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Spare yourself and park at this sign. Its about the third tier. Nice mellow hike after that. Lots of people though.
One of my favorite Sunday activities is lacing up my hiking shoes and heading to Aiea Loop. This 4.6-mile trail winds through lush forest with birds, tropical plants, and plenty of shade. About halfway through, you'll reach a stunning lookout with panoramic views of the H3 slicing through the mountains. I always must stop and take it all in! Arrive early for easy parking, bring the family fur babies included, and enjoy a hike that's both relaxed and refreshing. 10/10 recommend, fun fact being in nature is incredible for your health and well-being, so why not try it out?
We've taken our kids on a bunch of hikes here on Oahu, kid friendly ones, they're still little. By far, Aiea Loop Trail is their favorite! They've never finished it though, roughly 5 miles is still a bit long for little legs. But every time we go, they're able to go a little further. They love having a packed lunch and finding nice spots to have a picnic while we are there. Obviously, we'll keep coming until they're able to finish. It'll be a celebration when that happens! But it's a beautiful trail, easy enough for kiddos, and we'll maintained. We recommend Aiea Loop Trail for a fun family adventure!
This is a well maintained hiking trail located at thr very top of Aiea hts (same park as Heiau ancient hawaiian burial ground) just drive past Heiau and you will see a bathroom and a nice pavillion with picnic tables and a patking lot...dont park there...continue on till u see "Aiea loop trail" sign (to your right) take that toad till you see another parking lot (this is where you want to park so when you finish hije and walk back to your car you are walking down the hill not up) or there is another parking lot further up thr hill (this is where most people park and start but you will have to walk up thr hill once you finish) either way I guess dependant on prefference. The hike is very popular with alot of foot traffic. The trail is mostly pretty easy (when it rains the trail can get slippery but manageable for sure)mostly dirt and roots and thr incline are very gradual. The majority of the time you will be under the canopy of trees so its not a real hot hike with the sun on you constantly. There are several points where you can see the H3 (pretty cool) and there is even wreckage of a warplane (not much left just the wing) ...All in all A very casual fun easy hike for young ones..dogs (bring your poop bags if you bring a dog) and familes. They have a pavillion with picnic tables at both parking lots...cool place to hang out after your hike...a cool and fun hike!!!
This place will forever hold a special place in my heart. My husband and I had our elopement here a small intimate wedding and I'll forever be grateful for Gods hands that created this beautiful park. If you do plan on eloping here just keep in mind that the time of parking really matters and the space you pick matters as well. Since the park is open to the public from 7am-7pm so it's first come first serve bases. And if you have any elderly folks just make sure there aware that there's small hills to some of the pavilions so you gotta help auntie or uncle walking up and down. Gotta take care of the Kapuna!! The trees and greenery are perfect for pictures and if you go at the right time (4pm) the sun hits all the trees in such a lovely way that you're guaranteed to love your pictures!! Another piece of advice is if you are planning a small elopement go ahead and check out the site first just keep driving and the road will take you around the entire park. And you can see for yourselves what time and area you folks would want to have it. I'm just blessed to know that every time we come up here now it'll have the memory of my husband and I becoming one and remembering all of our loved ones that could attend our special day.
The 'Aiea Loop Trail is about a 5-6 mile trail (depending on where you park). This is one of the longer hikes we've been on Oahu, given most are no more than 2-3 miles. This trail runs along the ridge on the west side of Halawa Valley and offers views of the southern coastline of O'ahu from Pearl Harbor (Pu'uloa) and the Wai'anae Range to Honolulu and Diamond Head (Le'ahi). Not the easiest hike, but also not super strenuous. This hike involves some gradual uphill climbs with a steep switchback and a stream crossing at the end of the trail. The trail may be muddy with sections of exposed tree roots. TIP: check the weather when you come here. If it's been raining for the last few days, I'd come another day. Some days we've come it's been extremely muddy and makes the hike miserable and legs so dirty. Make sure to actual wear hiking shoes too, sandals are no go when it's muddy. As always with any hike--Bring your sunscreen, bug spray, hats, wipes, and even trash bags or boxes for your muddy shoes! Hike Length: 2 hours if we don't stop too much to take breaks. They say it takes on average 2.5-3 hours for most people. It's beautiful and peaceful here. Usually not too many people either. We've probably been here over 20 times and keep coming back! Plenty of parking available. You can even camp here, I've seen people with tents during the weekend. Bathrooms available in the front and the end of trail. Enjoy!
Started from the top parking lot with the opened restroom. Could had used some TLC (the restroom). I squat so who cares LoL. Our first Aiea hike after numerous research. Something moderate for my dad and step mom. In their early 70's and still able to make it through. I fear mosquitoes so I wore long pants and I was sweating my tush off and took sips of water since the restroom was my first stop. Snacked around 2.48 miles in and all you hear is nature, some breeze and the view of passing cars on H3 which was lovely. I'd say 2 hours of a 4.8 mile hike was worth it. Some parts were muddy but nothing a 6 year old can't handle. Saw lots of dog walkers, runners and families with little ones. It was fun, we started about 10 am. My advice is sunscreen, repellent, light back water with water and snacks, maybe some music and most importantly proper shoes. I broke into my running shoes and have permanent red stained dirt in them now. Don't try to look cute or wear sandals on this hike. Can easily twist your ankle walking over the tree roots. I'll do this hike again!
