Ridge mornings
STOP 1 OF 4
Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail
East side · Free to visit
Switchbacks then stairs to the Koʻolau summit.
3–4 hours · Free
EThe editors · 3 Hikes with a view lists — switch
Ridge mornings
Longer trails for a whole morning, shaded or high.
4 placesA full dayRead the guide ↓
- 1. Kuliʻouʻou Ridge TrailSwitchbacks then stairs to the Koʻolau summit.East sideFree to visit3–4 hoursFree
2. Hauʻula Loop TrailShaded ironwoods and valley views.WindwardFree to visit1.5–2 hoursFree
3. ʻAiea Loop TrailA loop through the forest above Pearl Harbor.CentralFree to visit2.5–3 hoursFree
4. Kaʻena Point TrailFlat and exposed. Start early.West sideFree to visit3–4 hoursFree
The guide
How to do it: Ridge mornings
Four longer trails for a whole morning: up to the Koʻolau summit, through shaded ironwood forest, or out along the dry west coast to Kaʻena Point.
These are for people who like a proper hike; plan three to four hours each.
- The order to do it in
- One per morning. ʻAiea Loop and Hauʻula are shaded and good on hot days; Kuliʻouʻou and Kaʻena are not.
- When to go
- Start by 7 a.m. Avoid the ridges after heavy rain.
- Getting there
- A car. Kuliʻouʻou’s trailhead is in a neighbourhood; park quietly.
- What to bring
- Two litres of water, snacks, a light rain jacket for the ridge.
- What it costs
- Free.
Worth knowing
- Kaʻena Point is a seabird reserve: no dogs, no drones, and 50 feet from monk seals.
Started from the pins on Deviating the Norm’s Oʻahu map (the map). Places, notes and the guide checked and written by us; prices and opening times change, so check before you go.