Koloiki Ridge Hike
Read MoreBeginning your ascent, you will notice the large and beautiful water feature of the Experience at Koele’s 9th hole. Many years ago a series of reservoirs were located here to catch the run-off for the old Koele Ranch. Hugging the left path, you pass the famed signature 17th hole. To your left and up the hillside is where the golfers tee off (be aware that you are in the line of golfers and that at any time someone may be teeing off). To your right the fairway drops below and into Ka’iholena Valley.
Beginning your ascent, you will notice the large and beautiful water feature of the Experience at Koele’s 9th hole. Many years ago a series of reservoirs were located here to catch the run-off for the old Koele Ranch. Hugging the left path, you pass the famed signature 17th hole. To your left and up the hillside is where the golfers tee off (be aware that you are in the line of golfers and that at any time someone may be teeing off). To your right the fairway drops below and into Ka’iholena Valley.
Shortly you will come across an abandoned road that was once a service road for the tunnels that carried drinking water from Maunalei Gulch to Lana’i City. Turn left and follow the dirt road down through the gulch. Be aware of branches and pot holes under the forest leaves. Keep your eyes and ears focused on the many deer that roam here. The barking deer warn others of approaching danger.
The dirt road down the gulch will intersect the Munro Trail (a jeep road). At this point, you are about half way and have completed the hardest part of the hike. That is not to say that Munro Trail is without its challenges. In winter months, or after any heavy rain, the Munro Trail can become a muddy mess. Turn right on the Munro Trail.
Coming out of the trees, the trail opens to vast vistas of the rugged north side of Lana’i. Continue along the trail and you will enter a small stand of Norfolk pines on the hill ahead. MOLOKA’I – To your left, across the choppy seas of the Kalohi channel is the island of Moloka’i. Its southern shorelines are dotted with more than 70 Hawaiian fishponds, evidence of advanced aqua culture technology, found nowhere else in the Pacific.
MAUNALEI GULCH – Looking seaward, Maunalei is the widest valley to your right. Ancient chants tell of the clouds bringing the misty rain of Kane to feed its streams. Bordered with a forest of Ahakea trees, this was the chosen place for the cultivation of Kalo or Taro, the Hawaiian staple food. Today, a service road can be seen at the bottom of the valley leading to a pump house. As a watershed preserve, it is a source of drinking water and is restricted to access.