Good moderate trail with really nice views. To get some views you do have to veer off the trail. If it were to rain the trail would be slippery and muddy, so be careful. The trail is well maintained, easy parking, bathrooms at the trail head, dog friendly and great picnic areas by parking. The trails is mostly wide but does become narrow at some points. But the best part of the trail was the SMELL !!!! The eucalyptus trees were amazing, you just wanted to take deep breaths in and enjoy the natural aroma. It was just unreal!
Best On Sunny Days, This Hike Of A Trail Id Great For All Ages. And Bring Your Doggies, Too! It's About 4 Miles Long If You Decide To Do The Whole Trail. We Usually Go To The 2nd Look-Out And Turn Back Around.
Beautiful and peaceful trail. Love to do it in the morning and have a nice lunch afterwards at yum yum pho down the road. That's what I call a perfect day. What I love about this trail is that it has nice scenery, not crowded, and it's shaded here and there. You can feel that push on upward inclines and then you catch you breath on the declines. Perfect perfect!! Today was the first time I saw part of the airplane that had gone down!! Finally never saw this for all the times I went there. Some nice hiker told us exactly to look to our right and that's the plane remains. I love a peaceful hike ANYDAY!!
It was the perfect day for this hike because the sun was out and the view was clear. This hike maybe a little long for others but I say it was easy to do and follow the trail. It was very peaceful to hear the birds chirping. At times you could hear the cars from the H3 freeway. Some trees were down and landed on the trail. It was no big deal as you can just walk under or over the trunk. Some parts were muddy but still bareable. I didn't wear any hiking shoes, just regular walking shoes. Started the trail clockwise and ended up in the campground area. Overall great hike!
Hiking on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii... For her birthday, my friend wanted to go hiking and requested: Aiea Loop Trail I had never done this hike before - and have always wanted to go. My friend reassured me that she did it about thirty years ago and it was no problem (obviously, she had a memory issue). Hah! I'm a very trusting friend (we met in a volleyball class; she bought a house near mine; she got a job at my hospital; and even transferred to my building!) and am willing to make dreams come true, so, I picked her up and drove towards Aiea. I had read some reviews and was prepared with insect repellent, sunscreen, baby wipes, a pair of flip flops (to change into after a muddy experience), garbage bag (to prevent the car from getting muddy), water to drink, and a battery powered fan with a misting function to cool down). Our first stop was McDonald's for a pit stop... In case there was no restroom. However, there was a restroom at the upper parking lot! ...and it had restroom tissue! ...and a door for each stall! Yay! I used GPS to get to Aiea Loop Trail. It led me through the heiau... Sacred Hawaiian grounds... Then upwards to the parking lots. I didn't know that the end of the trail (if you go counterclockwise) is at the lower parking lot. We had parked at the upper lot where the restroom was. Oh, well... There's another restroom at the lower lot where the camping area and picnic tables are. We started of in good spirits with lots of conversation and laughs. Later, after a couple of hours, we questioned each other: Why are we torturing ourselves? How long more do we have to walk? What kind of friend are you to not talk me out of doing this? Are we there yet? Luckily, we hadn't remembered reading that this hike is 4.8 to 5 miles long. Different sources state different distances. It just seemed endless towards the end! Haha! Some people finished this hike in two hours. We did it in about three hours... Maybe because we took a lot of photos, had a water break every 30 minutes, said "hello" to everyone we passed (including babies, toddlers, and dogs), and stopped in the breezy portions - especially the ones in the shade. Yes - most of the time, we were in the shade of trees. It wasn't muddy because it was August. My shoes and socks were dusty at the end of the trail. I had to take my shoes off because my toenails were in pain! LOL! I did take Motrin before I went to sleep - mostly for hip flexor stiffness. The good parts of the hike: - Seeing that view of the H-3 Interstate Freeway - identifying plants such as strawberry guava, hala, ti, Royal palms, ferns, yellow ginger, he'e berry tree, liko lehua, and bamboo - knowing that there are a few benches to rest - feeling the gentle, cool, refreshing breeze - hearing the cheerful birds - spending quality time with a good friend - doing a healthy, free activity together I told my friend that I was working on this review. She said to start off with: "Calling all masochists...do this deceptively LONG ass hike. Lol!" Her words... Not mine! I knew that we were at the end of the hike when I saw the backside of the sign that we saw at the start of our hike. Because it's a Loop, the people who begin at the lower parking lot get the same warning: don't start after 4pm. LOL! Another landmark at the end of our hike was the stairs up to the lower parking lot. We had to cross the Camping Area with picnic tables and benches. Realizing that we'd have to walk up to the car, my brave friend asked a Total Stranger if we could catch a ride up to our car. OMG!!! However, in our condition, we might not have made it back up to the upper parking lot! Yeah... We're out of shape!
