Schofield-Waikane Trail - Activities On Oahu Wahiawa, Hawaii

The Schofield-Waikane Trail is a 4 mile long, out and back style hiking trail in the Wahiawa area of central O'ahu. But there are a few things you need to know about this hike before heading out so let's cover those first. And don't forget to read Hiking Safety & Essentials before heading out.

Image credit: kenji SAITO

The trail itself is around 4 miles long but requires a 2.5 mile walk on a dirt road to reach the trailhead which means it's closer to 7 miles each (14 miles round trip). So a 4 mile trail is really a 6.5 mile trail due to the hiking required to access the trailhead.

Image credit: kenji SAITO

Then there is the issue of access and getting clearance to use the trail. That starts with getting written permission for access through Schofield East Range from The U.S. Army, Director of Public Works (DPW). You can fax them (yes, fax is still a thing apparently) at 808-656-3290 or mail them a letter asking for permission to...

US Army Garrison, Hawaii,
Director of Public Works
ATTN: Real Estate Section
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

...be sure to explain why you want access, the date you'll hike, and your group size. You'll want to do this well in advance of your planned hike.

Image credit: kenji SAITO

You'll also need a Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) hiking permit once you have Schofield permission. The hiking permit will be void without accompanying letter from DPW. Permit applications must be received by mail, fax or in person no later than 10 working days before requested. If all goes well you'll be able to hike the trail from sunrise to sunset but note that camping is not allowed.

Image credit: kenji SAITO

All of that means this probably isn't a trail you'll want to deal with. But if you did make sure you're not a novice hiker because in addition to elevation gains of around 700 feet the trail isn't maintained very well and often considered a difficult hike.

Image credit: Google

Our map / direction page marks the start of the access path on California Avenue which will take you to the trailhead. From there you'll pass the yellow barrier and walk by the two large water tanks and fork to the right. You'll then head right towards the dirt road and make a left onto that dirt road which will lead into an area known as East Range which is an Army training area.

Image credit: kenji SAITO

You'll eventually reach the actual trailhead which starts you off in a forest and works its way up along a ridge to the Ko'olau Summit with some spectacular views of the Waianae mountains and, when you reach the summit, the windward side of O'ahu.

Image credit: kenji SAITO

Along the way you'll spot plants like the koa, o'hia (see Lehua Blossoms And Ohia Trees), naupaka, and lobelia.

Image credit: kenji SAITO

The Schofield-Waikane Trail originally started as a plantation ditch trail. It was later used by the Army to connect Schofield Barracks with the windward side.

Image credit: kenji SAITO

In 1900, the Waialua Agricultural Company built the initial section to gain access to the Mauka Ditch along the Kaukonahua Stream. In 1912 the Army extended the trail all the way to the Ko'olau Summit and then, in 1923, built the windward Waikane section. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps fixed up the worst sections of the Army route.

• General: Cost: Free	• Hiking: Hiking	• Hiking: Length: 5-8 Miles	• Hiking: Level: Difficult	• Hiking: Major Elevation Changes
• Hiking: Out & Back Trail	• Sightseeing: Great Views	• Vehicle Activities: Biking