This was an awesome hiking experience. Only for people that dont mind heights and can walk on edges of the cliff with little to no fear. The cross winds are crazy, and the ledge was narrow in spots but worth it overall. There are two paths to get there, one on the edge while the other was a little off the edge. I will definitely do this again.
This is a must hike to spot fir anyone who wants a classic vacation photo. The hike is short but it will challenge you. There are many slick areas and anfew spots where other hikers generously placed ropes. The ropes are helpful in the really steep spots but make sure you test them before you trust the. Take care along the cliff edge and before long you will make it to the puka. Round trip can be accomplished in under an hour.
This hike is CLOSED to the public. We went anyway because all the reviews were excellent. Heres the deal though: this is a VERY steep and treacherous hike. Do not go if its wet/rainy or extremely windy. Dont go if you have literally any health problem. Maybe consider not going if you value your life. Its pretty dangerous and the chances of falling/slipping are high. This is definitely not appropriate for kids or older adults. The views are amazing, sure, but you can see mostly the same view from the overlook.
Great hike. Awesome views. Ridge walks are wonderful. Wind was blowing away from the ledge today - well except or one section where the ledge was on both sides.Just be careful choosing a couple of ways - towards the end you have a choice or uncut path literally inches away from abyss or a cut-through the woods and finally there are two ways to descent to puka (in reality only one if you want to live through the day). I can see how in both instances people made some really really poor decisions.I was lucky as there was nobody on the trail today - cant tell you what the experience is like with dozens of people all moving across the ridge back and forth. If you are around over the next few days - no rain and no wind preferable - its a great short highly rewarding hike.
**DURATION: Slowly but surely! This hike is a pretty quick hike, about 20-35min (Start - PUKA)**DIFFICULTY: Easy-Moderate**PARKING: Free for locals. Honestly, I dont even know how they can tell whos car is local but just in case have something that is visible on your car to show you are truly local, something that doesnt reveal any sensitive information thou. Again, just in case, you may never know..Notes:~Word of warning takes your time on this hike as it is literally near the edge of death. Do not underestimate the winds because it is really strong up there.~On some of the paths throughout this hike you can take a safer one which is through the brush/trees/bushes (its a visible path) or the more adventurous but dangerous route (on the edge of the ridge (there lots of room to walk but just go with caution)**GEAR: Most of you! yes I mean you are probably wearing nonhiking shoes such as a Nike free run or some type of running shoes that have been worn out or has no grip at all. Honestly, thats perfectly fine because I use my Free Runs all the time for hikes! But as you may know, those shoes can easily cause you to slip especially on the dry dirt footpath, so make sure you have something to grip or hold on to going down/back especially.~Gloves if you dont want to get your hands dirty, regular hospital or those types are ok. I was fortunate enough to have some in my car so it was easy for me to use my hand going back down using the backward crawling method.~Water of course lol**TERRAIN: I dont recommend going when its very saturated and rainy.. the muddy terrain is not a safe and comfortable one to hike. Super dry days the dirt can get very slippery so just be always on your feet and be near something you can grab on too to be safe.~Heights, literally zero tolerance! Your on the edge of the mountain any buffoonery while hiking could be deadly. So please be safe, and have fun.. just no fooling around.**PUKA STOP: So as the hike is called Pali Puka it could end there but as you can see when youre at the Puka the hike can continue on. It gets pretty steep as you go further. As you can see in my photo, which is the cover photo currently (As of July 9, 2017) that spot is actually past the puka and past the elevated/steep part after the Puka. Again go with caution and if you are going with people advise them that if they are going to the steeper (past the puka) hike that as they go up rock may become dislodged and the people below could be affected to just be careful.Anyways have fun! I recommend this hike, sometimes when I have time to kill going between windward or town side I just come to this hike and do it quickly. Its fun, quick and the views are one to be seen
Pali Puka is an amazing hike that makes you feel Indiana Jones esque and has fantastic views. Definitely a little sketchy in some parts, which is why its important to stay low, and have three points of contact.
Not for the feint-of-hearted. If youre looking for a more adventurous hike and arent afraid of heights this is a great option. Not a good hike for kids or dogs as it does hug a ridge thousands of feet above Kaneohe. Incredible views of the windward side. By the way, be mindful of strong wind gusts as you reach the top near the ridges. There are a few rails that were created as alternatives to walking along the ridge as you make your way toward the puka (hole).
Not a long hike, but its a ridge hike so for a good portion of it you have the option to walk along the ridge or take the inside trail thats surrounded by trees. Do not do this hike if it has rained in the mountains the night before cause then its super slippery and difficult going down!
Pali lookout is beautiful itself. The Pali Puku trail is steep and tough. My legs were burning! But a fun little hike with a great view. This would be a nightmare with my kids, the trail has a sheer drop off half the time (adults and sure footed people only)
This isnt sanctioned. That said, some parts are dangerous so dont do anything stupid like get wasted before attempting. The wind is strong but you cant beat the view and solidarity
20 minutes of ridge scrambling to an iconic windy hole in the wall. Top 5 HI climbs. Bonus hike if you continue round to the KST.
Once you park in the paid parking area, take the sidewalk over to where the bus parking lot is (farthest to the right). You will see a section of the wall that is slightly crumbled and a trail leading into the woods. You will also probably see a sign saying the trail is closed (but there is no trail name on the sign). Scale the wall and head into the woods and up the muddy, rooted trail to the ridge line. The rest of the trail is easy to follow.
As an avid hiker, I absolutely love this trail. However this is definitely not for the faint of heart. There are ropes to help you along but parts of the trail are VERY close to the edge. Take your time and have a sit if you start shaking. Happy climbing! The views are incredible and the puka is is a nice photo op.
Great view bunch of trees and free also I saw some chickens.
Short hike, thrilling, dangerous, moderately difficult, lots of fun and beautiful sights. Recommend for people with some experience hiking with NO FEAR OF HEIGHTS.
Amazing views, love hiking there.
Great short hike
Its a little bit of a challenge for starters but its actually not that hard of a hike its just the highs will make you sweat!
Its lit
Nice view at the top but getting there is muddy, steep and has a dangerous narrow ledge at the top.
If you dont like heights avoid. If not youre gonna love the view.
Awesome trail
Free parking for kamaaina