1. Kamiloiki Ridge Trail

    1. Kamiloiki Ridge Trail

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    Honolulu, HI

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    Kamiloiki Ridge Trail

    4.1 (32 reviews)
    Open 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

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    Talk grass, itchy goodness!
    Nimai W.

    "Let's-go-on-a-hiiiiiike" (FB Message) "Take-me-on-a-hike-with-youuuuuu" (Text Message) "Hikehikehikehikehikehikehiiiiiiiiiiike" You're Cool (Yelp Compliment) "Lets-go-on-an-adventurrrrrrrrrre.. Did you get my other messages??" (Email) * * * Got a friend who isn't a hiker, desperately trying to hike with you? Take them to Kamiloiki. It will either scare them off and they'll never bother you again. Or you can see how they handle an easy trail with tough conditions. It's an underwhelming, pain-in-the-ass, itchy & scratchy, hike. (heh-heh) That is, until you come upon that final rise, and it opens up to one of the most spectacular views of the Windward side I have ever seen. It literally took my breath away. Hike Time: about 3-4hrs+ roundtrip Most of this hike is shadeless. If you go in the middle of a nice day, it will be brutally hot. It took me and my gf about 5hrs! However, that includes about an hour of chill/shooting time at the end, and lots of small water breaks. AND about 20 minutes of us getting lost on our way back down. Difficulty level: Beginner Challenging The hike itself is mostly a gradual slope, and not very challenging. The hard part for me was dealing with the heat. I drank about 2L of water. Bring more than you think you'll need. Somethings you'll deal with on this trail: Low Lying shrubs These little bastards will leave you scraped up and possibly bleeding (I was!) Consider wearing pants. Tall Grass (head high) Starting about halfway up the trail, you'll begin to encounter LOTS of this stuff (see pics). I was hiking without a shirt because of the heat, my arms, and stomach were itching/burning like crazy!! So I gave in and put the shirt back on. Next time I might pack a long sleeve just to wear during these parts. Crumbly rocks These old ridges.. are old. Not only do you have to watch your step for loose rocks, but for roots sticking out. I have good boots, so I didn't slip during this hike, but I did trip on a few roots. Finding the trail head Follow the Yelp map/directions, and park on the street. As always, be respectful of residence. Leave no trash, be quiet. Locate the Heiau at the end of the cul-de-sac, you'll see a "Kapu" sign. Take the stairs up, on the right side of the Heiau, and once above it, walk to the left behind/around it. You'll come to some tall grass and see a faint trail and hopefully a ribbon. As you continue on, follow the ribbons until the trail becomes obvious. When coming back down from the hike, BE CAREFUL to follow the ribbons. It does get confusing. It's not the longest hike, but unless you're running out of water or daylight - keep going! This hike really is all about the view.

    Yuko A.

    I haven't been hiking in about a month and a half so I was stoked to get out in the mountains again. Kamioiki had been on my list for a while and I was excited to do my 20th hike! Unfortunately this means 30 more, by December 2012. AHHH I love going on hikes that 1. I haven't done 2. have rewarding views 3. are not crowded and this hike definitely hit all three points. The first 3/4 of it is pretty barren, with NO shade. Lucky for us it was windy so we didn't get as hot as I'm sure others do on sunny/non-windy days. I didn't find it to be too difficult, a little bit of rock climbing but nothing that can't be done by a beginner hiker. The hardest part is near the end where there are little inclines you have to climb up, but seriously nothing too hard that will get your buns burning. It is mostly shaded in the trees so its not only a nice change of scenery but much cooler. Plus your walking on pine needles making the ground soft and easy to walk on. The view is of course unreal. You get a beautiful view of Waimanalo, Olomana, and almost to Kaneohe. The water was so crystal blue it made me want to just jump into the ocean....If only we could fly. You go down the same way you go up so get ready to walk along those barren rocks again. It took us about 2 hours so a perfect morning or mid-afternoon hike. I would rate it as a beginner-intermediate hike. YELP 365: 200/365

    Shianne S.

    Loved this hike besides the start when I carefully entered around the heiau. Always wonder if there's a different entrance besides that due to walking near sacred ground...but anyway, best views on this hike! Although it was intensely hot when I went and there was no breeze until we got to the leeward side. It can be a bit extensive depending on how far you want to go. Pack a hat, sunblock, lunch, and lots of water Definitely top 3 of my favorite hikes on the island (& I've done quite a few).

    May L.

