| Olomana | |
|---|---|
| Mount Olomana | |
View of the three peaks from Nu‘uanu Pali |
|
| Elevation | 1,643 ft (501 m) |
| Translation | "Divided Hill" (Hawaiian) |
| Location | |
| Location | Windward Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii |
| Geology | |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Hawaii hotspot |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Mount Olomana or simply Olomana is a set of three mountainous peaks on the windward side of Oahu near Kailua and Waimanalo. While historically only the first peak was called Olomana and the second and third Paku'i and Ahiki (the least pointed peak) respectively, most people call the entire section Olomana.[1] Geologically speaking, Olomana is an erosional remnant from within the caldera of the Koʻolau Volcano.
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In Hawaiian, Olomana means, "divided hill". According to ancient Hawaiian legend, Olomana was a giant warrior who ruled the lands on the Windward side of Oahu from Kualoa to Makapu'u.[2] During this time ʻAhuapau, the king of Oahu sent the great warrior Palila to battle Olomana, subsequently cutting Olomana in half. His upper torso was said to be in the Pacific Ocean near Kāneʻohe Bay leaving his lower half where Mount Olomana is today.[2]
The trail that spans the three peaks is approximately 2.5 miles with a elevation gain of 1,643 feet. The terrain is rugged with many areas only passable with the aid of ropes.[3]
Hiking Olomana can be hazardous especially in wet conditions between the second and third peak.[4] Several accidents have occurred in this section resulting in at least one death.[5]