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Pu'u Ma'eli'eli Digging Hill

Kaneohe, Hawaii

3.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

2.23 miles

Elevation Gain

420 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Shauna Simons

This trail is on private property. This quick and easy hike provides epic view of Kaneohe Bay.

Note this trail is on private property. You must have permission from the property owner to access it. 

Pu'u Ma'eli'eli Digging Hill is a fun hike with stunning views over the ocean. The round-trip hike is mostly flat with a few steep inclines and takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. Most of the hike is covered, so the sun doesn’t play a big factor, but it can get pretty muddy and humid after a rain.

This easy hike has a big payoff at the top - panoramic views of Kaneohe Bay, from Coconut Island to Mokoliʻi. On a clear day, you may even see Molokai, Maui and Lanai in the distance. If you're thinking of bringing the family on this hike, keep in mind that there are a few climbs in elevation, so make sure members of your party can take these on and that conditions have been dry lately. 

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic

Pu'u Ma'eli'eli Digging Hill Reviews

My friends and I did this hike mid-February and it was muddy to say the least. We did not have issues with the sun or bugs though, so that was a plus. While the hike was short, I would not necessarily say that it was that easy because of all of the slipping and sliding. There are a couple steep inclines that were a little more difficult with the mud, but the rest of the trail has pretty gradual inclines. The view at the end of the trail is by and far the best part. Sitting on the bunker at the end of the trail with a snack is highly recommended. Even when the visibility is not that great, you can still see Kaneohe Bay and all of the little patch reefs—the different colored circles in the water—below. Parking seems easiest near the McDonalds just down the street from the trailhead. If you park there, it is a short walk to the trailhead.

The view at the top is gorgeous, and the WW2 ruins make for a nice platform to look out. We went up with a toddler and a baby—I would say the climbs are much too much for them. There is actually very little cover from sun (wear a hat). It might be more do-able when it's dry. Mosquitos are really bad, so be sure to wear spray! It gets very muddy; wear hiking sandals/something that dries. Would do it again, but not with kids.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Visit the Byodo-In Temple

Hang Out at the Kane'ohe Bay Sandbar

Stand Up Paddle in Kaneohe Bay

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Kaneohe Bay 10 Reef Kayaking

Likeke Falls Trail