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    Mt Ka'ala Trail

    4.4 (45 reviews)

    Mt Ka'ala Trail Photos

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    Steve Z.

    Tremendous, inspiring, magnificent ....Incredible hike....unforgettable experience. Yes it's a challenge, but it's not impossible, and I think the difficulty score it earns must be qualified by a few caveats. So if you are in decent shape and can walk a path for 10 hours at a stretch, and don't mind a few ropes and some boulders, you will do fine. Bottom line: don't let this hike scare you. It's far easier than many other Oahu hikes like Aeia Loop, and Olomana, etc. Here's the synopsis and assessment: awe inspiring scenery not only with the vistas (which are amazing), but also with the diversity of flora and fauna present. You pass through several different ecosystems that are beautiful in their own spectacular ways. While the view from the geological crest is no doubt mesmerizing, on the day we hiked it, the peak was completely engulfed in clouds so the view from Pearl to Haleiwa was non existent. However, below 4K ft, the spectacular vistas materialized once we descended below the cloud cover. Difficulty: hard but Olomana in Kailua is far more brutal and much worse... again, the challenge is still having "legs" left after hiking for 6-11 hours straight. If you are like our 4-person team, with average or above average hiking abilities, it will take slightly longer than some of the previous reviews stated.... there's just no good formula to gauge exactly how fast it will take you so adjust your estimate based on an honest assessment of your individual party's skills. Then add a couple hours for fatigue. Best way to practice is to just do several 8-10 hour "walks" on weekends to build up your endurance. Another nugget: it's far easier on the ascent than descending ... please allow more time for this. Far better you over estimate the time you think it will take and then finish early, than to under estimate and run out of water and food....and daylight... Must brings: Water (3 to 5 L per person), lightweight high protein foods, crampons (absolute must!), insect repellents, sunscreen, full brim hats, sunglasses, very good hiking boots, gloves (another must bring!), clothing that doesn't rub. Recommend long pants due to mud and rocks (and mosquitoes) but it's your call as most of the hikers we met on the way were fine in cargo shorts. Keep to the trail by watching for the omnipresent purple or pink engineer tape hanging on the trees. Respect the land by packing out everything you pack in. We picked up tons of trash that others left behind... please don't be like them. Watch for afternoon rain squalls To prevent vehicle break-in in the small trailhead parking lot, consider parking in Waianae and Uber in to the start of the trailhead. Watch for hunters... it's their land too! Respect Everything and Everyone. Have fun and most importantly: don't take counsel of your fears... this is a great hike! Mahalo for reading my review.

    At the summit of Mount Ka'ala, where you can see Honolulu and Diamond Head in the far distance.
    Paul N.

    Finally had the chance to do one of the most challenging trails on O'ahu and going up the tallest mountain on the island, Mount Ka'ala! Standing at 4,025 feet above sea level, it is no doubt one of the steepest I have ever done in my life. And it took me 6 hours round-trip altogether; 3 hours going up, 1 hour at the summit to enjoy the views and take photos and videos, and then 2 hours to get back down to Wai'anae! This is essentially three parts. The first one is the long gradual ascent on a paved path (for the first 1.2 miles), then on the dirt path, through the forest and up to the ridge, which is physically hard enough. The second part is on the steep ridge and involves so much climbing, and that is technically and physically challenging. The final part is when you get into the Mount Ka'ala Nature Preserve, which is flat and fairly easy (you'll end up brushing against a lot of the plants, however). You'll finally see that white iconic dome structure, and that is the summit and end of the trail. There are gates where indicated where you can walk along the outside of the station's fence and enjoy these lovely scenic views! On a clearer day, you can see Hale'iwa and the North Shore, Wahiawa and Central O'ahu, and you might also be able to make out Honolulu and Diamond Head in the far distance. Bottom line is that this is an extremely challenging hike, even if you are very athletic and in great physical shape. If you can't handle the ropes, steps, and rock-climbing very well, then Mount Ka'ala is definitely not for you! Even a few days after doing this, parts of my body are still hurting! Things to bring with you: Water, snacks, hiking gloves (especially for climbing up and down), mosquito repellant, sunscreen, hat. To get to the trailhead, from Wai'anae Town and the Farrington Highway, turn onto Wai'anae Valley Road and take it until you see the one-land Dead End road, and follow that road all the way to the end, where the dirt parking lot and trailhead are located. Don't leave anything in your vehicle, as there have been a number of break-ins over the course of time!

    view from the parking area
    A.a. Y.

