Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
marked by a natural stone walkway, this 1.5-mile trail hugs the rocky coastline as it weaves
its way through the ancient village of Kapiha'a. Though little remains of the village today
(it allegedly was abandoned around 1840), various historical markers point out the loca-
tion of
heiau
still visible in the area. Even though this trail catches the coastal breezes off
the surrounding water, there is laughably little shade, and the midday sun warrants at least
one bottle of water. Given the rugged nature of the path, wear closed-toe shoes. After the
trail reaches a dramatic terminus atop sea cliffs on the back nine of the golf course (which
is also where Bill and Melinda Gates were married), an easier return route is to follow the
cart path back to the golf clubhouse.
Koloiki Ridge Trail
An offshoot of the Munro Trail, the
Koloiki Ridge Trail
is a five-mile out and back hike
which begins directly behind the Four Seasons Koele Resort. On a nice day this is the
perfect way to spend 2-3 hours. Walking the trail is like taking a historical tour through
Lana'i's past.
To reach the start of the Koloiki Ridge Trail, head to the main entrance of the Four
Seasons Koele Resort and then follow the service road toward the golf clubhouse. Along
the way you'll pass what is probably the nicest miniature golf course in Hawai'i. Once
you reach the main clubhouse, another paved service road running behind the fairway ul-
timately leads to the trailhead. Along the walk you'll encounter white and red signs which
have been placed on the trail as part of an interpretive map available at the hotel's conci-
erge desk. A number of these are scattered along the initial paved section of trail.
Once the dirt trail begins, you'll find yourself walking beneath a canopy of ironwood
trees and Cook pines which predate the luxurious hotels. Planted in 1912 by the botanist
George Munro, the pines were used as a means of securing water by way of trapping mois-
ture from the passing clouds, and even today they still play a major role in providing water
for the island's residents.
Making a right at the red and white sign marked “10” places you directly on the Munro
Trail. The road is frequented by tourists and hunters. About a half mile down Munro Trail
at sign number 17, an arrow points the way down to the dramatic Koloiki Ridge. Once out
from beneath the canopy of trees, you'll notice that the ridge is flanked on both sides by
gulches which have been dramatically carved by the elements and time. From this (often
windy) vantage point at the end of the trail, the islands of Moloka'i and Maui spring up
on the horizon above the deep blue Pailolo Channel. When facing the islands, the gulch on
your left is Naio Gulch, a dry and rock-strewn canyon where you can occasionally catch a
