I think this hike by far the hardest for me because the ridge was too narrow. It is very similar to Wiliwili Nui Ridge but no ropes and steeper. Two of my family made it to the top and the other two including me didn't. And at this point I'm not sure if I will return to finish it. I did 90% of it but feels unaccomplished. Great view! You do have to guard shack at the entrance like Wiliwili Nui ridge and the guard will check for driver's ID and everyone has to sign the liability form. They only give out 10 passes at a time. Read all the information before you go. We came here on Christmas Day and there were only 6 parked cars. This park is well kept. It's probably because of the gated neighborhood that it is in called Hawaii Loa. As other hiker described "Boujee." But no public restrooms. read more

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I've been on a hiking "kick" recently. I've never been on this hike, the views were worth it not to mention its a great workout. Get a parking pass from the guard shack when you enter you will need an ID. There's about 10 available stalls...or in my case I got lucky and my aunty's house is right next to the park entrance. It took me about 3.5 hours total but I took pictures, took breaks to catch my breath and ate a spam musubi at the top. The first 45 min or so was relatively easy that last 45 min to the top was more of a workout similar to koko head crater but not as many stairs. I would recommend water, hiking shoes and sunscreen. Hiking pants optional. There's an area that you will walk through foliage but its not thorny type just made my legs itch a little. Gorgeous hike up and the views are worth it! Its not a crowded hike since its limited parking great views! read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Hawai'i Loa Ridge Trail is the one to do after Kuliouou. The views are even better and it's slightly more challenging. You'll need a Hawai'i-issued ID to get past the security gate, and parking is limited. Don't get discouraged if it's full because spots do open up if you're patient. Or, if you've got friends living up in Hawai'i Loa (lucky you), now's the time to call them. Think of it like Kuliouou, but with less shade, more intensity, and a bigger payoff at the summit. The first 60% is easy and feels more like a stroll. After that, you'll dip down before heading up a tougher stretch to the top. This is where the real workout begins, and where you might start questioning your life choices, but keep going! The views are worth every step. Nothing too technical, but expect stairs, some steep climbs, and possibly muddy sections. Just watch your step, use your hands when needed, and wear good footwear. Best part? Fewer crowds thanks to the access rules. You get incredible views without sharing them with a hundred other hikers. read more

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Great trail, great view. The fog rolled in as we got close to the top but the views on the ways up were amazing the whole time!!!! Roots, rocky, muddy, big steps are included in this hike. You hike in and out of forested shaded areas to hot open areas that give you the views you crave. Only 10 cars are able to be parked at a time. So make sure you get there early. As people leave others can go up. You must have a Hawaiian ID or Mil ID to hike and sign a waiver. Bring water and snacks!!! As this is a climb! You will get thirsty. read more

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Beautiful scenery awesome it is a long hike although we did not finish it was nice to see and eat lunch read more

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Back a second time and still love this challenging trail with amazing views. Must have someone with Hawaii ID or Military ID to show security at private community gate to enter property to drive to trailhead which is on State land. There is limited parking so they limit how many cars come in at one time. We did early on week day hikes and have not had a problem. It nice not to have too many people on the trail especially in the stair section which has close quarters for passing. The conditions were slightly damp toward the top, and made for slightly slower progress, taking time to not slip. The trail is eroded in spots, with high step ups, because of steps missing. One areas was difficult to get up on because of the erosion, but with team work we all made it up. After the steep climb we were treated to an amazing view of the other side of island. Depending on cloud cover you may or may not see it. After sharing our lunch we started our journey down. We did use crampon for the steep section of the trail. We did make better time going back down however still need to be careful on our footing. Of course the young people that could be our grand children's age flew down the trail. We are happy we can still do trails that are rated hard at our age. Two of us near 70 and one over 70. I would not do this trail if raining, can become slick with the potential of water running down the trail. It so worth the challenge and absolutely stunning views. read more

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I underestimated this trail due to it being shorter than Kuliouou Ridge and Wiliwilinui Ridge. In my opinion this trail difficulty is rank between the 2 with Kuliouou being the easiest of these bunch. It took me about 2 hours to get to the summit and another 2 hours going back. Also it started to rain a bit so I took my time along with my crampons and hiking sticks. The summit was covered in the clouds so there was no view. I will definitely go again to see it. The AllTrails app made it seem like you were 70%in the trail at the 45 minute mark. Don't be fooled as the last 10-15% of the trail is the hardest part as the ridge gets into a steep incline. Be ready to get on your butt and your hands dirty as it gets arduous. Theres areas that's sketchy with a hazardous cliffs. So be extra careful especially when it drizzles when you're close to the summit clouds. I will definitely go again to see the view at the summit. As always I bring hiking sticks to help with deceleration when going back down. Knee braces to keep your knees from hurting or slipping. Also bring enough water and snacks. I go on weekdays as the crowd is small and either go in early in the morning for the first batch or parking passes or around 11am - 12pm for the next batch. But you can always try your luck on weekends. Happy hiking! read more