Aiea Loop Trail The beauty of having a loop is that you never have to see the same scenery twice, and this trail is bursting with cool and varied things to see. This is a long hike (to me), 4.6 to 5.0 forest miles, which is much different than street miles. It takes up to 3 hours if you walk and 2 if you jog with a billion stops for pics (me). If you're a runner, this is a great trail for running, with tons of elevations and declines that offer sure footing. There are some parts where you can't run, because it's too rocky, or you might slip, but these are a few and far between. A pro tip is to park at the middle of 3 parking lots, where the trailhead ends, the one with the blue bathroom next to the campsites. Then walk up to the start of the trail/3rd parking lot. That way when you are finished the trail, you will pop out right next to the parking area by the blue bathroom, only feet from your car. Warning, the blue bathroom is locked at the time of my visit, but there's another bathroom at the first (lowest) parking lot and another at 3rd (highest) parking lot next to the trailhead. You will know that you were at the trailhead, because there is a sign that says "start". Con: Red mud will ruin your shoes and clothes so bring a crappy pair of shoes.
Some important cool factoids about this hike: -It's generally safe. Save for the potential trips and falls that may happen if you're not careful on the slippery parts, or in my case, just going downhill too fast and falling graciously on my hands. The trail isn't scary and you don't have to worry about falling off a cliff because it's a foot wide trail. You got it made here. -The appearance of boars is slim--on our hike we heard a boar rustling above, i saw a glimpse of it, but that's about it. We were safe and no other wild animals graced us with their presence. -The trail takes about 2 hours if you're doing it for mediocre exercise. So if you're trying to get some blood circulating and you have a few hours in the day, this would be a good choice. It's cool, shady, and you get a pretty good workout here. -It's near an ancient heeiau. That's pretty cool already. This was my boyfriend's and my 5th hike in 5 days and it was fun. We enjoyed the scenery and the beautiful gingers we came across. So incredibly fragrant! the best perfume ever. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/YME1iPtP8oesgU3eleJc8A/your_photos From this hike there are several points where you can see the H3--a little sad and cool at the same time. There's also a couple spots where there are benches if you need a rest or just wanna enjoy the scenery. It's definitely a great place to gain your zen moments and relieve stress. Yelp 365 Challenge: 64/ 265 read more
8 years ago
I enjoy this trail because it offers great views, has plenty of shade and isn't too strenuous. Recommendations: Park near camp site 1 and walk up the hill to the start. When you end, you'll be at your car. If you're looking for the WWII plane crash remnants, I'd recommend starting at the lower level, where most hikers exit (near camp site 1). It's hard to miss when you're coming from this direction. If mosquitoes like you, bring plenty of bug repellent. My husband never gets bitten, but I tend to end up with mosquito bites. Pack a lunch and enjoy from one of the benches with a view on the hike or at one of the picnic tables at the end of your hike. read more
Great loop trail for all hiking levels. Mostly shaded, but sunny at some spots, so wear protection and bring water. When I'm unsure of what hike to choose I usually choose this one because: 1. It's takes 2 hours or less 2. It's an easy/medium hike 3. It's mostly shaded and is easy to get to There are plenty of other hikes you can do in under 2 hours, but this one makes me feel like I've accomplished something and actually burns calories while simultaneously feeling like I'm on a long (sometimes leisurely) walk. A few things to know: -Bring WATER, it can get really hot and muggy -Bring sunglasses, a hat, or sunblock -Bring a cell phone in case you get turned around -Stick to the obvious, well worn trail -At the end, walk up the stairs to the paved road, walk that road uphill until you make it back to where you began. Very enjoyable trail for all ages; perfect for rain or shine. read more
6 years ago
The hubby wanted to take the kids out to get some fresh air. So he decided to take a family hike. The kids enjoyed it. The hike itself was easy enough for the kids to do, it is a pretty long hike for my kids but there were a few rest stops with beautiful views that they enjoyed. It's a nice way to get the kids out for some fresh air especially after the covid stay at home order. It's also a good way to get them to exercise. The hike can be muddy especially after some rain, at some points even more because the deeper into the trail you are the less sun it gets so definitely be prepared with good shoes. Overall this is a good family friendly hike. I'd definitely recommend it. read more
Wanting to get away from the city or a change of scenery? Aiea loop is a great trail for all ages! Warning though, it IS a LONG hike. Everyone mentions how long and muddy it is, and it is very true. Lol. I hiked with my husband and one year old. Dogs are allowed too. Please bring lots of water, snacks, and wear good shoes. I saw a guy wear those open toe sandals and he ended up taking them off. Lol. It felt like we were in a huge park. Trees were huge and lots of shade. Views were amazing of course and there were benches to sit and rest. Trails were wide enough for dogs and families to walk, but be careful of muddy terrain that you may slip. There are cliff areas and big fallen trees that may require you to maneuver skowly. Also, there are other smaller trails. We actually ventured onto one and ended up higher than expected and stumbled on the view of H3, Koolau mountains, and Pearl Harbor. Saw wild pineapples and flowers too! Warning though, you'll add an extra 2 hours though. We wanted to spend only 2-3 hours but ended up a little over 5 hours doing this. Lol. Thank goodness our baby slept most of the time. Advice, pack an umbrella. It rained hard on us and lucky we brought one cause we covered our daughter. Everyone kept saying they wished they brought one. Lol. Don't get scared when it's passed 3 hours and you're wondering if you're on the wrong trail. Lol! Stay on the main trail and keep going. You'll see markers of course. read more