    So much fun!! Definitely a tiring hike. It took me and my friend seven hours total (we did spend about 20 minutes looking for the sign that showed how high up we were). Mostly shady going up until you reach the ridge area next to the fence. We had a great view with mostly clear skies once we got up there. Bring snacks and water and also a towel. Although it was mostly dry and had not rained in a bit, we still got a bit muddy. If you are not comfortable with going up/down ropes I don't recommend. You don't need to be the most experienced hiker but definitely make sure you are comfortable with lots of rope climbing.

    Arkhe P.

    The hike is long, it took us like 5 hours back and forth. It is a good exercise on a weekend. There was not much of view but the fulfilment that you will feel is rewarding because of hiking the highest peak on Oahu. We were kinda confused where to find the starting point because we are not sure if the trail starts in the dead end street. Take the dead end street and reach the end of it where you can find a parking space. The trail starts in the gate. The first few miles is in pavement. Then it continues with uphill.

    Just the beginning....
    Celina Y.

    Mt. Ka'ala has been on my list to hike for quite some time! It is the highest peak on O'ahu and of course I was determined to conquer the summit AND part of the valley. Mt. Ka'ala was not my longest hike but it definitely was my steepest. There's nothing truly hard about it other than the steepness. There is a few rope sections and rock climbing, but all doable for an intermediate hiker with some climbing experience. But the day we went it was HUMID, voggy, rainy, sunny, and muddy. The vog and humidity made me as an intermediate/advanced hiker HATE parts of this hike and to wonder if I even liked hiking anymore. I never sweated and swore so much on a hike! Now that I'm in my bed, I can say I'm glad I was allowed to go with the group, glad I went, and one and done! Lol Tips: Go early Sunblock and bug spray Gloves and spikes LOTS of water and food! Leave nothing in your car--3 out 6 cars in our group got broken into

    Looking up the ridge line from after three poles lookout.
    Nate L.

