Makapuu/Tom-Tom Trail

Another one where you can do as much as you feel comfortable with but the second half is stricly for advanced hikers only. Numerous hikers have died on the trail goofing around and slipping and falling of the cliffs.

This version starts at the lookout abouve Makapuu beach park by the light house. Cross the street and go up the hill until you reach the ridge line. You are immediatly rewarded will spectacular views. Last time I did this I saw two whales.

The rest follows the ridge line towards Kaneohe. A couple steep climbs that will leave you tired but nothing dangerous. I marked a waypoint of a good picture spot by an interesting rock formation.(Natual arch.) You the will come across the platforms that the parasailors use. I believ at this point you can go back down the other side towards Hawaii Kai. I also think this is near the cache they had on TV but I havent done it yet so not sure. You can safely continue on to the old Nike missile site and telecommunications towers. At this point novie hikers should enjoy the view and turn around.

From here you descend into a deep gulch and come right back up. Very loose rocks and steep sections. Drops right of a couple hundred feet. Safe if you take it slow. If you follow the track going down and vear to the left you will take the safe path. IF you try to go straight you run in dropoffs that you SHOULD not try to climb down. Once you go back up there is a great luch spot in a grave of pine trees. (Marked with waypoint) Continuing on is fairly nice ridge walking until you reach the powerline polls after a breif climb. This is where you intersect the Tom-Tom Trail. (Marked with waypoint.)

This trail follows the said ridge down into Waimanalo and can get hairy in spots. Has ropes in a couple of spots. At the bottom exit out into the subdivision. The track log would be good to fiind the right point to enter housing division as it is not obvious. This is really fun hike if you're up to it but you can go as far as you want on the first portion and turnaround any time. You don't have to go far to get some spectacular views.

Reccomend using two vehicles if you do the whole route.