How to avoid ‘bad juju’ when hiking in Hawaiʻi

HONOLULU (KHON2) — If you are going for a hike, then you need to read this. Most hikes on Oʻahu are situated in, around or near a neighborhood.

And most hikes will take you to places where ancient Hawaiians trekked.

On Wednesday, June 19, we went out to the Kuliʻouʻou Valley Trail and met Ross. He lives in the neighborhood that leads into the Kuliʻouʻou hiking areas. He had some very interesting things to tell us.

Ross was born and raised in Kuliʻouʻou Valley, and he loves its history. He said the hikes at Kuliʻouʻou have only recently been revitalized, and it was once a dry, unkept area where few people hiked.

“Now, I see a lot of folks get rescued from that ridge up there,” Ross said as he paused from his daily fitness walk.

“They are usually going the wrong way and end up over there [pointing to the left side of the ridge] instead of over there [pointing to the right side] because they end up following the trails the boars make by accident,” he added.

He also went on to explain there are lots of boar in the Kuliʻouʻou valley and mountain areas. And with lots of boars comes lots of hunters.

“I often worry about the folks hiking,” Ross said. “It seems really dangerous to allow hunting in an area where so many people go hiking. I see people coming through here with rifles, and it just seems dangerous.”

Ross also said that on one occasion a neighbor of his who lives at the cul-de-sac saw some local teens walking up the trail entrance around dusk carrying wooden pallets.

“He asked them what they were doing, and they said they were going to make a bonfire,” explained Ross. “He told them to leave immediately. He does a good job watching out to make sure we’re safe back here.”

Ross also explained that sometimes people will park in the cul-de-sac area that is marked no parking. He said that area is off limits for parking because the huge emergency vehicles from Honolulu Fire Department can’t get into the area and turn around to get out when cars parked there.

“The emergency trucks can’t turn around for the rescues,” added Ross.

He also pointed out that some people will park and block home driveways in the area, and this ends up also impacting trash services.

“They park so close to the curb or right in front of the driveways,” explained Ross. “Then, when people are leaving, they can’t always see the cars that are parked too close. And that is what happens when trash services come in. They can’t access the trash cans because cars are parked right up on them.”

Ross had a few words of advice for anyone who takes any hikes anywhere in Hawaiʻi.

“When you take these hikes, remember that there was once a thriving nation living here before,” began Ross. “So, when you see a pile of rocks or flower(s) placed somewhere, then you are seeing where someone has come out to pray to the ancestors. So, don’t touch it or take it. It is sacred and not meant for you.”

He also explained that urinating on the trail can also lead to some “bad juju”.

“When people go to the bathroom out there, they have to remember they may be urinating on someone’s ancestor,” explained Ross. “There are graves out there from a long time ago. You don’t want to mess with that.”

So, the next time you decide to go on a hike, then be sure to be respectful of the people who live in the area. You are in their home; so, treat it as such. And also remember that you are trekking on land that hold significant spiritual, historical and traditional meaning for an entire group of people.