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This page is a brief overview with pictures on how to get to the Pu‘u Ma‘eli‘eli Trail.
Puu Maelieli Trail is a hiking trail in the Kaneohe region of Oahu.
This trail is recommended as a hike to do if you’re looking to get out of Waikiki for a day and want a hike that offers you stunning coastal views! You’ll also get the mountain views of the Koolau range just by being in Kaneohe too.
This Oahu hike is lesser known, which means that it’ll be less crowded compared to popular hikes on Oahu.
This is a mostly easy trail, with a few parts that are steep with loose gravel that requires you to hike with extra caution. The distance of the Puu Maelieli Trail is less than 2 miles round trip, and you’ll want to allow 1-2 hours to complete the trail with time at the summit.
Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu
- Diamond Head Hike
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Koko Head Hike
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Puu Maelieli Trail
- North Shore Pillbox Hike
what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking
near puu maelieli trail >> things to do on east side of oahu
About the Puu Maelieli Trail from the trail sign
According to Hawaiian mythology, Pu‘u Ma‘eli‘eli translates to “digging hill.” The companion gods, Kane and Kanaloa, once raced to the top of the hill and had to “dig” into the slope with their hands to climb up.
The bunkers found on the summit are the remnants of the Heeia Combat Training Area (Camp Heeia) built during World War II to support nearly 4,500 military personnel.
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Oahu Map: Location of Puu Maelieli Trail
Kaneohe Map: Location of area near Puu Maelieli Trail
Explore the map of the Puu Maelieli area.
Shown on map below:
- Trailhead
- Unofficial path to trailhead
- Bus stop on route 65
- Unofficial street parking on Hui Iwa Street
- Temple Valley Shopping Center (Koolau Center)
- Entrance to the Valley of the Temples, which leads to Byodo-In Temple
How to get to Puu Maelieli Trail
The “trailhead” of the Puu Maelieli Trail is somewhat hidden on the side of the Kahekili Highway. Whether taking the bus or driving, you’ll start your Kaneohe hiking adventure on a side street that’s a few minutes away.
How to get there by bus
There is a bus stop located on the street just across the road from the Valley of the Temples. Once you get off the bus, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the start of the trail. (More directions on that below.)
From Waikiki to Kaneohe where the trail is located is a little over an hour by bus.
For bus directions to Puu Maelieli Trail from Waikiki, have a look here.
See here for tips on taking the bus in Oahu.
How to get there by car
Since the trailhead is on the highway, it’s not possible to park directly by the trailhead.
One of the common places that people park to get to the trail is on the same residential street that the bus stop is located, that’s just off of the Temple Valley Shopping Center. (Park at your own risk!)
If you’re driving in from the south, which would be from Honolulu or Waikiki, one of your main landmarks will be the McDonald’s. There’s a traffic light at the intersection where McDonald’s is located, and you’ll want to turn right onto the street. Another landmark is the Valley of the Temples where the Byodo-In Temple is located. The Valley of the Temples will be on your left at the intersection, so you’ll be turning away from it.
If you look at the map above, you’ll see a car symbol right above the Hokuloa symbol. It’s usually around there that people who drive to the Puu Maelieli Trail will look for parking.
This is at the start/end of the trail. You see the trail starts right off the highway.
Once you park your car or get off the bus, you want to walk back down towards the highway. Turn left at the traffic light. That would be south, away from the McDonald’s.
At some point, you’ll have to climb over the guardrail to get to other side. There is a makeshift path at the beginning for you to follow that may be faint in some parts.
Keep walking until you find the start of the trail! It’ll probably take you around 5 minutes or so.
Now here are some more pictures so you know kind of what to expect!
This is the view heading towards the trail. The condos will be on your left as you are walking towards the trailhead.
This is the unofficial path leading to and from the trailhead. The Koolau mountain range will be at your back when you’re walking towards the trailhead.
This is the trail entrance.
And you can now start your hike!
How to get to Puu Maelieli Trail by bus from Waikiki
The bus around Kaneohe isn’t as frequent as taking the bus around Waikiki. It will also require at least one transfer. But if time and waiting aren’t an issue for you, the bus is otherwise convenient! What’s convenient is that the bus drops you off pretty close to the trailhead.
The bus stop is right in front of the Temple Valley Shopping Center, across the street from the entrance of the Valley of the Temples. The stop is on the street where people who drive to the trail would park, so you can follow the same directions as above once you get off the bus.
It will take around 1.5 hours to reach the shopping center from Waikiki by bus. To plan your trip and get more details of the bus route, see the Google Maps transit directions.
What you can expect when you hike the Puu Maelieli Trail in Kaneohe — stunning views! 🙂
HAPPY PUU MAELIELI TRAIL HIKING!
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
more things to do on oahu | map >> more things to do on the east side of oahu
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling
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