Pearl Harbor

This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting four individuals who love Oahu hiking as much as I do: Laarni, Frank, Justin and James.  Funny part is this was James first hike on Oahu and it’s the Bowman Trail, arguably one of the toughest and most dangerous trails on Oahu.  Nothing like a nice 12 mile long expert rated trail to break in the new guy!

Me, James (in blue), Frank, Laarni and Justin

Bowman Trail is an 12 mile long (round trip) Oahu hiking trail which leads up to the Ko’olau summit.  This is an all day hike and it really will take all day.  It is a 2,400 foot climb to the summit but with all the ups and down most people agree it’s really about 4,000 feet of climbing.

James negotiating a slip and die portion of the trail.

It is a wicked roller coaster of a ride not for those who have a fear of dangling from ledges,  hanging onto a wire while ascending/descending ridge lines or slinking across a razor thin section of ridge.  However the rewards are well worth the struggle…

We started this trail at roughly 8 a.m., we meant to start it at 630 but you know how that goes.  The trail starts off with a heart pounding climb up what seemed to be a few hundred feet just to get onto the trail.  From there the trail was relatively mild…for a short way.

Early along the way you’ll get beautiful views of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, etc.

You will get dirty on this trail fast.  It rained on us more than a few times on our ascent which makes the trail very slick in spots and creates mud pits in others.  There is no such thing as Oahu hiking without rain and mud!

There are numerous places on the trail where you will have to use rope or wires to ascend or descend the ridge.  BE CAREFUL! Near the summit of this trail the wire broke in James hand as he was descending a particularly steep segment of the trail.  Check all cables thoroughly first and turn around if you don’t feel 100% confident.

When you eventually make it to the summit you will be rewarded with amazing views of both Kaneohe and Honolulu  from the Ko’oalu Range.  Snap some photos, make some videos, breath in the fresh air and eat some grub.

Justin came through with MREs for everyone.

Don’t linger too long though since you still have a six mile descent awaiting and probably want to make it down the mountain before nightfall.

Bowman Trail Recommendations:

1. Start this trail early.
2. Bring a more than healthy supply of water.
3. Bring lots of carbohydrates, jerky, bananas, etc.
4. Just in case you’ll probably want to bring a headlamp.
5. Bring your basic first aid, tourniquet, dressings, etc…you never know.

Directions to Bowman Trailhead:

The Bowman Trail Head lies on the other side of the basketball court of the Kalihi Elementary School (2471 Kula Kolea Dr, Honolulu, HI 96819 -mapquest it) off the Likelike Highway.  You will need to park in the residential area on Naai Street.  Please be curteous to the residents.  Once you’re parked just walk up to the school basketball courts and you should see the trailhead.