Kuliouou Ridge Hiking Trail

The Kuliouou Ridge Hiking Trail is one of the best and most popular ridge hikes on Oahu. With an elevation of about 1,800 feet in total, this ever changing terrain of a hike, is a must do for anybody. The breathtaking views alone are definitely worth the many switchbacks, muddy, and steep parts along this trail. From the top of the Kuliouou Ridge Hiking Trail, you’ll be able to see 360-degree views of Waimanalo and Kailua.

Trail Difficulty – Moderate
Length – 2 miles (round trip)
Duration – 3 hours
Condition – Shaded, muddy/slippery, well maintained

Important Information

Hours – Day use
Free Parking – There is no dedicated parking lot for this trail unfortunately, so you will have to park in the residential area. When parking, please DO NOT block anybody’s driveway or mailbox. The residents do call for vehicles to be towed, so park accordingly.
I’d also not leave any valuables in your car, just in case….
Don’t forget to bring extra clothes/shoes, this hike is known to be VERY MUDDY and SLIPPERY.

Getting to the Kuliouou Ridge Hiking Trail

The beginning of the Kuliouou Ridge Hiking Trail begins at the end of Kala’au Place. As stated earlier, there is no designated parking for this trail, so you’ll have to find a spot in the residential area (please be respectful of the residents in the area).

Once at the end of the street, walk past the board of water supply sign and you will then get to a fork in the road. Go right at this fork and continue on the dirt trail, someways down on the dirt trail you’ll see clear sign with an arrow indicating the direction for the Kuliouou Ridge Trail.

The trail is fairly easy in the beginning with numerous switchbacks, gradually climbing in elevation. You’ll notice the environment change when you get to different levels of elevation. At this height, the ground is rocky, and the vegetation isn’t as green as you’d expect a forest in Hawaii to be.

As you climb in elevation, you’ll notice that the floor is now covered in a thick layer of pine needles, very green, and lots of pine trees. After some time, you’ll find yourself at covered picnic tables, I’d take a breath, have a drink/snack, because the hard part is yet to come.

After you leave the area of the picnic tables, climb up a bunch of roots, steadily gaining elevation, the covered forest leads you out into an open air trail where man-made steps have been put in place for the trail. These steps vary in height, and don’t forget they are most likely muddy/slippery. Take your time here, going up and back down.

Not too long after these steps, you are the top and will reach an “end of trail” sign. You made it, now enjoy the views! Be careful up here, especially when near the edge of the cliff, high winds can come unexpectedly!