6 years ago
A splendid hike that is fairly easy for all levels and abilities. What it lacks in sweeping mauka and makai vistas, it makes up in with the sheer diversity of flora and fauna. We enjoyed picking (and in the case of the wild fruits--eating!) Mountain Apple (a.k.a., Strawberry Guava), Yellow Guava, Blue Vervain, and Fiddlehead Ferns, while enjoying the display of numerous orchids and other flowering plants. From the arboreal perspective, there are majestic trees that surround the hiker, and except for the beginning 1/4 mile, the majority of the trail is pretty much covered. At the halfway point, there are impressive views of H-3, Pearl Harbor, and even Ka'ala Peak (highest point on Oahu). Definitely recommend this hike for all ages. The 5 mile round trip makes this very doable for a morning or afternoon. We hiked it during a late September afternoon and it wasn't too hot, crowded, or unpleasant in any way. We even enjoyed some unexpected breezes at several points along the trail. So no excuses... just stop reading this review and head out to the Aeia loop trailhead. Park in the first lot you come too so you won't have to hike uphill on your way back to your vehicle. Mahalo nui loa for reading my review. read more
6 years ago
Awesome 4.8 mile hike for the family. I took the kids ages 15, 11, 8 and they had a blast. The trail is clearly marked so you can't get lost. Please be sure to go on a day that had no rain the day before. Location: Drive up Aiea heights drive and keep going up. The road will get twisty and narrow at the top of the hill. Do not park all the way at the top of the road because the trail ends near the bottom so you'll end up walking uphill to your car. Park in the middle which is past the first bathrooms. The parking lot is to the right side. Kinda looks out of nowhere. After parking, walk up the rest of the road to the starting point. read more
9 years ago
Alright, so, I'm sort of a sucker for hikes so it's hard to give a bad review for one. Basically, if it's easy or has a ridiculously beautiful view/landmark, I'll give it 5 stars. This one falls more under the first category than the second, but there are some picturesque spots. The most exhausting portion of this hike was walking up the driveway from our parking spot to the trailhead. After that, everything was pretty smooth sailing, and our group even did some interval runs on the hike, which should speak to the fact that it's not particularly difficult. There are a few spots where you have to watch your step, and a few spots that are steeper and muddier than others, but for the most part, it's an easy hike. We finished within 2 hours, found some guava along the way, and there weren't any spots that were particularly muddy despite having a little rain the day before. The trail and be completed in tennis shoes without ruining them as well. I'd suggest bringing a decent amount of water with you on this hike, as it is somewhat lengthy and some spots are warmer and sunnier than others. Notable views include the H3, but there wasn't anything I found particularly "breathtaking." All in all, I could be easily convinced to do this hike again without feeling like there were any spots I dread, which speaks to its simplicity. read more
I should've read the sign more carefully warning me (supposedly my boyfriend knew but didn't tell me) it was about a 5 mile hike... towards the end I told my boyfriend to leave me behind because I was exhausted. I realized how unfit I was from this hike. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars because the scenery wasn't as great as I thought. I only enjoyed one of the scenery. Tips: 1. Definitely bring snacks and water (at least 1.5L). Maybe because we were unfit we drank about 3L of water together. We were so hungry and thirsty in the end - we went straight to jamba juice and taco bell. 2. Highly recommend using bug spray or use mosquito bracelets. We had one around the wrist and ankles. We ran into some people in the opposite direction and were talking about how long we were hiking for... then he saw the mosquito bracelets and say good idea. I gave him the bracelet around my wrist THINKING that we were almost done but nope! We still had 30 more minutes and towards the end it was wet and humid. I felt the mosquito on me. Came out with 4 bites. I bought these on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017G1051Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 read more
6 years ago
Ascending. Good trail. Just don't go if it's been raining. It's really muddy, slippery. It took us 3hrs coz of all that, and we had few stops for pictures and relaxed a bit, give the dogs water. Overall, friendly and good for the whole family. Summer would be perfect to go. Not out in the open so it won't be hot, and not muddy. read more
Be prepared for a long hike! There's a sign when you enter the trail telling you the hike is 2-3 hours long and if you take the long route (because my boyfriend loves to do that ) it can be long and all uphill. Nonetheless, the scenery was worth it. So breathtaking. There's places on this island that just take your breath away and make you realize that living in the expensive Hawaii is not so bad after all and this place is def on point. There's lot of parking but make sure to park at the first parking lot you see because you'll end up at the bottom of the hike. It can get muddy so make sure you come with athletic shoes. There's bathrooms outside in the parking lot. I didn't go in it because I just have public restrooms. There's a picnic area with lots of tables and greenery. Perfect for the whole family! read more
8 years ago
VERY RELAXING AND BEAUTIFUL TRAIL! Very easy hike! If you mainly want to observe nature this hike is ideal for you. Very good hike to take the kids with. Also has camping ground if you want to stay over. Has an amazing view of the H3. Breath taking views and beautiful place to take pictures Easy to find and not much people go on this trail. There is a separate access to a waterfall but be careful because it's very muddy and it near a cliff. Great place to go and have a picnic as well Muddy if going the day after raining There is public Restroom... read more