    Even in the rain, this is one of my favorite trails. If you're a townie like me and tend to hike town trails, heading out to Wai'anae is a great way to get to some new terrain. It's significantly less-crowded than town trails and the geology, vegetation and overall scenery is very different from hiking in the southern Ko'olau. The trail is easy to find. Head mauka on Wai'anae Valley Road from Farrington. When the road forks roughly a mile back, head left and take the one lane road until it ends. There will be a parking area and a sign indicating "Wai'anae Kai Public Hunting Area." Bear in mind that this area is popular with hunters, so try to wear something obnoxiously bright until you get above the tree line. Take the paved road back a mile. You'll pass by two fenced-off/tank areas. The second has a water spout that serves up delicious water from the area. If you want to spare yourself from carrying a heavy bag up the long, paved portion, you can fill your water bottles here. You'll thank yourself later. After the second tank, follow the dirt road further up. IMPORTANT NOTE: For Ka'ala, follow purple ribbons and bottle caps up and orange indicators down. You can get lost in the valley very easily if you veer off trail. You gain elevation fast. Immediately you head in an almost straight line up to the ridge. The trail is well-cleared and for the most part well-marked. There are steeper sections toward the top and it gets muddy and slick with even a hint of dampness. If you have micro spikes, this is a great trail to have them. You'll reach the 'three poles' lookout at about 2,800 feet. Soak in the view and look east, that's what you'll be climbing next. From a distance the ridge line looks narrow, steep and brutal. Parts of that are true, but like most trails it isn't as bad once you actually get there. Head up the ridge and be careful as it gets narrower and narrower the higher you get. The drop-offs are pretty severe to the right, so keep your distance if you can. A new fence has been installed for the first 1/2 mile or so (to prevent goats), so you can grip that for security if you'd like. You'll reach two boulder sections. The first is not bad and is more like a large staircase. The second is not as bad as it looks. Though the drop off is to the right, you will need to head up that side first. If you look closely you'll see that someone has carved notches into the lower boulder - you can use these for a foot hold as you make your way up. Once you're a bit further up, you'll see a small area leading up the left, almost like a small platform. Because you can't see this from the ground, the climb looks much more difficult than it is. Head up from there and it is easy from that point on. Hug the rocks if you need and keep your hands on the rope and your feet on something supportive. At no point should you be swinging and/or rappelling. After the second boulder section it gets steeper and steeper. There are fewer drop offs but the climb is relentless until you reach the summit. Be ready for lots of ropes and no real place to take a good rest. Make sure to look back at what you just climbed (and continue to climb) - the views are amazing. You'll top out when the trail levels out. Keep heading along the trail and you'll reach the bog. This is a special place filled with some plant species that only live here - and it is fragile. Make sure to brush the dirt off your shoes (tools provided at trail top) on the way in and on the way out. Stay on the boardwalk and don't damage any of the plants. The boardwalk takes half an hour if you're stopping to look closely and take pictures - which you should. At the end of the boardwalk, you'll reach the base. Follow the road right then head left at the fence, you can circle the base to get views of all sides of the island. We were wrapped in a cloud yesterday but will be going back on a clear day to see this. When you're ready, head back down. Be very careful if it's wet since slipping off the ridge line would be a bad way to end your day and/or life. Extra caution is required on the boulders. This is an upper-intermediate trail with some light bouldering/scrambling required. More than anything, it is a leg burner. Avoid this if you're not OK with some exposure to drop offs and if you haven't done some of the longer town trails. I think a good practice trail would be Kulepeamoa in Niu Valley. The initial ascent is similar - straight up from the valley floor to gain the ridge line, and the climbs, while on different terrain, are close in level of difficulty. Kuliouou West (not the state trail) would be another good one to do prior to Ka'ala, as well. Note that this is not a good trail for dogs (above three poles lookout) and hunters' dogs and hikers' dogs sometimes get in fights. This is also not a good hike for kids if you venture much past the end of the dirt road.

    From this paved access road to the peak of that mountain! Mt Ka'ala!
    Lara L.

    As good as it gets with challenging gains in elevation; breathtaking scenery, native plants, cool native snails, fruits along the way. The trail is considered challenging and requires some upper strength at the rock and rope sections. Reaching the summit is oh so worth it. Bring lunch! This is a hike for those who seek challenge as well as those who appreciate the beauty surrounding our island. It is a well maintained trail. Few areas of drop offs but nothing like sheer cliffs. It can be a muddy trail so for better traction, I suggest spikes. You don't have to but for comfort and ease of mind to not slip on the way down. Ropes, ropes, ropes--and 2 large vertical boulder sections. The first boulder section isn't too bad, the second is a little trickier. I am 5'3" so it was a bit of a climb....had to stop, analyze and receive encouragement from my fellow trekkers. totally appreciated it. Bring at least 2L of water (I had 3.5L and drank 3L); may need bug repellent and sunscreen; shoe spikes and of course your phone or camera. There is service up at the summit and in some areas of the trail. Enjoy!

    About 2/3 way up
    Tim L.

    Whew, very tough and steep trail. The first 1.5 miles is up a concrete/asphalt road. Just keep going and you'll finally get to the actual hiking trail. From there it's another 2 miles up and about 2500 feet of elevation since you just gained 1000 feet on that damn road. Luckily, most of the trail is shaded so it's not super hot although many portions of the jungle were really humid. Constant uphill to the top but very doable with only a few rock faces that require use of the ropes already in place. Once at the top you'll walk about 1/2 mile on a wooden plank trail until you escape the bog and you'll see the FAA site right in front of you. Sadly for us this past Saturday, we were in the clouds from about 3/4 up until the summit so the views at the top were blah. I'm sure with no clouds the views at the top are great but hey -- I made it to the top of O'ahu and have the pics of the FAA site to confirm it! Took us a little over 5 hours roundtrip to complete this hike. Bring lots of water (I went through 3+ liters), sun block just in case, microspikes, gloves, lunch, and a hat for the shadeless sections. While it was cool at the top, I didn't need a jacket. Glad to have completed this bucket list hike. Don't think I need to repeat since all of the summit trails on-island have spectacular views.

