This trail was the muddiest experience I have ever had. The first half of the 11.3km is well maintained and less muddy but as soon as you get past this, the trail is a knee deep crevice full of water and mud puddles. No one is lying about how muddy it is, wear appropriate footwear! We were in Hawaii for work so we only had sneakers with us. I had mud under my toe nails for weeks after this one.
This trail is one of the few on O'ahu that you need to apply for a permit to do. This just limits the number of people on the trail and gives you access to drive on the 10km road to the trail head. The road is behind a locked gate, the gate code will be on the permit provided to you when approved. It's not very hard and I think I got my approval back same day.
Apply here: https://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/poamoho-trail--poamoho-hele-loa-access-on-line-permit/175
I didn't get too many photos on this one. I was heavily concentrating on the trail and not falling over, I did a fair few times...
Even though quite challenging, I found it highly worth the wet trek and gorgeous views at the summit. I find it a must to mention the wind cutting through the peaks at the top, something I didn't see anyone else mention on their blogs.
As it's the tropics it also rained on and off, make sure you are well prepared for the wet!