5 years ago
6 years ago
I hike the trail for the first w/ my Family's on the Friday. very relaxing with a nice view around you. The trail was pretty long but my Family's did enjoyed it and made it the end. You'll see a lot of different trees n plants around you. Be safe read more
7 years ago
Good, long, easy hike. You get a nice view of the H3 during your hike. It's flat so that's great because I hate elevation hikeS. Takes about 2 hours to completely finish. If you start near the bathroom it works the best. The end is super super muddy even if it hasn't rained in days. Very popular and plenty of parking. Daughter hated it because she got muddy but I burned like 1900 calories so cry all you want, but it was worth it read more
Start it from the top or the bottom, this 4.8 mile hike can be completed in two and a half to three hours. If you're looking for a nice stroll through a shaded forest, Aiea Loop Trail is the hike for you. It's best to avoid days after the rain because the certain areas get muddy & form goopy puddles. As I've mentioned, you can start from the top at the trail head or from the bottom in the campgrounds because you'll end up at either end. It'd be a good idea to think of where you want to park based on where you'll be ending the hike. Hoards of stray cats, roosters & wild boars can be seen around the parking lots if you're into animals. It's a relatively easy hike, but my only complaint is that it's long. It just seems to drag on with no real challenge except for having long-standing stamina to keep walking on. Climb a few rocks here, under the fallen trees there & watch your step for exposed branches, but that's about it. Nature really took its toll on the trail, especially since the little stream is no longer there, disappearing under runoff. The view is essentially peekaboo sights of the H3 freeway & the mountainous backgrounds. I'm curious about the fallen WWII plane, but to no avail have I found the trail markers leading to this piece of history... I've been told that its now hidden under fallen trees. This hike seems to be of the likes for unleashed dogs, babies on parent's backs, joggers & families with kids. It's the perfect excursion for long conversations in the walk of nature. read more
11 years ago
Review #023 - 2016 Aiea Loop Trail is a much easier hike compared to all the others that I've done on Oahu. The full hike took the 5 of us about 2.5 hours, which for me was considered a success since we stopped and took lots of pictures and stopped to rest and what not. My son actually enjoyed the hike more than any of us. He's a very energetic kid. I love the fact that there are a lot of trees because I need the shade to keep away from the sun. Yep, I am one of those Asian girls who's afraid of a tan. It started drizzling in the middle of our hike so we had to find a tree to keep from getting soaked, but thank goodness the rain passed pretty quickly. I'm also one of those girls who's afraid of getting soaked before going back into the car. read more
4 years ago
I'm glad that a lot of people like this trail way more than I do. I've been coming this state park for many many years now, as it's only up a ways from where I live. So in essence, as a hiker, this is my home trail...even if it's my least favorite. Yesterday the most interesting thing happened to me. I usually drive up here after washing my car to clean the remaining areas (interior, rims, etc) outdoors. As I was wiping down my tires, I hear a rustling on the trail. I got apprehensive as it was getting louder, esp since it didn't sound like human feet trampling around the brush. From the trail head (not the main one at the top, one a ways down) out comes a boar, then a few moments later, two piglets. My initial reaction was to dig out, being I've been chased on different trails twice in this same situation. Instead, I slowly put down my spray and cloth, went into the car and turned on my cell camcorder to tape the footage you see here. Why I'm whispering, don't ask: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEPh02lGcxE Though my first sighting, I've always known there were feral pigs at the top of Aiea Heights. I also doubt anyone would've believed this story if I didn't document it. People, just a warning to be careful when hiking Oahu trails. If your not an experienced hunter or professional tree climber like me, get the hell out of there if you ever see boar piglets in the woods. If you get too close, their mom WILL chase you! All I can say is that after the ordeal, I still continued to clean my car in the open. I was constantly looking over my shoulder with a sense of dread, just in case that damn pig was up to something sneaky. One can only imagine getting bum-rushed from behind, the same way Bigfoot snuffs those pranksters in those beef jerky commercials. read more
I've been told many good things about Aiea Loop Trail, but when we went on Saturday after it rained, we kind of had a miserable and muddy experience. First, we didn't know there was multiple parking lots and parked at the lowest that said "Aiea Loop Trail". Then we thought the hike started after the main sign said "Turn Right" and so we walked up the long driveway only to find out the hike starts 3 parking lots after we parked. So I feel that they should do a better job with the sign system and mentioned that there are other parking lots or the hike doesn't necessarily start there. When we finally went to the right trail, things started to get muddy and tough. We should have turned around when it started to drizzle a little, but we didn't and went through thinking we would be okay. It wasn't there was many huge fallen trees and the mud mad athletic shoes the worst foot wear to wear. Our shoes got mud, rocks, and wet throughout the whole hike. There was quite a lot of almost slips and slides. But one of the pluses of this hike was the beautiful greenery. According to my friend, she said there's supposed to be mountain apple and/or guava or mango on the first half part of the hike, but we didn't see anyway. There's different types of plants and trees on the hike that made it very beautiful to look at, I never seen a forest look so healthy before. We saw things like bamboos, mushrooms, and even heard some birds! Another plus for this trail is some of the trees have grooves in