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This was a challenging hike for me. Out of wiliwilinui, kuliouou, and hawaii loa ridge, this was the most difficult. We started at 7:30 am and ended almost at noon while taking our time and spending about 20 minutes at the top. Make sure to get there early to get a parking pass. The security guard will ask for your drivers license and have you and the people in your car sign a waiver. The trail itself is very beautiful but some parts are super eroded. I had to pull myself up a few times because my legs were too short to climb some of the stairs. There is also a narrow mud tunnel that was slippery in some parts. I would recommend doing this hike on a clear day and skip it if it's raining. Luckily the clouds cleared a bit at the top. Overall, I'd say the other two ridge hikes offer a similar view, are easier to access, and probably safer if you are a beginner or moderate hiker. Bring lots of water, a hiking stick, and gloves if you can. My hands were dirty and muddy after finishing this hike! I consider myself in decent shape but my legs and upper body hurt afterwards lol. read more

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Having finally completed Wiliwilinui and Kuliouou Ridge Trails, I felt an urgency to complete Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - the last ridge trail in the area. According to the All Trails app, Hawaii Loa Ridge is 4.5 miles out and back and rated as hard. When I hiked Wiliwilinui the week before, it was super muddy so when the hiking reports said the trails were dry I took off an afternoon off to explore Hawaii Loa Ridge. At the guard shack, you'll need to present your Hawaii state ID and sign a waiver to obtain a parking pass. I hear there are 10 parking passes available. That Thursday afternoon, I had pass #5. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Most of it is exposed so I was thankful for the cloud coverage that day. What I liked most about this trail is that there are beautiful views right away. I was pretty excited to be hiking a new trail so I started at a pretty fast pace and then I lost fuel 40 minutes in. That was when I reached the first steps. It took me another 50 minutes to reach the top as I struggled with the steep incline. I had read that when you reach the Hazardous Cliff sign you were steps away. I kept a look out for that sign and I was so happy and relieved when I finally saw it. There was no view at the summit as we were covered with clouds, but experiencing the same thing a week before at the Wiliwilinui summit just made me laugh. I met a couple of other hikers at the top and they were so nice to take my picture. I had to rush back home so I got back to my car in about an hour. It was a challenging hike, but totally possible, especially if you take it slow and steady. The least thing I liked about the trail were the narrow mud walls in some sections. As you can tell, I am not a fan of mud. read more

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Limited entry. We are so happy we were able to visit here again. Located at the end of a private community. read more

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I came here at the suggestion of my friend who was staying in the subdivision where the house is located on a house sitting gig. She told me about this amazing hike just up the road from where she's staying that we should check out. I was game, so on a Thursday after work, I picked her up and off we went. Full disclaimer: We did not hike the entire trail. We hiked about 30 minutes of the trail before the views stopped due to entering the bush. Yes, there is a security booth you check in at, but because I went on a Thursday afternoon, there was no issue getting in. All I had to do was show my I.D. and let them know I was picking up my friend. I didn't mention we were going hiking, so perhaps that's why I wasn't required to sign a waiver. Getting up to the park is easy - you just follow the winding road up and up until you get to the top. The park up there is gorgeous - it reminded me of Napali lookout on Kauai. It was really windy when we went, but we didn't let that deter us from exploring the area. There's a small loop trail around the parking area where you can grill out at various grills or sit and enjoy the spectacular view from one of the benches. Once you enter the hike, it's easy to see why it's rated so highly. There's no huge elevation gain to achieve to enjoy payoff views pretty much right away. After coming out on the other side of the first ironwoods forest patch, you're greeted with gorgeous Portlock and Diamond Head views. Picture opportunities are ample. I would love to come back and do more of the ridge sometime. Given our time constraint, this fast and easy stretch of hike we completed was more than worth the drive up the mountain. read more

