Either I did something wrong, or this hike is just not a loop? Was pretty boring and rather short.

An okay loop trail. The sights and scenery were less than spectacular; hence the rating. Easy trail although super "rooty" throughout. We knew that going in. Just beware of the roots since one did end up tripping up my wife about 2/3 through the clockwise loop. Some of the mountain views were nice but not spectacular. There are a few benches along the way so you can stop and enjoy your surroundings. Unfortunately, the remains of the crashed WWII aircraft weren't visible although we were keenly looking. I think it's overgrown now. Pretty easy trail to follow although we brought our guidebook just in case. Just continue to follow the main trail and you can't get lost. The final half to one mile are steep uphill through a slippery gulley. Make sure you've got good boots here. When you finally exit the gulley and think you're done ... Guess again. It's another steep 10 minutes of uphill back to your car. Whew. We thought we were done then had to get back to the car. Next time we'll be ready for that. read more

Nice, fairly easy hike. Great for kids and dogs! As most other yelpers mentioned, it can get pretty muddy and slippery, but that is true of many hiking trails in Hawaii. I would definitely recommend this hike to other people looking for a nice, not too strenuous hike within easy driving distance of Honolulu. read more

I love to go hiking and think it's a great way to see parts of Hawaii that one doesn't normally see every day. However, I don't go all that often primarily because I don't think many of my friends enjoy it as much as I do...that is until now. Since I've become a Zumba fanatic, I've found some great friends and people who really enjoy being active and, amongst other things, hiking, so now I'm trying to plan to hike at least once a month. This past weekend, a group of us from Zumba, as well as other friends, got together to do the Aiea Loop Trail. Although I suggested the hike, I have to admit that I wasn't all that excited about it because it's not one of my favorites simply because 1) I don't think it has much to offer in terms of scenery and majestic views, 2) what is available to look at is pretty much the same throughout the hike and 3) there's no waterfall. However, I will admit that after doing the hike this past weekend I've come to appreciate it more but not the mud! I, like another reviewer, have found that it behooves anyone to park in the first of the 2 upper lots that way when you finish the hike you don't have to trek up the steep road back to the car. However, I tend to park in the first lot, hike up the steep road and start the trail from it's official beginning that way when I finish I end at the picnic site and my car is right there; I've never actually thought to start the hike backwards, which makes more sense. However, this time when I went there wasn't any parking in the first lot (or so I thought. Apparently I didn't see the other lot that was off to the side) and ended up parking at the top. On this day we started out at the "official" beginning. Our group of 8 started out at a good pace but quickly separated into 2 groups because 1) a friend of mine that I had invited wasn't at the same "zumba" speed as the rest of the group and I felt I should stay back and hang with her and 2) the mud. Before going out, another friend of mine I had invited warned me about the mud but I didn't recall the trail being as muddy as it was considering it's located in Central Oahu, which tends to be dry, and not on the Windward side, which tends to get more rain. Anyway, the beginning of the trail had several muddy sections that we had to traverse in an effort to avoid getting wet, dirty and sinking into mud-like quick sand. There was a lot of squish, squish, squishing sounds that could be heard until we got to dryer land, at which point the hiking became easy. The trail offers wide and flat areas to walk through with the occasional tree that had to be traversed due to the fact that it was lying across the path. It's not until the end of the hike that you begin to get a 2nd workout since there is an ascent/climb out of the gulch; on this particular day it was hot and humid so I was a sweatin'. Once out, though, you enter a nice grassy area with picnic tables where you can rest and have lunch and enjoy being outdoors. We, on the other hand, had plans to get some shave ice so we quickly continued on from the end of the trail and back up to our cars, tackling the steep road. Some of us took the added workout slowly and walked while my 12 year old niece ran ahead and then lost steam leading her to crawl on all 4s to the top and, even laying out in the middle of the road to rest. It was a good day for hiking so when nature calls, take a hike! read more

So we went back and did the whole hike. Pretty awesome I must say! My three year old was able to do it ( she is really athletic I do to recommend just any three year old doing it). I was hoping to see some pigs but didn't (maybe next time. I love how clean it is there. No trash in site. It's a awesome place to clear your head. read more