    Gabriela B.

    I loved this hike and the view at the top was awesome! We could see the north shore and pearl harbor! But I also do a lot of cardio and hike often so the steep and ongoing incline didn't really bother me. To get there we had to drive down this tiny little one lane road and park at the end where there was a gate. Once we started, we walked on a paved path with a slight incline for about a mile and a half before we got to the trail. We walked up the trail for a little bit and saw a picnic table, here the trail went off to the right. After a while there was a split and we took the left side which goes down to a little stream that we crossed and continued to another split about a quarter to half a mile away. We took the right side which is very marked with trail tape. From here, it's ALL uphill! My thighs were burning! After awhile we got to the top of the steep incline up to the fence that divides the mountains and it was dry and slippery with loose sand. Eventually we got to series of ropes which were all in good condition when I went through. When the incline finally evened out there was a little reserve and a wooden walkway through it. Once we made it through this reserve we were there! We made it to the top and it felt so good! There is a military radar installation at the top, but it is fenced off and you are allowed to walk around the fence on the nice grassy area. Overall this hike was a great workout and I am extremely happy I did it. It took about 5 hours round trip, not counting the one hour break we took at the top to admire the scenery. The trip up was quite the trek with a significant incline, but hey the best things in life take work! Tips: -Bring plenty of water. The incline is tiring and there are parts that aren't shaded so you WILL get thirsty. I'm 110lbs and 2L of water was sufficient for me. -Start early. Not only to beat the heat, but when we got there, there were no clouds but they developed significantly during our hour of sitting there due to diurnal heating. -Bring a snack. You will be happy you did when you get to the top.

    H I.

    The hike was very muddy and very slippery throughout various areas. It drizzled and poured rain a couple times during the hike. It was humid at times. Other than the paved area that leads to the hike, the hiking trail was covered in foliage for the most part. A bunch of the ropes were so muddy and slippery that I couldn't hold on to the rope; so, I ended up wrapping those ropes around my arm. There were at least 20 ropes (?-lost count) throughout the hike, when you get closer to the top. The ropes were secure when we went in September 2017. Although testing the rope, I couldn't help but wonder just how secure the rope was, especially on the boulders. Although the trail is maintained, there were a few parts of the hike where the erosion of the dirt left very tiny paths where the other side was a steep cliff. While hiking, a young man said he went up to the first rope, and then turned around. While at the bottom of the boulder (mentioned in other blogs), another young man was being told by his friend who made it up the boulder, "...just psych yourself out..."--they both turned around. Another young pair of females said they went up to the picnic table, and then turned around. A father and young son duo turned around... ...so--- while at the 2nd boulder, we had 2nd thoughts about this hike (especially since were warned about all the ropes AFTER the boulders)--but we decided to chug on...The boulders weren't that bad. You can count the people on this hike. There was one other young man who finished the hike around the same time as us. Going up, there were about 6 others on their way down, who had just completed the hike. On our way down from completing the hike, there was a man who said he'd finished the hike in the past, but brought his 10 year old son back to finish the hike this time since his son had stopped at the boulder the last time. The plants at the natural reserve are cool, and makes you feel as though you're walking through some kind of Star Wars movie. I've never seen blue moss before. The clouds covered a lot of the views. It was completely silent up at the top--no sirens, no traffic--just nature. I recommend starting the hike early--just in case you need the extra time before it gets dark. I would not recommended dogs and young children to hike beyond the picnic table. I would not recommend this hike for those individuals who have a "fear of heights."

    Izumi K.

    The highest peak of Oahu! I've been there several times. Amazing views at the top. However the weather changes often and could get sucked in by clouds. Don't forget to bring a jacket if you want to stay at the top to enjoy the view. Please be careful if you plan on driving. This is a high theft area.

    End of trail yay!
    Sherree M.

