We had a dinner one night, and on the menu was a slab of prime rib that wouldn’t fit on a dinner plate.

Among other things.

So we went hiking.

We figured if we were going to consume that amount of calories, we’d better make room.

So I flipped through Stuart Ball’s “The Hiker’s Guide to Oahu” and found a hike I hadn’t done — and nearby.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail, a 5-mile roundtrip ridge hike that starts on a dirt access road through formosa koa and guava forest and ends atop a peak on the Koolau Mountains.

The book said it was easy, great for beginners, lacking the wilderness and thrill factors some hikers are seeking.

That book needs revising.

Here’s the real deal: the trail is fairly easy to a certain point. Then it gets serious. Imagine climbing the steps up Koko Head crater after hiking a ridge trail. Then add ropes.

Here’s what the trail really looks like:

Clean your shoes

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Like at most state-run trails, you should clean the soles of your shoes, so you don't spread seeds. It's good practice.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail, at the top of Waialae Iki on southeast Oahu.

Directions: From Kalanianiole Highway heading east, turn left on Laukahi Street. Continue mauka (toward the mountain) on Laukahi until you come to a security guard station. Check in with the security guard and then proceed up Laukahi until it ends. Turn left on Okoa, following the trail signs. Park in the parking area before the cable gate and proceed on foot along the access road to the trailhead.