Koloiki Ridge - Munro Trail Hike

Starting at the edge of the Challenge at Koele golf course, we began our hike up to the Munro Trail on a short connector trail.  We passed a couple of folks coming off the trail and I expected to see a few folks every now and then along the trail but these were the only hikers we saw for the next four hours!

Passing through beautiful forests of Norfolk Island Pine and Ironwood Trees, we reached the Munro Trail fairly quickly.  There were a couple of trucks driving on the trail but they passed quickly and otherwise we had the place to ourselves.

Finding the turnoff for Koloiki Ridge was easy (it was well marked) and the short trail down to the ridge end took about 10 minutes.  Once at the end, though, the views were fantastic.  Two deep, classic Hawaiian valleys on either side of the ridge on Lana'i and views across the channel to both Moloka'i and Maui.  Clouds were moving in and out, as is often the case in Winter in Hawaii, so we moved on.

Back on the Munro Trail, we continued up and up towards the highest point on Lana'i, Lana'i Hale, the top of a long-extinct volcano.  Although there are fine views to the left and right of the trail from time to time, the best view awaits at the top of Lana'i Hale where, at the summit, a small area has been cleared and there are views in several directions.  We could only see Moloka'i, Maui, and Kahoolawe but on clearer days one can also see Oahu and the Big Island (Mauna Kea).

We had lunch at Lana'i Hale and the followed the Munro Trail and the connector back to Koele!

The hike begins just behind the Lodge at Koele, where we'll meet up in the lobby. We'll follow the Orange posts to Marker 6 at the cemetery. To the right is the entrance to the Munro Trail.  Do note: as you ascend the trail, the air temperature drops considerably. Pack a light waterproof jacket.

It’s a short hike to the first vista, Marker 10, where you can see the islands Maui and Molokai in the distance, seemingly close enough to touch.  The trees in the forest at this location are ironwood.  Further along, at Kukui Gulch, the scent of wild ginger is often heady and intense.

The trail has a definite bulldozed-through-the-hills appearance. With its tall, deep sides, you feel as if you’ve shrunken in size. Above and all around you are trees; Norfolk pines and an occasional grove of giant guavas climb the sides of the hills.

A tunnel of branches (Marker 19) marks the start of the Koloiki Ridge trail. Expansive views of two gulches, Naio and Maunalei, coming together before meeting the ocean, and cool tradewinds will be our reward at trail’s end.   We'll then retrace our route back to Lanai City or continue a little along the main Munro Trail and then do the same.