Kaniakapupu Ruins Hike

Entrance thru the bamboo

Kaniakapupu Ruins

  I have been researching 'off the beaten path' hikes and hidden natural treasures here on Oahu for the past few weeks. There is an underground network of hikers here that trade information regarding hikes that are not marked, and some that are marked 'no trespassing'. Photos of natural rock arches, hidden waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes turn up in my searches, but one image stood out. I came across the image of old stone ruins, but not like the ancient heiaus or temples, this had some intact doorways and walls, and was surrounded by jungle.

  Heidi and I searched for more information and once we got a starting point we decided to begin our search. We had high confidence after finding Lulumahu Waterfall the day before. We had an idea of where to go, but once again it turned out to be search.

  We met a couple of hikers coming back down the trail who told us we chose the wrong turn at the fork and the ruins must be down the other way. So we backtracked and took a left at the fork. Soon after the ruins appeared in front of us.

View inside the ruins

The Kaniakapupu ruins are an amazing historical site. They are the ruins of King Kamehameha III's summer house. They date back to 1847 and were only used for a couple of decades before being discarded. I was shocked that this place isn't protected as a national historic site. A plaque on site states the name of the ruins and also describes an event held here were 10,000 people attended. It's hard to imagine that many people in this small plot of land. I imagine that it is only a matter of time before this place is back on the tourists' map and preserved by the government. But for now if you are lucky enough to find it then you can have an ancient Hawaiian experience all to yourself.