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Tl;dr: come in dry season. Make sure you have a good couple of days of dry weather before you do it. Why? Because it's SO freaking muddy and slippery on the top 50% otherwise. Long pants are your friends to prevent bush poking. If rain hiking is your thing, wear hiking boots. First 50% of the trail is flat and damp (covered in leaves), and alternates between canopied and exposed. Once you get to the upper 50% it gradually becomes muddier and muddier. You have poorly maintained stairs with exposed nails. All fours are needed to get up certain parts without slipping. The trail also narrows significantly. As you go up the elevation it gets super windy too. When we were close to the top it was so rainy, windy, and muddy that we had to turn back (granted wearing tennis shoes didn't help in that situation). Trail wasn't hard but the muddiness + poorly maintained stairs at the end present real danger if you aren't geared up properly. A few guys we passed advised us to slide down on our butts and they weren't joking - the ass marks on the way down confirmed that LOL. Nice view but I've seen better. I'm all for strenuous hikes but mud just isn't my thing. Not on the top of my list to come back to. PS: the neighborhood surrounding these mountains is beautiful. If I can live anywhere on the island this would be on the top of my list. read more

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One of my favorite Oahu hikes! I truly enjoy the diversity flora and the different ecosystems you pass through as you work your way to the summit. The hike is a tad technical with the need to use the ropes mounted at intervals to assist you with the ascent and descent. But as far as hikes go it's still very accessible even for hikers with average hiking abilities. Hike starts out in a small parking lot that barely accommodates 10 vehicles. The trail head is controlled by a guard shack located in an exclusive upper class neighborhood. In the past, other great hikes have been shut down due to the actions of a few irresponsible hikers transiting private neighborhoods without consideration, so it's crucial hikers on this trail obey the rules. Permits are obtainable by showing your HI drivers license. At least you know your vehicle will be watched. If the lot is full you'll need to wait for a spot to open up. I've done this hike as fast as 3.5 hours and as slow as 5 hours depending on the skill and stamina of hikers in my party. You'll pass through guava trees and Cook pines gaining elevation as you head up to the summit. When you get to the top, you'll be rewarded with a nearly 270 deg field of view starting with Waikiki and ending past the distinctive 1940's "A" shape airfield at Bellows AFS. The view out to sea towards the eastern horizon is equally inspiring. This is a must-hike outing for those who enjoy a challenge and appreciate a beautiful panoramic experience. Highly recommended. Mahalo for reading my review. read more

Awesome trail! You need to go past security to get access to the Hawaii Loa Ridge community. There is parking available up at the very top and a clear sign that tells you where the trail begins! The hike is a bit on the longer side. It took us a bit over 2.5 hours round trip. Slightly muddy, but the closer you get to the top, the more immersed you become in the clouds - at least that is the experience that we had on a cloudier/drizzly day. Soooo worth it - one of the more aesthetic hikes on island! On a scale of 1-5, the difficulty was about a 3.5-4 for me. read more

This is one of my favorite hikes on Oahu. This hike is great if you are an intermediate or novice hiker. I don't recommend this hike for beginners because it's more than 3 miles long, and takes a bit of strength to get up, not to mention getting back down and out. Even if you are fit, something on your body WILL hurt after this hike, most likely are calves or quads (or perhaps your butt, from falling). More often than not this hike is a little muddy/slippery. I recommend shoes that have a bit of grip, at least a liter of water, and some kind of snack such as a granola or energy bar. The first half of the hike is usually sunny, with some areas that go through a forest of guava trees. If it's a humid day, you'll be inhaling lots of fruit flies. I know, super gross, but still true. If you're like me, I'd like to keep a good pace while hiking, he will most likely be sweating so you'll need a decent amount of water and definitely a snack. at the end. One of the best parts of this hike is about three fourths of the way in, turn around and you'll see beautiful views of the valley. One of my other favorite parts of this hike is the end, where you can sit at the top of the ridge right in the clouds. I definitely recommend this hike on a sunny or overcast day (but never rainy) as the trail gets a lot harder the wetter it is. Give yourself 3 to 4 hours for this hike. read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - Misty ridge - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Really nice view at the top, but you gotta work for it; so don't give up half way. An intermediate to med/advanced hike depending on your level of fitness. The beginning is easy and relatively flat but at about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way it gets a bit steep with high stairs and slopes, some parts even have rope to assist you in the assent and more so the decent. The view from the top is just breath taking, a full view of most of the kailua coast, all the way from mokumanu to rabbit island! You can really see the crater too. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fqadg9iecS-LqqYIqA8I-w?select=RijveSa5e6tE9ewRiOXBuw If it's cloudy the view might be obstructed (might not be able to see anything but clouds.) someone put some army men in the trees at the top, see if you can find them its kinda like where's Waldo. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fqadg9iecS-LqqYIqA8I-w?select=LE8hTKhYZGWPiUEC4qd3Ow Hike took me 4 hours with stops and some time to take in the view at the top. Tips: 1. Hawaii State ID REQUIRED to pass the guard shack (Just 1 ID per car is okay) don't waste your time if you don't have one! 2. Only 10 cars allowed at a time so kokua and carpool. 3. Go early to avoid the sun, its difficult enough in the shade. (also because of #2) 4. Lots of water the more out of shape you are, the more water you need. 5. Hiking shoes required, up is okay, it's coming down that you'll really need it. 6. Consider canceling if its wet. Steep inclines and muddy is a bad idea. read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - Panoramic view from the top - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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One of my favorite hikes! Took us about 4 hours round trip. Parking can be limited. There are some shady areas that you walk through and some a straight sun so wear sunscreen. The views at the top were amazing as we went on a clear day. read more