    This is a great hike with rewarding view towards the end! It took us 3 hours and only encountered 1 couple on our way down. The beginning was gradual incline, going up and down up and down the ridge line several times, then you'll be in the trees and eventually rewarded with beautiful view of Waimanalo. I've read a few reviews about the grass and bushes. We went today (11/28/14) and as of now the grass has grown head height to almost the entire hike. The trail would've been rated easy if it wasn't for the overgrown grass and branches completely blocking your sight and the trail! Please be careful as there are rocks, drop offs that are camouflaged! Wear long pants if u can take the heat, my legs were pretty scraped up by the branches.

    Natalie R.

    Not a maintained hike. Overgrown bushes and trees. Sacred area at the base of the hike. No Trespassing signs posted. A friendly resident saw us trying to find the start and he told us the hike started on the left. We attempted to push our way through bushes for a few minutes and shortly gave up after getting multiple bug bites and scratches from the poorly maintained trail. It looks like nobody has hiked it in a very long time. Bring a machete with you if you plan to do this hike.

    Noriko K.

    This trail can be very hot. Do you want to start as early as you can in the morning. About 1.5 hours to reach to the spectacular view at the end. And about 1 hour to come back as it's downhill. You get great view, so please add 20-30 minutes to stay at the end to enjoy it. Please make sure you bring enough water. I usually take 1.5-2L of water for this hike. Not suitable for kids or dog. I would say this is intermediate level. You go though some overgrown bushes, so long pants are recommended unless you don't mind getting scratches.

    Shama O.

    I've done this hike a few times and each time has been a different, amazing experience! I like to challenge myself and do 'cardio' hiking like my friend Kyle H. I'm nowhere near as fast as her, but I definitely get a good heart pumping workout and have become a pretty descent trail blazer. This hike took my friends and I about 3 hours round trip with a few breaks. This time around, the trail was majorly overgrown. I'm thankful for the rain that makes everything green and even more thankful for the long pants I wore! Even with the overgrown wilderness, the trail was still visible and relatively easy to follow, taking us up and down, onto ridges and through a pine forest. About an hour and a half in, you reach a clearing in the trees; a breathtaking view of Waimanalo. Mountains, beach, ocean, gorgeous! The trail continues on further, but most people turn around at this point and retrace their steps back to the beginning. This is as far as I went this time. Parking is on the street in the neighborhood. The trailhead is easy to spot and starts at the heeiau. Please be respectful and walk around this ancient site.

    Chad O.

    1 of 6 hikes I frequent in the Hawaii Kai area. Kamiloiki Ridge is one of those secret gems of Oahu that few know about and fewer take advantage of. If you are into going Medieval and being one with nature and the Earth tantric spirit of Gaia and all that crap, this is the perfect hike to spend some quiet one-on-one time with your invisible best friend and imaginary girlfriend. Hmmmmmm... can you even have one-on-one time with your imaginary girlfriend if you have an invisible friend? Wow I don't know where that one came from... one day my account is going to get flagged for inappropriate content. Can it get flagged? If you know, tell me so I can make a dummy account. If it's you Lori I. send it via compliments instead of the inbox. Since I am a keyjogger wussy and I like it better when you pump up my ego publicly. But if it's you Kyle H. just facebook me... you embarrass the Hello Kitty inner child in me on Yelp. But really it's a great awesome hike! And without the hassle of crowds.... I've had reservations about writing a review for this hike because I like having secret spots but maybe if more people go, that's less overgrown grass I have to pull out of my ass after the hike. I say this with conviction, I'll give you a quarter, A QUARTER for every person you run into here. And when Dec 21 2012 rolls around and the world comes crashing to a Mayan New-Age Elvis Presley end, we can tally up your head count and maybe you'll have enough to buy an extra margarita and finally have enough liquid courage to say something stupid to that hottie you'd never normally have the balls to talk to so then I won't have to come on here and read a review about you having a bitch-fit because the bartender didn't make it strong enough for you.... Arrrhhhh ok where was I??? Oh yes, a hike... I'd give this one a medium hard difficult rating. The first 5-10 minutes are steep uphill to get onto the ridge but you are quickly rewarded with a great view of Hawaii Kai. If you are a little keyjogger wussy that sits around and clicks the refresh button to see if anyone found your review useful, you can snap that photo and head back down. But for the rest of you, it's about 2 mile more hike along an up and down ridge. I've read it's 6 total, 3 miles each way but I was just there with my friend Dave(he's the little bald out of place looking Haole in the picture) last week and his GPS read only 4 miles, 2 each way. Bring water, lots since there is little shade similar to Koko Crater, same area so same sun intensity. Only 5/6 the way in do you come to an area of trees that provide shade cover. Lots of wind though, helps keep you cool but might affect balance so be careful if you bring someone you like and trying to impress. I've heard there are goats on the trail but have never seen any. At the end you'll come to a cross road that's splits left or right. Here is the view that you are generously rewarded with it, and what a view it is. You feel like just losing yourself and jumping over to fly down, it's that panoramic. But if you continue on a bit going right for another 10 minutes you'll be surprised with a second lookout view that let's you see rabbit island in all it's glory, a view second only to the one you get on the Tom Tom trail... and actually this connects with that trail but that's a longer, more difficult hike for more advanced hikers. And in closing(in public speaking that means I'm going to be in love with the sound of my own voice for another 10 minutes), directions! Driving on Lunalilo Home road until you come to Kamiloiki Park, which is on the right. Instead turn left on Hawaii Kai Drive into Mariner's Clove. Then on your first right turn onto Waioli Street and then your immediate left onto Makahuena Place. The entrances is in a Hawaiian Heiau marked by a large collected of stones, you really can't miss it(I see said the blind man to the deaf man), but if all else just follow the ridge. It's in a residental area so for parking you'll want to drive around and look for one of those brightly colored yellow metal posts that stick out of the side walk that firefighters use for access to emergency water.... park there!

