Oahu Hiking Trails

Kaaawa to Kahuku
(Northern Koolau Range - Windward)

Oahu - the Capital Isle


Looking ahead while on Malaekahana Ridge Trail. Malaekahana Ridge Trail
Malaekahana Pools

This is a very long ridge that extends from Laie to the Koolau Summit. Along the way, you can visit Malaekahana Pools with a side trip down to the stream.
Laie Falls, a side trip from the ridge trail Laie Ridge Trail
Laie Falls, Laie Pools

Variety is the attraction to this trail as a dirt road turns to footpath and the forest turns from pine to guava to uluhe. A gently-ascending path, one may take an optional side-trail to a wonderful little waterfall and pool.
Rockhopping the third crossing of Koloa Stream Koloa Gulch Trail
Koloa Stream

Work up a sweat ascending Koloa Ridge then descend to and rock-hop Koloa Stream 33 times. At the end, take a dip in one of the two pools in the mist of a hidden waterfall Take in the vistas of the gulch and Hauula town on the way back.
Looking uphill along Koloa Ridge Trail Koloa Ridge Trail
Koloa-Kaipapau

Short, ungraded ridge hike with clumps of pines spaced out between shrubby and eroded sections. The ascent is gentle, requires no hand-climbing, but is a pulse-raiser. Turn left at a ridge spur to connect with Kaipapau Ridge.
Hauula Loop Trail Hauula Loop Trail

Immerse yourself in a wonderful pine forest heavily sparsed with native Hawaiian plants along a well-graded, relatively even-footed trail. You'll enjoy the tranquility of this trail as only the distant roar of the Laie surf and the soft windswept swaying of the pine needles whispers in your ear.
Ducking along the Maakua Ridge Trail Maakua Ridge Trail

Traversing a number of small gulches at the base of Maakua Ridge, this wide and maintained loop trail takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of metro Honolulu to the quiet forest behind Hauula.
Kaliuwaa at the end of the Sacred Falls Trail Sacred Falls Trail
Kaliuwaa

The only access trail to this exquisite swim hole and spectacular waterfall has been permanently CLOSED. It is included here only for informational purposes dedicated to what was once an open and wonderful hike.
Castle-Punaluu Trail Castle Trail
Castle-Punaluu

For the highly-experienced hiker unafraid of thick vegetation, pothole-strewn footing, slick terrain, and feeling completely isolated, alone, even small in the wilderness this is perhaps the most rewarding trail you can hike. This will take you deep into some of the most unadulterated valleys, ridges, and rainforests on Oahu.
Along the Puu Piei Trail, atop the windswept Pauao Ridge hidden in clouds Puu Piei Trail
Puu Kiei

A get-to-the-point climbing trek to a prominent peak above one of the most beautiful valleys on Oahu. This "honest" 1,700-foot climb from sea level begins with an almost immediate then continuous ascent from Kahana Valley.
Kapaeleele Koa Heiau along the Kilo & Koa Trail Kilo & Koa Trail
Kapaeleele Koa, Keaniani Kilo

A novice trail at the mouth of lush Kahana Valley which includes neat glimpses of Kahana Bay and the ancient Hawaiian fishing shrines dedicated to it.
A deep pool along Kahana Stream Trail Kahana Valley Trail
Kahana Stream

Refreshing! At least three deep pools await you along this wide, crystalline stream - this is a trail you want to take at a leisurely stroll. However, don't be too mesmermized by this enchanting valley for she darkens fast and confuses even faster!
The peak the Puu Manamana Trail climbs toward but never reaches Puu Manamana Trail
Puu o Mahie Ridge, Crouching Lion, Kauhi

Always a foot or hand-hold away from a perilous fall, this trail traverses some of the most spectacular cliffs on Oahu. It is also one of the most dangerous on the island.
View from the ridgeline at the top of Graveyard Trail Graveyard Trail

A steep and narrow ridge spur originating from the mouth of Kahana Valley that takes you high above lush Makaua (Hidden) Valley and in view of the inaccessible Puu Manamana.
Looking uphill about midway up Kahekili Trail Kahekili Trail
Makaua, Hidden Valley

One of the most gorgeous trails for views of picturesque, vegetation-carpeted cliffs, dark blue ocean depths, and skies owned by the sun and misty cloud puffs. But beware! The price is a strenuous, dangerous climb.
View within Kaaawa Valley Kaaawa Valley Trail
Kualoa Valley, Jurassic Park

This gorgeous, privately-owned valley is hidden from the public eye yet is famous the world over. While its name is rarely heard, the valley has appeared in countless movies and television shows.




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