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Went on this trail a couple of times. The first time the trail was dry. It took our group about 3.5 hours up and back. The second time it was wet from beginning to end and it took us about 5.5 hours. This was with a 20 minute rest at the summit. What I like about this trail is that compared to the other nearby summit trails this is the quickest. Keep in mind that the last part of the trail is very steep! Limited parking at the trail head and once the parking stalls are filled, they won't let any other cars in to park at the trail head. read more

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Of the three ridges in the area: Wiliwilinui, Kuliouou, and Hawaii Loa, this is my favorite. I believe it's the longest, but the most scenic. Wiliwilinui is similar, but unless you have micro spikes, might be especially difficult on a muddy day. The views on all three ridges are amazing...if you don't get socked in, which is pretty common. You will need a local driver's license to receive a parking permit at the guard shack. The stalls are limited, so go early. read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Lots of misleading info out there and I hope to set record straight. Yes, they only give 10 parking permits at a time. You do need at least 1 person in your group with HAWAII i.d., who will be the "sponsor". Everyone else must have ID, no matter what state or country. We went at 7am good thing because only had 4 more left. Once they are full you need to wait until someone exits to get a spot. So maybe going at 10 or 11 would also be the next turnover. You can also call the guard shack and ask. Ph 373-5303 or 373-5173. The hike is 4.3 miles round trip, half is entirely uphill. Out of the 3 trails similar to this (WiliWili Nui, Kuliouou and Hawaii Loa) I found this to be the easiest. I preferred this over all of them. It was fogged in when we got to the top so we had zero views but that is not the trail's fault. We went for exercise and adventure, the journey. read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - The halfway point is literally up in the clouds - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

As a local I enjoy beaches and hikes that are not overly crowded. Personally, I prefer to be the only person or group on a hike. Being that they only allow 10 cars in at a time with everyone requiring some form of ID and one person required to have a Hawaii state ID, the hike is never overly crowded. Difficulty level is easy to moderate if you are in shape. I get a semi appreciable workout out of this trail and the views are similar to the surrounding hikes (wililinui, kuliouou and mariners ridge if you know how to access that hike). It's usually foggy most of the time I go but that adds to mystique experience in my opinion. It could be raining when you enter but at a certain point you are hiking "above the clouds" and it no longer is raining on you. It makes you feel like a greek god (or at least it makes me feel that way ;P) Time: 2 hours for me with little to no stops (casual pace with a group with various experience would be 3-possibly 4 hours) read more

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Hawaii Loa Ridge was on my bucket list for a looong time but nobody wanted to take that journey with me because the others Yelp reviews scared them away lol. I am so glad I can finally say I did it, it was easier than expected, and we went on a clear blue day with GORGEOUS views. As all the other Yelpers said: the trail can only be accessed by entering a gated community. There are only 10 parking passes so I highly recommend going early OR on a weekday. The driver will need a Hawai'i state or military ID to enter AND all passengers need to sign the waiver of liability. Once you're in, you're gold. Follow the road until you hit a stop sign, pass the stop sign, and park in the small lot on your right. Trail head is at the far right of the lot along the paved path. The trail starts off easy with GORGEOUS views [if it's a clear day] and gradual steady incline with nice shade coverage. After 1.5miles you'll follow the dip in the trail and then slowly make you're steep ascend up the hill. There are several ropes to make this climb easier, but you can just as easily use your hands. There's also SEVERAL steep stairs up to the summit which has breathtaking views of Kailua, Kaneohe, and Lanikai [again, on a clear day]. We were fortunate to go when the trail was dry, but it would be a hot slippery mess if it was wet and muddy. I highly recommend bringing gloves and spikes, as well as a trekking pole if you have weak joints for your return trip down those stairs. Trek on Yelpers! read more