It was a great hike- nice and dry, not too crowded. Good way to spend the morning in the woods while getting some exercise. I would rate this as easy- not a walk in the park but not Haiku Stairs. read more

We hike this sun or rain... Not heavy rain! Dog friendly... Remember to leash your dogs as there are runners and other dogs on the trail. Easy enough hike probably a beginner/intermediate hike. We use this trail to train for other hikes. read more

This is one of the best hiking trails in Hawaii. Being a loop trail is a plus, makes it more interesting than an in and out. It s long and can be challenging toward the end where it is uphill. Its scenic and full of interesting plants and animals (saw a boar family in the distance). read more

This is a great hike/trail for either running or hiking. The plane wreckage is to the right of the trail - there is a plaque on a tree with information on the wreckage - a B-24J transport plane crashed there on a routine training flight if memory serves. The wreckage can be found a while after the trail turns/loops back in the opposite direction. Additional wreckage is down the slope from the trial. Sadly all members on the transport perished. read more

We did this a day after a good rain. The trail was beautiful and a bit muddy. Trekking sticks were very handy. Also a few victory beers. This is a pretty hike. We were cruising and stopped to enjoy the few and it took us under 3 hours. read more

Just completed this trail today with my husband and dog. We enjoyed it. It wasn't crowded, the breeze was great, and I enjoyed that it was mostly flat. It was muddy so don't wear shoes you don't want to get muddy. Occasionally slippery but other than that it was a good hike. read more

I recommend parking at the top and starting the trail at the end point or park at the bottom and start the trail at the top. I went during mid day and it was very hot and humid and not much shade. There are beautiful views as well as this is a very easy trail to hike. read more

I do the trail backwards cuz to me its easier. Took me about 1hr20mins. Umm and don't go if it rained or looks wet cuz it gets hella super muddy. ^_^ read more

Aiea Loop Trail - H3 - Hiking Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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I really enjoyed this hike. I was a little nervous to hike it alone. Only saw a few people and dogs in the three hours it took me to hike it. Lots of roots to navigate. Trees to climb over. Mud to avoid along the trail. Overlooks to enjoy the view. I would reccomend this trail. I broke a sweat on some of the sunnier uphill areas but generally just kept a steady pace. read more

I enjoy doing this trail. Beware if you do the entire loop with a group you will need water and anticipate 2-3 hours. It has a great view of the H3 and some views of the ocean. Best when the cherry guavas are in season as you can pick them for a snack along the way. If its been raining, be prepared for some muddy sections that are tottally unavoidable. You will get dirty for sure. Starting from the top and looping around to the base and then walking up is the best route for me. Easy enough to bring your dog on a leash. One time I even ran into a group of pig hunters who came out of the brush with a beast strapped to one of the hunters backs. read more

Nice hike for the young family. Not too bad inclines and descends. I really like when the view opens up to the H3 although not breath taking but interesting. Not too often you see the H3 from the mountain instead of the road. If you are really wondering about the difficulty of this trail you need not wonder anymore, our little 6yr old cousin came out and was able to make the entire walk. It did take us a little longer then usualy, 3.5 hours but it was a nice refreshing adventure for us. will do again but not till we do some other trails. atleast we know what to expect on this one. read more

Aiea loop trail is great! The entire loop trail was shaded, so it's perfect for taking my dog. I went with a hiking group and the trail was easy enough that we could talk and have stimulating conversation. And at the same time, it was a good workout. My dog was so happy on the hike and he was so tired when we got home. I will be going to Aiea loop trail more often. read more

I'd come back a second time Really muddy so be prepared to get your shoes dirty. Took us a total of 3.5 hours to complete it...we did stop a lot to take pictures lots of great views. read more

5 mile loop that's mostly shaded but boring. Good for exercise, not too many Mosquitos. Last rain was 2 days ago so it wasn't too muddy

