Kuliouou Ridge Trail Takes Hikers Atop Koolau Summit

The hike up Kuliouou Ridge Trail will surely kick your butt. It may be only 2.5 miles to the top, but it’s an intense climb that will no doubt get your heart racing just a couple minutes into the hike.

It’s one of my favorite hikes on Oahu. It meanders through several different terrains and rewards hikers with a nice workout and, of course, a stunning view of the Windward side once they reach the top.

Your Journey on Kuliouou Ridge Trail

The hike to the ridge starts about 0.2 miles in, on the Kuliouou Valley Trail. Just be sure to veer right when you see the ridge sign. The valley trail is nice, too, but I prefer the ridge trail, which begins with several slightly inclined switchbacks through dry shrubberies. However, it gets much breezier once you reach the ironwood and Norfolk pines.

About two-thirds up, hikers can rest or have lunch at a shaded picnic area. Be sure to fully digest your food, though, since the second half is where the hike really begins! Kuliouou Ridge Trail moderately inclines from there, with views of both valleys to each side. And just when you think you’re almost to the top, the hike surprises you with a quick climb of 250 steps to the Koolau summit.

When to Go & What to Expect

We hike this a lot during the summer months when it’s clear and not as windy or rainy. No one likes to hike in muddy conditions! I’d imagine hiking this when it’s muddy would add an extra hour to the already 2.5-hour-long hike.

Sometimes you’ll see mountain bikers and hunters, but for the most part, Kuliouou Ridge Trail is fairly empty.

I just learned that hikers can camp on this trail, which I’m assuming most do near the sheltered picnic area. You’d have to apply for a Hawaii camping permit first, but it may be worth it if you’re looking for an escape from the city.