    For a heavy set person I was a bit intimidated to even attempt this hike even after completing Stairway to Heaven and Ku'uau crater, however I decided to be brave and attempt it anyway. Although I finished, this hike was definitely grueling. By the way, if your looking for a bad ass hike with the reward of a great view when you get to the top, this hike is NOT it. This hike is what I'd say is an accomplishment bragging rights type of hike. Seriously, once you get to the top, there's a big field with some satellites to look at, big whoop. Anyway, for this hike I definitely packed too much. Bear in mind this is all uphill. I think there was all of one switch back if you can even call it that so packing enough water and a snack or two is all you need. You don't want that extra weight, TRUST ME. I'd say 3 Liters was what I used, however if your more in shape you probably won't need as much. To start the hike you'll have to walk quite a bit on a paved, inclined road. You'll pass a water station, afterwards there will be a nice big puddle of mud in the road which you can maneuver around. After the mud you'll walk up hill again until you reach another water station. Your probably gonna think your at the trail head at this point, NOT. Your then going to start an unpaved road uphill passing a little picnic table on your left, just a little further is where the head of the trail will be. This hike is definitely going to make you sweat so I'd say bring Extra Clothes for after the hike (leave it in your car) and for those that aren't about being sweaty all the time, an extra shirt (to take with you)for once you get to the top to change for the hike back down. It can get a little chilly up top so if you get cold easily you might want to bring a jacket or some rain gear but remember, pack light. You really don't want to bring too much that will add to the weight, again, TRUST ME on this. All in all, I'm glad I did the hike. My legs are a bit sore but getting to the top, priceless.

    Probably the most difficult climbing section you'll come across on the trail.
    Arnold Y.

    Definitely one of my favorite hikes. The first mile or so after the end of Waianae Valley Rd is a standard walk along a paved road. When the road ends, just keep following the purple markers; it's pretty straight-forward. But as many reviewers mention, the climb will get steep. It is a relentless climb to the top. Thankfully there are rope sections to help you, but be sure to test all ropes first. The journey to the radar station at the summit is roughly 4 miles. When you get to the flat summit, you are treated to seeing a selection of native plants and animals! When you get to the FAA radar installation, you can go around the perimeter (preferably along the left side) to get fantastic views of north and central Oahu! At times, you can see all the way to Diamond Head. It is a view unlike any other!

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    Ask the Community - Mt Ka'ala Trail

    Review Highlights - Mt Ka'ala Trail

    Bring more water and food than you think, and consider a flashlight just in case.

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    Pu'u'ohulu Kai - City night view

    Pu'u'ohulu Kai

    4.7(153 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    Very cool hike. Unexpected difficult hike I would guess 2 miles round trip with some steep…read moreclimbing. I wouldn't bring kids unless they experienced hikers and no small dogs. But very rewarding hike with a beautiful 360 view at the top. Bring extra water and snacks and can have a nice picnic at the top.

    This west side Pink Pillbox Trail isn't as famous as the east side's Lanikai Pillbox Trail, but…read moreit's only about a 15-minute drive from Aulani and way less crowded -- definitely a nice bonus. Just set your GPS to Puʻu O Hulu (Pink Pillbox) Trailhead, and you'll find plenty of street parking along that stretch. Still, I'd recommend parking closer to the entrance for safety because we noticed broken glass scattered on the ground further down the road, probably from past break-ins. We actually parked once, saw the glass right by our car, and quickly moved closer to the entrance instead. Right after we parked, it started raining. The forecast said it would last about 30 minutes, so we just waited it out in the car before starting our hike. The trailhead is right between a yellow "Falling Rocks" warning sign and a white "Speed Limit 25" sign on a utility pole. The hike starts with a steep incline, but overall it's not too hard and just a bit narrow at parts. There are three pillboxes total. It took us around 30 minutes to reach the first one at a relaxed pace, stopping for photos along the way. The first pillbox is painted in blue graffiti inside, and from there you can continue up to the famous pink one. When we got to the pink pillbox, there were surprisingly tons of flies swarming around the entrance for some reason, so we didn't stay too close. The wind was really strong up there -- strong enough that I had trouble keeping my balance! It looked like reaching the third pillbox would require climbing over quite a few rocks, so we decided to turn back instead. On the drive back, we passed Ulehawa Beach Park, where we saw a whole row of homeless encampments right by the ocean -- literally parked and camped along the beachfront. We even saw a few people running across the road and one guy riding his motorcycle the wrong way, yelling at drivers passing by. If that's a regular thing, really sad to see this.