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Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail can only be accessed by those with a Hawaii State Driver's License or Military ID. The parking at the trail head is very limited (10 spaces, I believe) and it is on a first-come, first-served basis. So it's best to come during the week or earlier in the day if possible. Out of respect for the neighborhood, please do not go wandering around the streets or houses. Overall the trail is fairly long and windy. There are stretches of shade when you are going through the forest area and other stretches where you can clearly see Koko Head and the rest of Hawaii Kai along with Diamond Head and the Kahala neighborhood. Oh, and don't forget about the fabulous views of the ocean. Really best if you are physically fit and active to accomplish this hike, but even then, you still need to exercise caution when going up and down the rough stretches of the trail. We're talking about the latter part when going up all the stairs leading to what should be a spectacular view of Waimanalo, Kailua, and Kaneohe on a clear day. Highly recommended: Water, snacks, hiking pole/stick, hiking shoes, towel, and of course, your camera! read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail is located in the back of the gated community of Hawaii Loa Ridge. Parking is limited and is first come first serve. Before driving to the trail head, you need to check in with security at their guard shack at the front. Then they give you a pass to go hiking here. The trail itself is long and windy, steep and level, skinny and wide, and shaded and sunny. I have only gone about halfway in, but the views are still fantastic! I really liked seeing the ocean and the mountains at the same time. Because of the limited number of people allowed at a time, it is really nice when you're able to get in to do this hike. You don't see many people on the trail and it's quite peaceful. Just make sure you stay on the trail and don't go wondering in the neighborhood, because they don't like it when you do that here. read more

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Hawaii Loa Ridge is the fight club I've been looking for: Beautiful, dirty, and it kicked my ass. _____________________________________________ THINGS TO BRING - Driver's License - Sunscreen (No need for bug spray) - Enough water for a 4-5 hour trek - Long, breathable pants if you don't like shrubbery scratching you from time to time _____________________________________________ This hike is so awesome, it's got its own bouncers. The first time I tried to get in with a group of my buddies, we were turned away because the parking lot was full. Come early to pursue this trail. It'll be easier for you to snag a parking stall plus the sun won't be burning down on you, giving you a breezier start. Hawaii Loa is a beautiful hike through and through. The motivational factor for me was seeing what awesome sight was lurking right around the corner. As other reviewers have said, the terrain starts out quiet and is a nice warm up for things to come. I was even able to run through some parts of the trail. Eventually, things start to get steeper when you enter a majestic patch of woods. It's a beautiful place to be alone in. It's the kind of place you'd expect dwarves, elves, and Elijah Wood to dwell in. After coming out of the woods, you'll start to make your way to the steeper parts of the trail and that's when shit gets real for you. There's a bit of rope climbing and the trail gets a little slippery and narrow. If you're a novice, you'll probably fight your way to the top. It's not easy, but as the fictional Bob Kelso once said, "Nothing in this world that's worth having comes easy." You're given a beautiful sight for all your efforts. Trust me on this. Though access is limited, the area at the end is small and can get crowded. Seeing so many people was a slight buzz kill at first, especially having to endure a chatty group of folks who sounded like they were auditioning for Laguna Beach. But, if I've learned anything about hiking in Hawaii, it's that you've got to share the aina with folks. So I waited for those guys to head out and eventually I got the spot all to myself for half an hour. It was a perfect place to have lunch. Overall, it took me about 5 hours, but that's including breaks where I was taking pictures and going "Oooh! Look at that! That's fucking beautiful!" It's a definite must-try and a good place to bring active friends from the mainland if you want to give them a good view of the entire island. read more

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I have done this hike multiple times in all different type of weather conditions! This hike most of the time has been very dry and pleasing to walk through but occasionally it is very wet and almost impossible to get through. Choose the right day to go and it is a pure blast to hike! It took me and my sons about 3 hours to get up and down this hike with a short break at the top of the hike. The last part of the hike is pretty steep so be ready to climb some ropes! Other than that it is a gradual climb full of amazing views, some of which I showed my photos for! There isn't much parking at the top so this means the hike is often almost nearly empty which is just perfect for my loud boys haha! read more

