The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted

This is the remains of the summer palace of King Kamehameha III and his Queen Kalama. Please note that this is a place to be respected and is revered by the Hawaiian people. So please leave this place as you found it -- as it is a place of historical significance. We googled this location and got to the parking lot no problem. However, finding the ruins was a different story. First off, the parking lot is a bumpy dirt area (free), not that large, so you may want to take this into consideration. We got lucky and found a spot. When we followed our google walking map to the ruins, we couldn't find it. We walked along the side road where cars drive through, but that's wrong. So we walked back to the parking area and talked to some locals to find out where the ruins were. As we followed their directions, we still couldn't find it, but ran into people coming down from the waterfall, so we decided to check that out instead. I will post another review of the falls under Lulumahu Falls, which was a wonderful hike, by the way.On the way back from the waterfall, we decided to try to find the ruins again. Went through the bamboo forest (this is the right way) and followed location map on google. Once you are about 10 minutes in, you'll start to notice ribbons around trees and branches (others left behind) that signify you are headed in the right direction. Soon enough, we found it. So glad we did, as it was very interesting to see!The hike (more like a walk) to the ruins is easy -- about 25 minutes, it's just not so easy to find.Tip: Don't forget bug spray. Lots of mosquitos in the area! And if you walk to the waterfalls, you need good shoes and prepare to get VERY muddy!

Reminder to self if you every get lost and start to notice you are going in circles, DO NOT PANIC! The smarter thing to do is to leave a trail of bread crumbs. Lol. Thank goodness I was with a group when I first visited the Kaniakapupu Ruins. We were feeling a little adventurous so headed to the ruins from the Lulumalu hike parking area. We ventured off into the thick thick bamboo forest. The route we took initially had a path to follow then it eventually disappears. When we got there, the site was well worth the journey of getting lost. The ruins are breathtaking in its own way. This was once the summer palace for royalty so when you visit appreciate the beauty, respect this historic site, and don't take anything from the site.Kaniakapupu Ruins is one of Oahu's best kept secrets and should be enjoyed by all.

I have been here several times, its easy to miss which I think is a good thing. Don't want it to turn into Diamond head. Don't disturb this historical landmark. Don't climb anything or walk on the low walls either. Everything is old and aged and cover with moss in wet, steamy nuuanu. Lot of people leave offerings such as leis and fruit at the plaque. You first see the main structure of a large room. maybe 20 x 20 and there will be several other structures around the site such as foundation walls, paths and some completely collapsed piles of rubble. I heard several different stories that it was used for kinda staycation parties and festivals and also as a point of retreat in invasions. the area is lush, beautiful and serene. it'll often be wet and drizzly and you'll see a rainbow over the front garden as one of the only places light penetrates strongly is above the main structure. The trail is short, first left after the split log on the main trail in the bamboo forest. You can continue down the main trail but there have been issue with people straying on to private property where one owner has a waterfalls in their yard and some had large dogs as i heard. There are other path and some water pipes in the area but those trails seem to be overgrown and some have collapsed trees and is quite dangerous as it is not designated for hiking but for maintenance. It's a bit more safe just to go to Lulumahu falls instead of wandering too much in this area. I guess DLNR has jurisdiction over this area and you are able to apply for a permit to visit. Without one you risk being charged with criminal trespass. They don't so much bother locals so much but I've seen them come to this area and Lulumahu falls identify rental cars, hold everyone there while they issue every single person a ticket. They'll sit there, park and wait till people exit the trail to issue a ticket. I mean hey. Probably just filled their monthly quota in one sitting.

I was afraid this would be really tough to find, but it wasn't. Like, at all. The trail was perfectly obvious from the start. Read yelp reviews, you'll find the info you need. Just don't be a jerk and damage the site. It's incredible, it's sacred, and it should be respected, not destroyed by idiots. I appreciated the opportunity to explain to my kids how important it is to respect other cultures' important sites, with something so memorable to use as a teaching opportunity. We really valued our time at Kaniakapupu.The hike itself is straight forward and simple. Really, it's not even a hike. Just a short walk through some bamboo. It's the research you have to do beforehand that makes it tough. But it's definitely worth it!