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    Mauna Lahilahi

    Mauna Lahilahi

    4.6(23 reviews)
    4.1 mi

    Now this was a fun and short hike! The older I get and the older age of the guests I take on hikes,…read morethe more interested I am in completing hikes that get straight to the point - the view! This hike falls in that category. Make your way to Makaha and park on a neighborhood street. Please be respectful of where and how you park to show respect to the locals living in the area. Please ensure to not leave any trash and if you see any, please pick it up and dispose of it properly. It's just a short 3-minute walk to the base of the little hike. I believe it took us 15-20 minutes to make it to the top. I felt comfortable enough to allow my 5 year old daughter hike on her own with my supervision. There were a couple challenging spots, but as long as you push through, you should be good. The view from the stop is absolutely stunning. Since the hike is on the makai side, you can capture a full 360 view around. P.S. Waianae/Makaha is synonymous with choke homeless people and Hawaiians. Please plan appropriately.

    SUPER short hike, but really breathtaking views! Came with a friend, and we hiked up about half the…read moremountain. She decided not to do the bit of "rock climbing" involved, and stayed behind with my dog. Still a very worthwhile view for just 10 minutes of work (or less). I went on, and while the rock climbing was very short, it is not for everyone. It is not extremely clear how to climb it (for someone without a lot of rock climbing experience aka me), but if you were to fall, the probably of it being fatal seems low. Gorgeous views to your left and right when you get to the top. Skip the "right fork". Just a little beach walk. We were done with both sides in less than an hour.

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    Maili Pillboxes

    Maili Pillboxes

    4.7(64 reviews)
    5.2 mi

    I never grow tired of the amazing ocean and mountain views from this short hike…read more Have hiked both sunset and sunrise hikes enjoyed both. Although not a long hike, if you are not use to uneven rocky uphill the first section may be alittle rough for you both going up and down. We use poles, especially useful going down. The trail has very little shade so best done in morning or late afternoon. We usually only go to the first 3 pillboxes, which all have beautiful views. The art in the first one is fairly uncovered. Unfortunately the second one's art has been mostly covered by graffiti. I don't get why anyone would deface it. It is late February and the mountain has lush tall green grass lining the trail. Summertime is completely different being on the dryer side of island. The wind has been quit strong so instead of hanging on top of pillbox we spent sometime inside looking out the openings taking it all in. Back to the views, I never, never grow tired of them. Absolutely stunning!!!!

    It's actually the same location when you search Pink Pillbox or Puʻu O Hulu…read more This west side Pink Pillbox Trail isn't as famous as the east side's Lanikai Pillbox Trail, but it's only about a 15-minute drive from Aulani and way less crowded -- definitely a nice bonus. Just set your GPS to Puʻu O Hulu (Pink Pillbox) Trailhead, and you'll find plenty of street parking along that stretch. Still, I'd recommend parking closer to the entrance for safety because we noticed broken glass scattered on the ground further down the road, probably from past break-ins. We actually parked once, saw the glass right by our car, and quickly moved closer to the entrance instead. Right after we parked, it started raining. The forecast said it would last about 30 minutes, so we just waited it out in the car before starting our hike. The trailhead is right between a yellow "Falling Rocks" warning sign and a white "Speed Limit 25" sign on a utility pole. The hike starts with a steep incline, but overall it's not too hard and just a bit narrow at parts. There are three pillboxes total. It took us around 30 minutes to reach the first one at a relaxed pace, stopping for photos along the way. The first pillbox is painted in blue graffiti inside, and from there you can continue up to the famous pink one. When we got to the pink pillbox, there were surprisingly tons of flies swarming around the entrance for some reason, so we didn't stay too close. The wind was really strong up there -- strong enough that I had trouble keeping my balance! It looked like reaching the third pillbox would require climbing over quite a few rocks, so we decided to turn back instead. On the drive back, we passed Ulehawa Beach Park, where we saw a whole row of homeless encampments right by the ocean -- literally parked and camped along the beachfront. We even saw a few people running across the road and one guy riding his motorcycle the wrong way, yelling at drivers passing by. If that's a regular thing, really sad to see this.