that allows you to hop over it which helps because sometimes the paths are so narrow (so it's definitely not the best hike for clumsy people like me). They also mark some trees with yellow, light green, and pink strings to tell you the correct path which is good because after a few hours into the hike, you may feel like you're seeing the same thing especially during the second half where you go down to the valley floor and then up again. There's also some benches too in the beginning of both sides of the hiking trail which is cool and allows you to cool down a little. There's also a camping ground and bathrooms in the beginning of the hike. Before the middle part of the hike, you have to climb over this huge ass boulder which seems really scary and not balanced at all. I almost fell down there because the path to get across the other side was slippery and all our foot wear lost its grip from all the mud we collected. But afterwards, you come across a fork in the road that leads to a beautiful view of H-3. After that the path gets somewhat easier, but you have to pass through very tall lemon grass and then a very muddy path which appears to be where all the rainwater passes through. There's a bunch of fallen trees too so you have to be careful when you cross paths. Then 1/4 near the end of the hike, you go down to the valley floor and have to ascend upwards. There's some shortcuts too on some paths, but they seemed to ascend really high and seemed too intense for my friends and I as we were extremely tired. Most of the paths uphill appeared to be where all the water goes after it rains so there was puddles and it was extremely muddy so finding a good path was quite difficult. After 4 hours, we finished the hike and it takes you right where you started. Near the end, you will encounter restrooms and a cabin area with a BBQ. After that, if you parked at the bottom like my friends and I you have to walk down to the bottom. The hike wasn't that bad if it didn't rain or was too muddy, but I wouldn't do this 4.8 mile hike every again. I slipped and fell so many times my legs and hands hurted. There was mud all over us and we just felt itchy from our whole ordeal (I almost lost my hat because it blew away too!) But I saw a bunch of dog owners, kids, parents, and families doing the hike so I guess it's easy for some people, but not for all. Some tips I wished someone would have told me was: 1) Bring sanitizer and soap, there's no soap in the bathrooms. 2) If it rains, be sure you have very good footwear that can withstand the muddy conditions. Also be prepared to get dirty and have spare paper towels to wipe off the mud. 3) Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated. read more
Aiea Loop Trail is the perfect hike for those looking for a trail to run or a longer, but safe and easy trail. It's considered "family friendly" but many young walkers probably can't handle the 4.8mile journey. I wore my almost 4year old for a good portion of the trail. The trail officially starts at the upper parking lot and is well marked, but it ends at the bottom lot behind the bathrooms; if you start at the top that means you'll have to then walk back up the hill AFTER you've already walked over 4.8miles. You can simply park at the lower lot and follow the trail (there will be no sign though) to the left behind the bathroom to avoid walking up a steep hill. The trail offers a multitude of terrain and adventures; trees to climb for fun; wide trails to eroded narrow ones; down trees blocking the path requiring you to go under, over and around them; views of the valley; views of H3; dry and hot weather; rainy and cold weather. So just be well prepared: good shoes, bug repellant, water, snacks, and sunblock. Trek on Yelpers! read more
14 years ago
"4.8 miles" of a nice easy-ish hike. DO NOT go on this trail while it is raining. No one wants to come rescue someone that slipped off the mountain. Matter of fact, best not to do the trail right after it rained. There is one stretch of trail on the back end that is at a steep angle that is perfect for rain run-off. Other then these two handy tips, it is a very enjoyable and easy hike (IF you are in ok shape). Most of the trail is either level or at a slight incline/decline. There are many roots across the trail, so please watch your footing. While most of the trail is shaded and treelined, there are a few really nice views of the Wainae Mountain range, North Shore and the Pearl Harbor-Airport area. Oh, there are also a few good views of the H3. (The cars look really tiny way down there.) About 400 meters after you pass the H3 overlook (the H3 will tip you off that you are at the overlook) look for the crash site of a bomber from 1944. It will be on your right side. Blink and you might miss it. It's a tragic, but still neat, part of local history. A quick Internet search will bring up plenty of information on it. The trail is list at 4.8 miles long. The amount of time it takes you to finish it will depend on: - How dry the trail is. Has it rained? - Are you walking and enjoying nature? - Are you running the trail? - Are you that one guy on the mountain bike? Enjoy! read more
Grew up in Aiea and yesterday was the first time I hiked this trail. I'm an amateur hiker in ok shape, and it took us 2 hrs to finish it. The hike itself was not hard....there are a few uphill sections that worked up a little sweat. The ground is not level, so be careful of the dips and protruding tree roots. It was also muddy at times, so wear old shoes. I liked this trail bc it's mostly covered and cool, and the day I went was really hot. There are lots of greenery.....trees, flowers , etc. One can even catch a glimpse of the H-3 freeway from certain parts. We started at the above parking lot by the restrooms and finished at the middle picnic area. Just follow the trail.....it will loop around and take you into the forests. We didn't see directional signs, so just stay on the trail. Easy hike, nice scenery, some cardio, and fun times. Hope to make it back there again! read more
11 years ago