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I really enjoyed this hike...didn't really realize how long it actually was...and to make it exciting on the way down I decided it would be a good idea to fly off the ledge and do a couple 'o sommersaults to add more excitement to an already exciting climb... But first things first. I'm ok. I didn't break anything or knock myself out. I didn't lose my bag (thank goodness since I had my ID, $, Camera, water and phone in it.) I didn't have to get helicoptered out. And I have the best brother in law who is fast on his feet. Sooo...My advice (coming from a non-expert hiker)...Actually I'm probably really not even an intermediate hiker... 1. WEAR HIKING BOOTS (Some parts are very slippery and muddy and sneakers obviously didn't provide enough traction..I mean, hey , I did slip off to my almost death) 2. TAKE SOME WATER....AND A BACKPACK (WITH SNACKS) We had water and fruit and granola bars 3. ROPE...again, for the times when you fly off the ledge...someone gotta haul you back up and rope is quite useful for that 4. IF YOU GO UP IN THE LATER AFTERNOON CONSIDER BRINGING A FLASHLIGHT...or make sure it's a full moon and you have a strong light on your cell phone...but a flashlight is probably better 5. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON WITH YOU.. again, for the obvious reason that I needed to be hauled up the cliff. At first when it was suggested this is an intermediate to more advanced I didn't believe it cause the trail started out quite flat...It was a nice stroll and we had a nice pace through the first couple of ridges...then it went into a REALLY narrow path. So yeah, Just so you know, some parts are VERY NARROW! and I mean, I'm kinda a small person but I'm short, not skinny (but I'm trying to get there). We went through different "forests" made up of Pine trees, strawberry guava trees, some that had lot of roots for use as steps...I did learn (on the way down) the trees are great for stopping you from sliding to your death (which I already tried) and for helping guide you along. Let me tell you, I gave my thanks for the tree roots both on the way up and down. It did end up taking us 4 1/2 hours...probably about 4 if I didn't go rolling off the edge. And if it wasn't for the brightness of the moon and the light from my cell phone we would probably still be somewhere on the ridge. (just kidding.. but it was quite dark at 7 when we got back to the car.) Whew! What a day that was...And today I'm feeling the soreness of everything. still greatful all I got was an ensy beensy scratch and no broken bones but all my muscles hurt...And my ego. Next hike: definitely gonna be diamond head cause i know I can't fall off the cliff on that one! #Yelp 365 challenge - 071/365 read more

You need a Hawaii state ID to access the trailhead for this hike. Driving east on Kalanianaole Hwy, turn right at Jughandle turnoff, to cross over to Pu`u`ikena Drive (no left turn on hwy). You have to show your Hawaii ID at the guard gate. They only allow about 10 cars at a time, so if you're not early enough (or late enough, after people have already left) you won't get in. If you manage to get past this stage, you're in for a great hike. Drive up about 1.5 miles to the parking spaces, and start the hike near the water tower. It's not too challenging a hike - except for the last part, which is pretty steep. There are some ropes to hold on to on the steeper parts, as well as plastic slat-reinforced steps. Total elevation gain, hiking, is about 1700ft (total~2300ft above sea). I hiked this trail when it was dry, but I can imagine the challenge increasing exponentially if the ground is muddy. Cloud cover (or lack of) permitting, the ridge summit offers great views overlooking windward Oahu, from Kailua to Waimanalo. Luckily for us, the weather cooperated, and we had a clear view - this was my 3rd summit hike, and the first time I'd seen an unobstructed view from there. I was really glad that the clouds weren't covering everything, especially since that's how it appeared when we started the hike. About 1 hr 45 mins to top, and another 90mins back. Bring plenty of water - I drank about 3 liters from my camelback... The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because of the hassle of dealing with the security check, and the fact that I had tried once before, but didn't get access because they already filled their quota. There are similar ridge hikes that offer comparable views, Kuliouou, and read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Out of the three side by side ridge hikes in Hawaii Kai (Hawaii Loa, Wiliwili Nui, and Kuliouou), Hawaii Loa is my least favorite - still a great cardio-driven hike. Hawaii Loa has some natural drawbacks; the trailhead is at the top of a posh gated community...there are only 10 parking passes at the top. Security officers are friendly, but don't think about being an ass and making up some crap like you're visiting someone in the neighborhood...on a typical Saturday or Sunday, prepare to get their by 8 am, or most likely you won't get a pass. The hike itself starts out fairly easy...no extreme inclines, until about 3/4 way through and you'll encounter a bunch of stairs and a couple middy slopes with just a rope...nothing dangerous or too difficult; but I'd say it's an easy to moderate level hike (simply because it may be a little more challenging for small kids; not impossible though). The hike itself is naturally well maintained, with the trailhead situated in a lovely private park. There are benches and a pull up mini gym there, perfect to hang out and eat lunch or breakfast before the hike. While the hike itself is pretty with nice lookback views on the way up, the view at the top is poor...the vegetation isn't maintained at the top for some reason, and is overgrown obstructing the majority of the diamond head side views... Otherwise, a great hike that you should make time for. read more

