Resources

Plan your hike on Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail

Planning a hike to Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail? Follow these tips and tricks to ensure you have a safe and fun experience outdoors.

What to bring:

Wear appropriate gear, such as hiking boots with ankle support and long pants
Bring plenty of water and a snack
Bring crampons if its been raining and slippery
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bug spray
Bonus: bring a small medical kit with essentials such as an ace bandage and neosporin asdfasdf

Hike Pono!

Introducing Pono the Nēnē! Made in collaboration with the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and Nā Ala Hele Trail and Access program, Pono the Nene is a creative, educational outreach campaign which aims to inspire and engage trail users to “Hike Pono” or hike with morality, goodness and with respect to nature. A pilot program in its early development, these signs can only be found at the Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail in East Honolulu.

What does Pono Mean?

Pono is a Hawaiian word with no literal translation into English. The concept of pono is to do something with righteousness, integrity, harmony, morality, and excellence, to name only a few translations. Hiking pono means having respect and an awareness for nature, animals, and those around you.

How do I Hike Pono?

To hike pono, follow all of Pono the Nēnē’s tips and tricks!

Stay on the trail
> Shortcuts kill plants and cause erosion
Listen to nature
> Winds, trees and bird songs are the music of the forest. Keep your music in
headphones
Leave no trace
> This land is home to many. Pack out your trash. Take only memories!
> Dogs are welcome in the forest. Dog poop is not! Please pack out your waste
bags

Other things to keep in mind:

Please clean your boots with 70% rubbing alcohol and water before hiking on the trail. This helps slow the spread of invasive seeds and harmful funguses like Rapid 'Ōhia Death to the native forest.
There are no bathrooms in the forest. Consider using the restroom at the Kuli‘ou‘ou Neighborhood Park before arriving to the trail
If you are thirsty, it means you are already dehydrated! Hydrate plenty the night before and throughout your hike
Consider hiking in cooler temperatures, such as the morning

View ATA’s restoration sites

Notice colorful flags next to keiki plants on your hike? You may be coming across ATA’s restoration sites! Please stay on the trail and view the restoration work from the trail.