Field Guide: Take a Hike!
Hiking is a great way to get out of the city and take in nature’s beauty. Here are five trails—each three miles or under—for the leisurely hiker.
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1. Kaiwa Ridge, commonly known as the Pillbox Trail
This moderately challenging hike offers 360-degree views of Lanikai, Popoia Island and the Mokulua islands.
How to get there: Drive north on Pali Highway until it crosses Kalanianaole Highway and becomes Kailua Road. Continue onto Kailua Road; turn right onto Kalaheo Avenue, crossing the bridge over the canal to Alāla Road. Turn right onto Kaelepulu Drive. The hike entrance is near the Pacific Country Club.
Distance: 1.3 miles round trip
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Hiking time: 45 minutes
What makes it great: “The stunning views of Lanikai,” says Ralph Valentino, the public affairs chair of the Hawaiian Mountain and Trail Club.
2. Kuliouou Valley
Hikers will enjoy this easy, shaded trail, which runs along the Kuliouou stream.
How to get there: Drive on H-1 east until it becomes Kalanianaole Highway, then continue onto Kuliouou Road, turn left, and left again onto Kalaau Place; park in the cul-de-sac.
Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Hiking time: 45 minutes
What makes it great: “This hike offers a really nice valley stroll,” says Stuart Ball, the author of three Hawaii hiking books. “It’s a great hike for a Sunday afternoon.”
3. Kealia Trail
This trail is a dry-forest hike filled with native plants.
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How to get there: Take Farrington Highway (Highway 930) through Waialua to Dillingham Airfield. Park near the airfield’s third gate, marked by a sign for the trailhead.
Distance: 6.2 miles, but, says Valentino, “You can go however long you want and it’s a great trail.”
Hiking time: three hours, if hiking the full distance
What makes it great: “There are a lot of switchbacks,” he says. “And a great view of Dillingham Airfield.”
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4. Puu Pia Trail
Puu Pia is an 800-foot mountain surrounded by the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve.
How to get there: Drive mauka on East Manoa Road. Turn left onto Alani Drive and right onto Woodland Drive; park alongside the road near the trailhead.
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Hiking time: 1 hour
What makes it great: “It’s a nice hike in Manoa Valley,” says Ball.
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5. Kaluanui Ridge, commonly known as Mariner’s Ridge
How to get there: Take H-1 east until it turns into Kalanianaole Highway. Turn left onto Keahole Street, which merges into Hawaii Kai Drive. Turn left onto Kaluanui Road and park on the street; the trailhead is at the end of the street.
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Hiking time: 45 minutes
What makes it great: “This hike offers a spectacular view of the Windward Side,” says Ball.
Did You Know?
This year, the Hawaiian Mountain and Trail Club is celebrating its centennial. The club boasts almost 500 members and offers group hikes every Sunday. Its members also maintain more than 60 Oahu trails. Take in a free photo exhibit of the club’s history at the University of Hawaii Hamilton Library through Aug. 31. library.manoa.hawaii.edu.
