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100% Like It
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 (808) 973-9782
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Puuikena Dr, Honolulu, HI 96821
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Difficult, 3.5 mile long (each way) hiking trail up the Ko'olau Mountains.
Features
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• General: Cost: Free
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• General: Photo Opportunity
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• Hiking: Hiking
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• Hiking: Length: 3-4 Miles
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• Hiking: Level: Difficult
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• Hiking: Major Elevation Changes
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• Hiking: Out & Back Trail
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• Hiking: Ridge Hike
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• Sightseeing: Great Views
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The Hawaii'loa Ridge Trail is a 3.5 mile long (one way), out and back style hiking trail located in Honolulu (a bit east of Diamond Head State Monument and west of Koko Crater) on the island of O'ahu.
Although this is a sanctioned hike, there are some rule and limitations you need to be aware of before heading out. The hike is on private land and thus requires that at least one hiker in the group has a Hawaii state issued ID. All other hikers must have a government issued photo ID as well but only one has to be from Hawaii. All hikers in your group will also be required to sign a liability waiver. If you don't have at least one Hawaii ID in your group you will not be allowed through the gates here. Once inside, there are only 10 parking spots so be sure to go early or on a weekday rather than a weekend.
As with any hike, bring plenty of water and use a bathroom before you get here since there is no public bathroom here. Read up on Hiking Safety & Essentials and apply plenty of sunscreen to Protect Yourself From Sunburn & Skin Cancer. While we're on safety topics, note that this hike isn't for everyone. It's often considered to be a difficult hike, mostly because of the 1,700 foot elevation gain along the 3.5 mile trail. If you do the full trail you'll also be hiking around 7 miles total.
The beginning of the trail isn't too bad but after about 1.5 miles you'll start ascending. There are ropes in some parts to help you work your way up, as well as stairs in parts, to the summit of the Ko'olau Mountains. Things will get very steep and not recommended for novice hikers at this point.
The last 1/3 of the trail is mostly open ridge that goes through an ohi'a-koa-akia forest with plenty of native plants to see. If you have a really clear day you can expect some amazing views of Kailua, Kaneohe, and even Lanikai Beach. If there is rain or it has rained recently this trail can get really muddy and slippery in which case we don't recommend it.
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