Easy...but muddy! And PERFECT hike for you and your doggy! Let's be honest, Aiea Loop Trail really has no great view, if that's what you're looking for. I mean, sure you can see a great view of the H3...but yeah, not the best compare to other hikes. However, if you're looking for an easy trail that really has no inclines, and practically almost no sun rays shining at you at all times, that takes a couple of hours...this hike is perfect for you. There is mud, because the trail really has no sun shining directly on it to dry out the rain puddles easily, which unfortunately equals loads of evil, hungry, bloodthirsty mosquitoes lurking. So, definitely bring insect repellant! I honestly don't like muddy hikes, nor do I like being eaten alive by mosquitoes, but I love my dog, and for his happiness, I'm willing to get down and dirty and suffer from itchy, red, raised areas of my skin for a week to see his tail wag back and forth. This is a super dog friendly hike, and throughout my journey through the loop, my dog was definitely sniffing a lot of other dog butt! The only bad thing is that because it is so muddy, it is more of a workout to try to get my dog to shower and clean off all the mud so my car doesn't get too dirty, than it is to hike the entire loop!! My dog definitely can't wait for his next exploration back to Aiea Loop Trail! Yes, he told me that! I'm like a dog whisperer! =P read more

I decided to start knocking some hikes of my Oahu bucket lists and this one is closest to my home. My new hiking buddy wanted to bring her companion and we took off for the morning. We got here super early and realized we were the only people for about half the hike. So nice, yet kinda eery. I'm obsessed with The Hunger Games movies and from the light sprinkle, the downed trees, trees creaking, mud and us being alone able to hear EVERYTHING I felt I was Katniss. I was pretty bad ass. I even made the mocking jay call as we went around the bend. There is a slight view of the ocean and also a great one of the H3 towards the tunnel. I thoroughly enjoyed my peaceful hike. I was waiting to see a wild boar, but we didn't see any. This just shows me how amazing it is to leave in Hawaii. You have ridges, waterfalls, forest, jungle-like, or rocky trails to hike all at your picking. Snake free at that! hallelujah! I'm so lucky to live in the land of Aloha! read more

This trail is a good beginner hike, it rarely has any inclines - or at least steep ones, and it's relatively very mild. I've hiked this trail so many times growing up that it got old really fast. There are far better hikes on O`ahu if you're passed a beginner's stage. read more

can someone remind me to practice what I preach!!! LOL! did this trail one morning when I was supposed to go out to kaena pt. forgot about all the rain the night before... MUDDY!! SLIPPERY!! i was also looking for an offshoot trail and went sideways and wrapped a tree with my stomach, but saved my phone! :) i would do this one again.. when it hasnt rained for a while... unlikely in aiea heights!! read more

The views are great. It was a bit muddy at some points of the hike. I liked the fact that the air was cool. No issues with parking. And my dog enjoyed it too! read more

Hanging around the loop trail is relaxing, there are lots of wild life to observe such as chickens and cats (jk theres lots of boars that wander around too). This place is beautiful during golden hour; the silhouettes that the trees create make perfect opportunities for any pictures and portraits. read more

This was a wonderful hike. I only saw 5 people on the trail. The solitude allowed me to hear the bird's songs, smell the fresh and sometimes sweet air, and feel the ground. The ground was dry. read more

Was really looking forward to this hike after reading all these blog entries about it and seeing all the pictures. This trail starts on the Aiea Loop Trail, then at about 1.5 miles in, there's a path that goes up a hill. To your right, the H-3. To your left, there should be some things that look like stairs and possibly a pink ribbon (there was one there when we went) on a tree that marks the beginning of the ridge hike. While we didn't make it to the very end of this hike due to cloud cover being very thick, the trail itself was pretty easy to follow. There are some points where the trail is eroding and the path does get quite narrow. The furthest we got was to a small grassy knoll, which is about a mile or so away from the end. The trail itself was muddy, there were a few mud pits here and there but there's this plant that will leave your legs covered in scratches all along the path. At one point, it was almost up to my chest. When doing this hike, bring something to protect your legs... long socks, shin guards anything. It'll save you from that burning feeling when you shower and realize how many cuts you have all over your leg. It was also overcast almost the entire time we were on the trail, but on a clear day, I imagine this trail can get hot. I look forward to updating this review once I get to the end of the trail. read more

