Hiking on Oahu
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Hiking on Oahu
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Dangers & Safety The most common hike dangers are getting stranded and falling. Monthly, rescuers search the mountains for stranded and injured hikers. Primarily due to the lack of time, hikers lose their way because of starting too late in the day or hiking alone. Trails can be muddy, rooty, and narrow causing extremely slippery conditions. Stream crossings can become dangerous during heavy rains. Both have caused serious and fatal injury. |
Weather Summer and winter day temperatures span high 70s to low 90s (25 - 33°C), respectively, and between low 60s to mid 70s (17 - 24°C) at night. Regardless of the season, the diurnal spread during any 24-hours averages 15°F (9°C). Hawaii lacks truly severe weather 99.9% of the time. The most common weather event is rain and often occurs daily during winter months (Nov - Jan). Typically, rain sweeps through as drizzle or isolated showers. Rare are even the smallest of thunderstorms but they do happen once in a while. |
Trail Access The vast majority of wilderness is public domain. However, many entry points require crossing private or military property and mires trail access in trespassing issues. To hike legally one must use official, public trails or secure permission from landowners. Formal requests for access, such as required by the military, may often demand more than a week. In these cases, hikers should consider participating with outdoor groups who have already arranged access agreements. |
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Terrain There are two major mountain chains and a variety of smaller volcanic outcroppings. Both mountain ranges resemble long spines, between 2,000 - 4,000-ft high, with countless "nerves" (ridges) extending from either side. Most ridges are "rollercoasters" - a succession of up-and-down climbing. The higher/farther one climbs, the sharper and steeper the ridges and cliffs become. The Koolau Mountains stand above the windward coast (east) and are covered heavily by lush, wet rainforest. The Waianae Mountains stand on the leeward coast and are much dryer, almost desert scrub-like in certain spots. |
Hike Conditions Sun-warmed humidity and thick, shrubby vegetation dominate. Most trails offer a degree of shade from severe UV exposure from the tropic sun. The majority of trails are highly slippery, muddy, and require either very steep or near-vertical four-point climbs - some more so than others. Often, hikers must use tree roots or shrubs as hand holds. The crumbly, weak nature of Oahu's geology prohibits rock-climbing in most areas. Many trails are overrun by dense fern understory requiring yearly clearing. Trails average between 2 to 4-miles (one-way). With the exception of one, no trail exceeds 8-miles (one-way). |
Scheduled Outings Several local organizations offer scheduled hikes open to the public. Some are dedicated to various facets of wilderness conservation while others are geared primarily to hiking. These non-profit groups frequently visit the outdoors and often have the liability insurance some landowners require. This allows access to trails that would normally be off-limits to individual hikers. In addition, several eco-tour operators are licensed in Hawaii to offer guided, nature outings. Led by professionals experienced in the local outdoors and culture, reputable companies provide hike equipment and transportation. |
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