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Lately my mission has been to do trails in Koolau's and Hawaii Loa Ridge had been on my list. I was worried that we wouldn't be able to park since they have a 10 car limit but we went around 1 pm and it turned out to be the perfect time because the guard told us that many of the other people had just left. Make sure that the person driving has his/her Hawaii license. Everyone will also have to sign a waiver. The trail is well maintained and it looked like they were in the process of installing the steps in the last section which is always reassuring. I would rate this trail intermediate. Harder than Mariners Ridge and easier than Lanipo or Ka'au Crater. There are no real "dangerous" (narrow) spots like on Lanipo or Ka'au Crater. The trail was very similar to Lanipo in some sections. You start the trail at a high elevation so you'll see a beautiful view 5 minutes into the hike. You'll also have the chance to see the LOTR like trees and grassy areas. This always makes for some awesome pictures. The last section is steps and ropes. Its probably the most difficult spot because it seems a little never-ending at first but don't worry you'll reach the top and remember how lucky you are to live in Hawaii. The view is unreal like all the other Koolau trails and you'll get to see a 360 view of Kaneohe Bay, Honolulu, Koko Head, and Olomana. It took us about 4 hours round trip which was actually a fairly short hike from what I've been used to lately. Its a nice morning or afternoon hike but it definitely won't take you all day. YELP 365: 120/365 read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - View from the top - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Awesome. Longer than expected. Like others said, get here early Bc they only allow a certain number of cars in to this gorgeous gated community. I brought my blind pup and my other dog, and they had a blast. Easy but long. Beautiful views. Wild absolutely recommend. read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I've been meaning to hike here for a while. But my friends and I always fail to come here. So that day came. We made it. In the beginning, you have to go through security. He needs to see an ID and he'll give you a pass to put in your car. Like all reviews mentioned, it is a private residential place. Going through that hill to the hike, the houses, condos and mansions? are so beautiful outside. The view is sooo pretty. The ocean is just lovely. Okay, so its really chilly when we went around 3PM. I suggest you bring a jacket if you get cold easily. Along the trail, its rocky and slippery. Slippery as in the dry dirt. I slipped a few times but haven't landed on my butt in the beginning. Going back down was the toughest part, I slipped and fell a few times. Finally, my butt landed on the ground. The stairs gets really difficult to climb up and down because it's not actual stairs. You need to use the rope and branches most time to guide you through. The view all the way up was beautiful. Welcome to heaven?! Also known as an icebox. Windy and freezing. But well worth it for a really tough hike. The hike took us around 3-4 hours round trip depending on how fast you hike. I recommend you not hike after 3PM if you hike slow. When we came back down around 6ish, it was scary. It was dark and creepy. It feels like something was going to jump out anytime and scare you. When we made it, it was a reflief. We hurried to get in the car. Securities do come up and check on you. read more

Been getting into hiking lately. I recently moved to Hawaii Loa Ridge and everyone told me it's a must to do the Hawaii Loa Trail. I must say this is by far the most beautiful hikes ever The hike is about 2 1/2 hours to the other side where you can see the the north scenery. 4-5 hours total. The scenery is stunning. The trail isn't so bad either, as a beginner I find it challenging yet fun because there's always something different every 15-20 minutes. However, it can be dangerous so make sure you go with an experienced hiker and go only on a nice sunny day. I don't recommend going during night or on a windy/rainy day... Happy hiking! :) read more

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I would consider this hike to be for intermediate hikers and above. Hiking shoes are highly recommended, and lots of water is a necessity. It can also get very muddy after a rain, so plan accordingly. It took us 75 minutes to get to the top and 60 minutes to get down, with only short breaks for pictures and water. We got to the security gate on Puuikena street around 1015 on a Friday. There were still 2 visitor parking spaces available for hikers at this time. As others have said, make sure the driver has a valid Hawaii ID. We got to the hiking parking lot around 1030 and started the trail shortly thereafter. The trail was pretty easy at first. It goes through some dirt and rock portions with views of the valley and then through a forest section. Next came a portion known as "a walk in the park", and it's named so ironically as this is the first pretty significant inclined portion. DEFINTIELY not a walk through the park. After about an hour of the "easy" portion of the hike, we made it the stairs. Similar to Kuiliouou, the stairs are the last portion of the hike and also the most strenuous. There are about 400 steps up to the end of the trail. This is the "mini kokohead" portion of the hike, and it's definitely a workout. We were sweating pretty good by the time we made it up. We got to the top of the stairs in about 15 minutes with only a few stops. The view was definitely worth it! You can see all the way from town around to Hawaii Kai and then to kailua. Read the tips from others and be aware of the weather. Enjoy! read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Just finished doing this hike and man I am out of shape!! It's a fairly long hike--took us about 4-5h to go to the top and back. There were some crazy hills and steep inclines but we managed to make it to the top! We went when it was cloudy so the view was pretty much all clouds and mist but it was still an awesome accomplishment. Going back down was pretty intense, it seems like it took us way longer to go back then to get there! I had a couple spills going back down but it was all good in the end! There are a few hills that have ropes to help you climb so it's not too bad. There are also so man made stairs, which I found oddly placed going up, but I was so glad they were there for support on the way down! We all got pretty muddy so try to go when it hasn't rained the day before, but being that high up, it probably rains a lot. Good luck everyone! read more