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    Maili Pillboxes
    Maili Pillboxes
    Maili Pillboxes

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    Pu'u Hapapa Trail

    Pu'u Hapapa Trail

    4.8(12 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Open to the public only a few days a year (when the military isn't having live ammo exercises), we…read morewere lucky to hike it on 4th of July. We came up Kunia Road and entered Schofield Barracks. You tell them you wanna hike Kole Kole trail. Then you pull over and get a permit. Your car must be fully legal and bring ID for everyone. They take your photo. Then we drove back into the base a while to the trail head. Nice parking and safe from thieves and vandals. The first 0.4 miles is extremely easy, like easier and shorter than Diamond Head. You get to a bench viewing area that is absolutely gorgeous. Unique views of West side. If you continue on to the left of the bench is a trail partially obscured by tall scratchy California grass. The trail is still easy for awhile, we took the left fork which is more gradual. Then you start ascending the side cliff which gets progressively more challenging, loose gravel, rock climbing but there are ropes to help you. Glad I brought spikes for the way down. Should have brought my gloves and worn long pants as I got lots of scratches on my legs from plants. We went to the top a little past where the junction is. You can see North Shore, West side, and all the way to Diamond Head. Approximately 2.5 miles total. Not too dangerous and mostly shaded until the ridge part. Sae many other side trails would love to explore.

    We tried this trail this past Sunday as it was open to the public. Keep checking thier FB page for…read moredates and times the trail will be open. https://www.facebook.com/usaghawaii/ First thing, it had been raining that morning, so we knew there was a possibility we wouldn't be going up and down the notches. The thing about Kolekole trail is that if it had been raining, it dries up pretty quick. It's like the trail just absorbs all the rain. The hike up was fairly easy and clear however very gusty. We made our way up the summit only to feel the gusts even more. And that then was the end of the trail for us. Always practice safety first. There is always another day. The views were spectacular so it wasn't a total loss.

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    Pu'u Hapapa Trail
    Pu'u Hapapa Trail
    Pu'u Hapapa Trail

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    Kuaokala Trail

    Kuaokala Trail

    4.5(11 reviews)
    6.3 mi

    This trail was absolutely beautiful in one of my favorite areas of Oahu. It had numerous shady…read moreareas which is a bonus. My favorite part was driving into Space Force Station and having amazing views while driving. You will have to obtain a pass through DLNR and show a valid ID at the gate as well as wait for an escort along the top of the mountain road. I had no issues with wait times. Keep hiking!

    Hiked this trail for the first time, it is located past Makaha. You turn in at the Space force sign…read morestopping at the guard shack. Must have identification for all hikers, car registration, safety doc. for car and print out of day pass permit acquired from trails.ehawaii.gov. Carry copy with you and one on dash of car. Once cleared you will drive up hill to gate where you will be escorted by Military Security to another gate to trailhead. The trail starts through very tall thick grass opening up to pine needle covered trail. In this section the trail can be a little narrow with a cliff drop off on one side. There are many gorgeous ocean and Mountain View's throughout most of the hike. The trail comes out on a dirt roads that can be steep as you climb higher. The trail becomes a single track again with area of loose dirt, steep areas and narrow with drop offs. You come up on rock formations that are shaped by erosion. This is a great area for pictures. Do not take your dog, there are signs by a gate warning you there may be hunting dogs and do not leave trail because there are snares to catch feral goats and pigs. We enjoyed this beautiful interesting hike. I'd start early as this hike can be warm in some areas.

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    Kuaokala Trail - A butterfly found on a flower

    A butterfly found on a flower

    Kuaokala Trail
    Kuaokala Trail

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    Mt Ka'ala Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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