I had been here a few times before, but only walked in for a small portion at each entry before turning around for various reasons. But finally...I/we did it!...the entire enchilada! I read just about every review on this place prior to this past trip. So here's my review and let me save you some trouble when it comes to finding that plane... First and foremost...it's no joke when people say it's a muddy trail. We actually did this hike a few days ago on 5 Aug. It started raining before we left our home, which is also close to Aiea...but decided to go there anyway. After all, in Hawaii you never know what the weather may do. When we got there it was sprinkling, but the trail looked dry, so we decided we were crazy enough to proceed. If it started pouring in the first mile then we'd retreat! We took a big chance, but it has also been fairly dry recently so we thought we'd be ok. However, I can clearly see how it can get really bad after a rainstorm for a few days or more...I'd avoid it. Since about 90% of the trail is under tree cover it can take a while to dry out. We felt we couldn't have picked a better day since the sprinkles were enough to take the heat away and had the cloud and tree cover to avoid the heat. Plus, the trees in our case kept us from getting too wet. There is a lot to see for the person who loves the beauty of Mother Nature. It's true, there is not a waterfall or the great overlook of the ocean...so what? There are other things in Hawaii. The trees, flowers, and vegetation in general on this trail are amazing and forever changing. There are roots and downed trees that you must navigate for most of the trail as well. We thought the entire trail was a work of Mother Nature's art. The only thing you need to be prepared for is that it's long and it's not a "loop" or a circle. You begin in one area and end in another. If you park at the entrance then you'll have to go up the steep road to get to your car when you end at the campground. Or you can park at the campground near the exit to enter there instead and then end at the official entrance...then you'll walk downhill to get your vehicle. On a side note: I have read a lot of reviews where people say the last portion and/or last mile of the hike is the worst. This is truly a matter of opinion. We actually thought the last portion was the best. But all of it has a different view to offer. The first portion is nice, but the middle is where the mud and/or water puddles are and the last portion is sort of more enclosed by a tighter trail and lower trees. *My son really wanted to see the downed WWII plane, so I read through almost all of the reviews to try to "puzzle" it together for the best game plan. There isn't one, so don't bother...I'll save you some time. The best idea we got of where the plane is located was from Wendall H. He stated in his review that the plane is located 400 meters after the H-3 lookout on the right. By golly keep your eyes peeled and that is exactly where it is. Thanks Wendall!!! Ignore every last piece of marking tape you see on a tree because they are for something else. Plus,it is not located next to the Bamboo trees. It is probably impossible to give you a landmark since it's trees, logs, grass & a dirt trail. But once you get to the area...keep your focus down low. Good Luck! Why the 4 stars? It's long and there are little to no benches or just a place to pull over to take a break. You need to get creative. The trail is not well marked other than the well-worn main trail and there are a lot of side trails. That said, be careful going off on the little side trails...this is one trail you don't want to get lost on. Plus, it sort of bites that the trail doesn't begin & end in the same area. Don't forget your water, snacks, bug spray and your phone (just in case). You may also need sunscreen. We saw a lot of people hiking alone...don't do that if you aren't familiar with it. A lot of people run this trail too, so be respectful and make way for them. This is a great family trail that even little kids and dogs can do as well. Just be cognizant of the sheer drops here and there. read more
Perfect beginner hike. Located in Aiea, at the Aiea Heiau. Drive all the way up to the top, and start the walk there. Most of the hike is flat land, but there's some incline at certain parts. You may not have views of the ocean, but you sure do have beautiful scenery of the forest, & you can even see the entire H3 freeway from the the Kane'ohe side. Very pretty, almost seems like the Haiku Stairs, but not as difficult. lol Just remember that it's dirt and when it gets wet, it get's very muddy. So don't go after it rained :) Perfect for families. read more
Lace up them hiking shoes and get your a$$ moving, it's time to experience a different part of Hawaii! Just over 4 miles roundtrip, this hike has some tame uphills and easy-to-conquer obstacles that will satisfy every hiker, from the amateur to the professional looking for a breezy 2 hour or so hike. The trail is wide enough to accommodate the clumsiest of hikers and docile enough to traverse without inducing a heart attack. Fair warning though; the hike can get quite muddy and slippery at times after heavy rains but if you go on an average Hawaii day with at least 2-3 days of sunshine, it's easy going and a great way to view some different looking countryside. From elevated views of the H3 as it climbs to the Southern entrance of the Tetsuo Harano Tunnel to strangely placed pines and eucalyptus trees, this hike offers a vastly different experience than your traditional palm trees and ocean breeze. Instead, you get a distant view of Pearl Harbor and a lemony-eucalyptus laced breeze of the mountain winds. It's not as technically challenging as Olomana or Koko Head, but it is equally as rewarding. I did this with a 1.5 year old on my back and I didn't have a problem. Words of wisdom: -Don't park in the first parking area you see; go up the one way park entrance until you see a wooden structure resembling a public restroom...this is where the hike comes out -Park near the hike exit or you risk going uphill at the end to find your car...it sucks -the actual trail entrance is at the top of the hill where the road turns to go downhill, start at the exit for an easier finish. read more