Gorgeous hike and a nice way to start vacation at home after being stuck on the mainland w/o hiking for 8+ months! It took us about 3 hours give or take. The first part is easy and fast, but the end is basically an uphill climb. Definitely should have brought my inhaler... It's clear that parts of the trail have eroded w/rain over time and needs some help. I have no idea how to bring more dirt up there however! The ropes are mostly useful for coming down and making sure you don't eat it than they are on the way up. Unfortunately, the clouds were rolling in - so our summit was totally clouded. Although a view would have been nice, it was beautiful to be inside of a cloud! On the plus side, it made for a nice cloud cover during the hike. On the minus side, it started to pour on the way down, making the trail a bit dangerous. Wearing good/sturdy shoes is definitely key. I don't think we would have continued the hike if it had been pouring on the way up. Especially keeping in mind that poor girl who just died on the Ka'au crater trail. Hope everyone stays safe on ridge hikes! Hint: go early. The guard can only given 10x parking passes for spots at the trailhead. You can't go up unless someone else comes down (or unless you know someone on the hill and park at their house)! I don't understand why you need a Hawaii driver's license to get in - kinda junk for tourists... but nice for kama'aina! read more

One word - cardio! It's a great work out as I always want to look for a hike that'll make me sweat. The higher you get, the nicer the view behind you of diamond head, Waikiki, and town get. Personally, the view at the viewpoint was kind of anticlimactic - but again, the views behind and of the mountains you've just conquered and the ones besides you make up for it. Definitely recommend the hike. Just be clean and don't be a disturbance to the gated community and hopefully this hike will be open to the public for all the years to come! read more

Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail - View from the top - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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What's better than a free hike, fresh air and plenty of laughter and positive vibe. Saturday morning hike on Hawaii Loa Ridge trail. Sign in at the guard station with your drivers license and drive all the way to the ridge top where there are about 10 guest parking stalls. Cost is no charge. You get a good workout, talk story with your favorite lender and catch up with the market and escrow. Three hours of work. We got all muddy but it was fun. Can't wait for the next one. read more

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Apparently, I live on the same road to this trail but didn't know until my coworker told me. I felt dumb. You will need to come early to secure parking spaces for this trail. I believe there are only 8 slots available and security guard will turn you down if they're all filled. Security guard? Yes, because you will drive through what may be most wealthy neighborhood of Oahu. Houses on Puuikena Drive are all multi-million dollars and will make you wonder what these people do for living. I believe you must hand Hawaii license or state ID to enter, so if your tourists, this is a bad news. Tourists shouldn't spend half day hiking this anyway, go other more touristy hiking trails (Diamond Head, Manoa Falls, Koko Head). Hiking should take about 4 hours for people with right gears and in shape. We had terrible weather when we hiked - the visibility was bad, the trails were muddy and VERY slippery. This made the trail extremely difficult and dangerous. I felt about 14 times and thought was doing mud race. Seriously. The first half of the trail is easy, not so much of uphill battle. However, toward the end of hike, you will go through ropes, big stairs, and narrow roads. Don't look down if you're scared of heights (I am), your legs will start shake and eventually make things more worse. It was extremely foggy when we hiked, so even if I wanted to see bottom, I saw nothing. When we got to the top, we saw nothing. My shirts and shorts are completely muddy and rewards were emtpy. Supposedly, I am to see great view of Waimanalo and its Windward towns. There are many hiking trails nearby and offer similar views and difficulties. If you can't get through security guards, try Mariner's Ridge. read more

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Nice place to park up top. But only ten slots. Make sure you have ID to get though the security gate. Military or Hawaii ID required. The hike was a lot harder than I expected. The trail is well maintained so you can see exactly where you're supposed to go. I don't mind the slippery roots or the mud on my shoes. I dont mind that I had to climb some very narrow ridges and up a bunch of stairs because to me that's all part of the adventure. It's worth the amazing views and getting to stand in the clouds when you get to the top! Take lots of water!! read more

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