule of events unfolded.  We found ourselves on the outskirts of Chinatown in Downtown Honolulu at Scratch Kitchen and Bakeshop---a long time item on my "to eat" list.  The wait was limited to ten to fifteen minutes (which we used to explore a little of the outdoor Chinatown markets).  Once we were seated, plantation ice tea had been ordered, and our mouths were watering from the orders we placed, I had a chance to look around.  Scratch is very cute inside, a hip urban eatery with many small tables together that were filled with families, young brunchers, a few tourists, and us.  I had heard great things about Scratch and was highly anticipating our meals.  We all decided to throw out our "healthy diets" for this meal and fully engage ourselves in fresh baked bread, stuffed French Toast, Shrimp and Grits, and the Brunchwich.  All I can say is good thing we were hiking, because wow, we just put away some food!


After rolling out of Scratch, we made our way to a trail I have done (not to completion) once before.  Lanipo Summit Trail or sometimes known as Mau'umae Trail is up the long and winding Sierra Drive in Kaimuki.  The views along this road are million dollar---they include Honolulu, Diamond Head Crater, and the Pacific Ocean out to the horizon.  When the drive to the hike is incredible, it's usually a good sign for the hike ahead.



I remembered from my previous hike on this trail that it was mostly a ridge line hike that was rock filled and windy.  Sure enough, we met these same conditions on Saturday, add to that summer afternoon heat (previously did this trail in the spring----an April morning, not on a full stomach) and let's not forget those full bellies.  Despite almost losing my hat to some good gusts of wind, and despite sweating all the way through my tank top, and despite hiking at a slightly slower pace than usual, this trail was still a success.



My husband and older son got to experience this trail for the first time on Saturday.  No complaints (unless a scrunched up face in the wind counts).  This entire trail is about seven miles.  We did not do that.  We did a fraction of the entire hike.  There is a nice commemorative bench at the one mile mark or so.  This is where we stopped, took in the views, let our huge brunch continue to digest, had our hiking photo shoot, and ultimately turned around to head back out.  I would love to continue past this bench at some point.  




What we do know of Lanipo Summit Trail up to the bench is sweeping views of the city on one side and lush mountains on the other.  The trail itself is not terribly difficult, it is lots of foot maneuvering on various sized rocks/boulders.  There is no shade to speak of, a hat and/or sunscreen are a must. Water, water, water.  The wind that kicks up every so often is impeccable for helping with that sweat situation I mentioned earlier, not so great for hats, but fantastic for capturing pictures of my youngest Zachs curly hair.




If you are looking for a quick cardio workout or a trail that is less crowded for you and your family, this is the trail for you.  You can do as little or as much of the ridge as you like.  There are great views almost immediately.   There is limited street parking at the entrance to the trail in the residential neighborhood (please be respectful of the residents).  There are so many ridge trails on O'ahu, it's sometimes hard to decide which one is the best one for you and your hiking skill/need.  The Lanipo Summit Trail allows even the novice hiker to feel like they have accomplished something big.  The rocks and roots along the trail keep your body engaged in the activity and the views keep your eyes happy.




And we all know that rocks make the best photo props!  Zach humored me with an entire rock photo montage as we neared the end of the trail.  Now that I have done this trail twice (once in dry conditions and once in slightly muddy conditions), I can say that the trail didn't change too much---there were still slippery spots in drier conditions and it was still a hot trail in the muddier conditions.






Hot, dry, windy, muddy, the Lanipo Summit Trail (Mau'umae Trail) is a good one.  My feet and eyes were happy and my heart and legs got a good workout.  My camera took some good shots and my kids got out their energy.  Not bad for a two mile hike in the city.



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