Ahhh yes, Aiea Loop Trail... One of my favorite hikes since I was a child. I am not an extreme and avid hiker, so to me, this is a pretty good hike that will work up my appetite and leave my calves and achilles sore the next day. What the other yelpers on here said is so true. You will have some points where you must go around huge tree branches and trunks, or climb over them. It can be very muddy and slippery in some ares, especially after the rain. What I really like about this hike is that there is tons of vegetation and the scenery changes fairly frequently. It's roughly 4.5 miles, so if you're a lazy-butt like me, right around the half-way or three-quarters mark, you're kinda over it and wanna just get to the end so you can find your car and drive to get something to eat and drink. Lol. But this is a very nice hike and I recommend it to anyone. It's easy to find too. You just turn onto Aiea Heights Drive off of Moanalua Road in Aiea and keep taking it all the way up til you can't go anymore. It takes you right into the park grounds... read more

Great trail through the rainforest. You must bring your own water as there is none available along the trail, and there are no water fountains at the base. The trail can get confusing near the scenic overlooks, so be sure you don't get turned around. If you follow it correctly, it'll take you right back to where you started. There are quite a few trees that have fallen across the path, so if you run the trail like I did, this will force you to slow down to either go over or under them. read more

make sure to wear old shoes that u dont mind getting muddy.. the trail was a good hike with nice scenery except for some parts where the trail got pretty dangerous. it would get extra muddy and really narrow so try to go on a day that isn't raining. read more

It's an okay hike and we had fun disappearing into the jungle but the views aren't all that special. Also this is a dangerous hike to bring a small kid on when it is muddy due to the narrow trails and all the drop offs. With that said I do plan on coming back here again for trail running. read more

Ok so let me start by saying that this is a beautiful hike but it was 4 hours long! Yes, I did have a 4 year old with me so that may have added some time but still really long! It also has some areas that made me a little nervous because of the down drop. Thank god I had my husband with me who held our daughters hand most of the way! My advice...great with family and friends but if you have little ones, you may want to skip this hike and do another one like Manoa falls, Maunawili, etc. To dangerous! Plus, it was raining on and off so it was extremly slippery. read more

On this trip we were looking to really do some hiking on Oahu and after doing some searching, came across this trail. I would not call this an easy trail...it is definitely intermediate. As some other have commented, the trail is narrow in some places and you will be climbing over fallen trees. We were also there a day or two after some rain. There were spots along the trail that were a bit muddy, but then we reached the last part near a stream...very slick and muddy. Most of the trail is covered, which keeps you cooler, but also means views can be limited. If you are expecting ocean views, you are not going to find them here. Still, it was a good workout. You want to make sure to take water with you. There are three parking options. We parked at the first parking lot (near picnic shelters and restrooms) outside of the park gates. That meant a bit of a hike up to the trail head, but we were happy about this at the end because we just had a short trek downhill back to our car. You can park at the next parking lot you come to...this is where the trail ends. You wouldn't know this because it is unmarked. This will also require a short trek up to the trail head, but you are at your car at the end. Or you can park in the third parking lot you come to. This is where the trail head is (and where you finally see a sign for it), but remember you will be walking back up to your car at the end. read more

Aiea Loop Trail is a fun beginners trail...I recommend starting at the bottom so that you do not have to walk up the drive when you are done (it is steep for the uninitiated). Beware starting too late in the evening...their are wild pigs in the area that come up from the valley around sunset and they can be aggressive (do not approach) Wear comfortable shoes that will give your ankles support as the trail is uneven and can be muddy (especially during the winter months). It is a favorite trail for dog lovers. read more

do not search aiea loop trail in apple maps directions are wrong!!! do not go to aiea heights drive. it is on the wrong side of trail. instead, go to aiea heights drive. read more

its cool. very jurassic park. i wouldnt bring kids. theres really narrow areas where if you dont maneuver carefully you'll literally fall off a cliff. read more