Aiea Loop Trail is a 4.5 mile hike. I've done it twice. The first time, there was a bunch of us. So basically, it took us almost 3.5 hours. HAHA. that was due to the "smoke" breaks that was oh so needed. It was a chill trail. I think the "hard-core" part of this hike was hiking THE DEADLY HILL back to the parking lot. We were smart this second time around. We actually hiked this trail today. Smart thing is we parked at the lower hill in which once we are complete with the trail...we can go straight to the car instead of again hiking THE DEADLY TRAIL. THE DEADLY TRAIL was hiked at the beginning to get to the start. it took us 2.5 hours. Best part is the view of H3 and of course acting like a "Lady VS. WILD kinda action of having to climb over HUGE tree barks. :) I recommend this hike...and a GREASY lunch afterwards. ... i had a LARGE Whopper Jr. from Burger King. way to get most of the work out huh. read more
My wife and I looked for the downed aircraft but couldn't find it. Definitely muddy at times so bring a pair of sandals or flippers for the car ride home. It takes about 3 1/2 hours to do the trail loop. We stopped and looked out over H3 and had lunch. There are lots of edible guava fruit and mini guavas all over the trail. It was windy when we went which was nice. Parking is available at the base of the trail along with water and bathrooms. It's not an intense hike and kids may like it if they're able to walk a few miles. Bring water and a snack and enjoy the views of H3 and the trees. read more
7 years ago
Great hike! Almost 5 miles and is, well, a loop! Easy parking. I would park at the very top and then when you end, it kicks you out in the middle lots and you just have to walk up a bit to your car. The path is level for the most part but by parking at the top, your walking down if anything. Went at 8am and took my too pups on the hike with a friend. Took a lot of stops to give the dogs water, it can get hot but there are shady spots too. Overall, easy parking, easy hike, dog friendly, I would definitely do this one again! read more
14 years ago
What I didn't consider when I first did this trail is that it's a LOOP trail, (hence, "Aiea Loop Trail" - duh, Kristen!) so there is no definite scenic point. Probably the best scene you'll get is the view of the H3, but it's not anything spectacular. On a positive note, this trail is awesome to go on with friends or walk your dog as it's difficulty is easy-medium and doesn't leave you completely winded. I've done this a couple times, finishing on an average of 2 hours. This hike is very safe, the trail is obvious throughout the duration of the hike, and you really can't veer off into unknown woods. Tip: Muddy is an understatement on this hike. You can try as hard as you can to avoid the mud, but sooner or later, your shoes are going to be covered in it. Definitely wear old shoes that you don't mind getting dirty, as well as loose clothing since there are trees that you have to climb over (there are foot notches in the trees, allowing you to hop over with ease). read more
16 years ago
I have to go back and try this trail again when it's not as wet, muddy and slippery! All of that made the hike a bit more challenging and a true workout for me. We paced ourselves and felt bad yet thankful to our friend as she stayed with us and we separated from the big group ahead of us. Almost towards the end of the trail, we noticed several strawberry guava trees with ripped fruits. It was a nice treat to pick and munch on them as we walked! When I wasn't looking down while walking the muddy and wet trail, I tried to enjoy the trees, nature and made a point (when it was safe) to stop for a photo break on the picturesque trail. read more
Great trail for a run with mild grades to keep you huffin' and puffin'. Watch out for some gnarly root patches along the entire trail that could definitely put a hurting on your ankles. Along the trail there's an enormous tree that has fallen over into a bit of a valley. If you look hard enough you'll be able to see what's left of a crashed airplane. I was told that it was a downed Corsair fighter from WWII, however with all the damage to it by time, a big ol' tree, and probably people very little is distinguishable but an entire wheel and tire assembly farther down into that valley. I posted a few pictures of it, and it's fairly interesting. read more
Fun hike. Did this on a whim January 1st. Planned to just have a look around the park and ended up doing the whole hike.....in flip flops....in the wrong direction. Oh well, it was pretty fun anyway. Not super challenging, like I said...flip flops, but there are some parts that I could see getting really muddy and slick on a wetter day. If you do want a little more challenge, there are plenty of side trails that go up some steeper embankments and such that lead to some great views. Awesome views of the H3 in several locations. See the pics. Also some decent views of Pearl, surrounding mountains, etc. The valley that the trail loops around is really beautiful as well. A friend informed me after the fact that there is a crashed WWII plane visible on this hike...will definitely look into that for the next go round. read more
18 years ago
The park is a destination in itself, the Kea'iwa Heiau is pretty fascinating and the park has great areas to enjoy the views if hiking isn't your thing. The trail isn't too hard, but can be pretty difficult after a rain.The mud is nasty and even if it hasn't rained the red dirt and dust will stain anything white, be prepared. Part of the trail is lined with guava, which is a perk! It is well worth the trip. read more
10 years ago
Pros: Cool, breezy and a loop. There's amazing foliage to look at. Parking and restrooms at trail head. Bring your own TP and soap. Really nice valley views, eucalyptus and pine tree groves. Had some bruddas driving mini remote control trucks that were dope. Lots of people on trail so it feels safe-ish. Cons: Mud, super wet cake batter mud, so wear shoes with support that you don't mind getting dirty. When you pau the loop, gotta walk uphill to cars. It can make you small kine fussy. But really, we're out here to exercise right?! read more
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Ask the Community - Aiea Loop Trail
Is the parking lot/area secure?
There's parking stalls throughout the park. Security? No.
What hours is the trail open on weekends?
Saturday Sunday 7am-7pm (I was doing my research I went on the main site to see the hours the Google hours may vary)
Review Highlights - Aiea Loop Trail
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