Raining. Wet and muddy trail. A thick forest filled with bamboo. This truly makes a wonderful introductory Hawaiian hike with a bonus of rich Hawaiian history.We were hoping the rain would stop and were determined to go if it didn't. By the time we got the necessary chores done the weather took a turn for the worse. Following the directions as simply as possible we located the trail head easily. There were 2 cars parked 50 yards up. By the time I completed my U-turn they were gone and another car was pulling in. I pulled ahead and parked.To prepare, I like using the Deep Woods Off to keep the pesky mosquitoes off us. This time, however, I decided to try the Centinella based spray. I've used the plants and know how effective their natural scent is. This had the same effect. Not one bite, but it was raining. Further testing will be done on future hikes.Anyway, the lush bamboo forest was amazing to see acting like a curtain hiding the secrets of the past and of the island. We felt like we were on an Indiana Jones adventure and couldn't wait for the excitement to begin. Upon entering, the rain began to fall harder. I wondered if this was a sign to keep out. Moving forward, the trail gave way to a myriad criss crossing of roots above the surface causing us to be extremely cautious in these muddy conditions.To the right of the trail there is an old irrigation system that might be still used today. Not sure. The stones look to be of the same type used for the palace and could date back to the same time period. Something worth investigating.I picture how dignitaries might of traveled with their entourage to get here for their festivities. How impressed they would been to see a grand palace in the middle of the forest in the cooler, higher elevation.When you get into clearing and see the ruins you can't help but to rush in. You don't leave your senses long as you begin to feel the stronger Mana in the area. At the same time I felt drawn in, to come in and visit but be respectful. That we did. We walked the perimeter of the ruins before going inside. We studied it from the outside. We studied it from the inside. What a great place this must have been back then.Even with the rain, this hike took us 5 min. to get to from the trail head. It is a great hike to do with kids and family that can be used to teach respect and Hawaiian history as well as the basic lessons of hiking in Hawaii. I advised Gabriel G. if we saw trash in the site we would bring it out. It is good to see other visitors are doing their part and being respectful. There was no trash for us to bring out.

It feels amazing to see what my ancestors had in the past. We took the right to he fort at first that lead us to the top of a waterfall. No trail to walk down. We were told you have to climb down the fall. DO NOT ATTEMPT it is very Dangerous and slippery. We walked back and took the left. This is just about a 10 minute walk. You'll see red ti leafs from a far and you'll know your almost there. The place was beautiful amazing really. So peaceful and nice. Side note: do not crave into any trees rocks etc. this is place isn't made for your writing skills. Next, do not litter. Hawaii is growing every single day let's keep our scared parts scared and clear.

Beautiful home and great mana!! Be respectful and ask first to enter. With that being said. The calm and peace you fee here is so cleansing and relaxing. Not a long hike just a few minutes and and out but there are other trail heads close by like Judd trail that you can continue on too.

Breathtaking and full of history. These ruins are truly considered a hidden treasure and takes you through a bamboo forest in Nu'uanu Valley. HISTORY: This is the summer palace of King Kamehameha III and Queen Kalama. Completed in 1845, these ruins lie in Nu'uanu Valley on lands known as Luakaha "place of relaxation" and dedicated to the god, Lono. It was the first government building built with influence from western style mortar and plaster. The King could escape the summer heat by returning to this spot. Per the plaque located at the site, this was a place for entertainment of foreign celebrities and the feasting of chiefs and commoners. In 1847, an estimated 10,000 people celebrated the Hawaiian Restoration Day with a luau at this site. This location is considered sacred and should be treated with respect. DIRECTIONS: I don't want to be detailed as this trail is now CLOSED to the public and visitation. Due to the recent vandalism and graffiti, only authorized groups such as the Sierra Club of Hawai'i are allowed to visit this site. It is not acceptable to deface or damage the ruins. It is utterly disrespectful to do so. Not really helpful, I know. I'm terribly sorry but my thoughts are that if you can find this place without me saying so, then props to you! :) There's a lot of information that can be found on the web, just be aware that you are entering a no trespassing zone. If you choose to ignore my warning, please do not remove anything that does not belong to you. If you bring trash, please take it back with you! Many organizations work tirelessly to maintain these historic sites. Don't be disrespectful! Treat it as if it belonged to you! But most importantly, appreciate the site. Be thankful that you get to experience something like this! We may not have it in the years to come if people keep destroying it! HIKE: It's not really a hike, honestly. You could probably do this in slippahs but it might be small kine muddy if it recently rained. Almost everyone could make this trek! Go visit a nearby hike called Lulumahu falls. It's a gorgeous waterfall! For more information, please follow this link provided by DNLR: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/featured/nr16-119f/

Super easy and short hike. Well, it's more like a walk. Breath taking ruins, please keep in mind this is a historical site and if you visit here please be respectful.

Date: September 22, 2015Location: Kaniakapupu RuinsReason to go: Burn off the heavy lunchI was in the company of Mel and Sari when we went to Kaniakapupu Ruins. Mel knew the way to get there. We walked through the bamboo forest and climbed over a large tree trunk in order to get to the ruins. The pathway was very muddy. I did my best in trying to step on the dry areas. Yes the mosquitos were out flying around as well.Once we arrived at the Kaniakapupu Ruins I noticed how beautiful and peaceful it was. (I personally was out of breath and sweating up a storm since I've been slacking on doing exercises). I took a moment of silence to pay respects to King Kamehameha III and Queen Kalama. I used my mind and pictured on how it would have been back when King Kamehameha III was alive. The summer palace of King Kamehameha III and his Queen Kalama would have gatherings for the foreigners and commoners alike. There would be a luau with 10,000 individuals in attendance in celebrating the Hawaiian Restoration Day back in 1847. I wonder if during his time there would be music, dance, and laughter.Kaniakapupu Ruins is in a NO TRESPASS zone. Please be respectful to King Kamehameha III and the land surrounding the Kaniakapupu Ruins. Do not remove anything that does not belong to you.