    The way down if lost
    loc h.

    So on the way down i was in the zone and ended at the end of the trail where i can see my car but can't get down...surrounded by cactus i stood there for 5 min trying to figure out what the deal was.i back tracked to try and see if i can find the trail but no luck. So i went gorilla style. The End, FIN! P.S white line was my route. All in all i like this trail, and it is freshman friendly ,good view

    Great back view of Koko Head
    Lara L.

    Open ridge trail for about 3/4 of the trail. It's hot, dry and rocky...but a lot of fun. End of the trail opens up to gorgeous views. Hiked this trail twice and I think that's about it for me. Sunscreen, hat, at least 2 liters (that's my humble recommendation...I always bring 3L on trails over 2 miles). When I hiked this trail it was overgrown due the influx of rain we had for several months. This trail connects to other known ridge trails. When you get to the end, head upwards to move on. Enjoy.

    Randy M.

    Mother nature always gets 5 stars! Much more rugged trail compared to Kuliouou Ridge Trail. Very tall weeds/plants so leave your shirt on so you don't get all itchy. One of the best things about this hike if you can find it, is the seclusion. You will probably be the only person on the trail. Look for the pink ribbon trail markers. I believe you can access the trail from Makahuena Place. Great view of Waimanalo and surrounding beaches.

    Pixel K.

    Nice hike with pretty views of Hawaii Kai. Fun to do if you've already done the other Hawaii Kai ridge trails. However, if you haven't already done the other ridge trails in the area (Wiliwilinui, Hawaii Loa, Kuliouou, Mariner's), I would recommend those first because they have similar views with prettier flora and more shade, and they are less awkward to go to (this one has Kapu signs and a lot of people in the neighborhood kept eyeing us both when we were starting and ending our hike. And then a little girl started yelling at us to not be there when we were leaving).

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    Ask the Community - Kamiloiki Ridge Trail

    Review Highlights - Kamiloiki Ridge Trail

    t. About an hour and a half in, you reach a clearing in the trees; a breathtaking view of Waimanal

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    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    4.8(173 reviews)
    9.1 mi

    Visiting Pu'u Ualaka's State Park is on my top ten favorite things to do in Honolulu. The Park…read moreoffers spectacular views of the entire Southside of the Island. I travelled up Mount Tantalus to the Park yesterday with my daughter. We travelled through beautiful dense forest at the Park entrance. At the highest overlook, we could see everything and more from Diamond Head out to (and beyond) the airport. We could see all of Honolulu. I felt like we were on top of the world! Plaques offer fascinating overviews of the history and geology of the landmarks below. We could even see inside the famous tuff cone, Punch Bowl! Nearby is the first macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. The overviews are paved with railings and easily accessible. The Park offers picnic areas with a couple pavilions and picnic tables. There is a charge for non-resident parking of $7 that can be paid electronically. Resident parking is free. Parking is limited, but there are several parking areas. We had no trouble finding parking mid week. Warning signs tell guest not to leave valuables in the car. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is only two miles from downtown Honolulu (maybe a couple more miles to the top). The Park is an easy 5 star and worth a visit.

    Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park offers some of the best views of the greater Waikiki and Honolulu area…read more It's well worth the drive up for the panoramic vista that stretches from Mānoa all the way to Diamond Head, and out toward Honolulu Airport and Pearl Harbor. The park officially closes at 6pm, but I've walked in after hours before to enjoy the city lights, and the views are just as impressive at night. It's a bit off the typical tourist path, so it doesn't get overly crowded. Highly recommended if you want a different perspective of Honolulu.

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    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

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    Mānoa Falls Trail - Receipt given, put this on your dashboard when you park.

    Mānoa Falls Trail

    4.4(1.3k reviews)
    8.0 mi

    This is a great little hike that is not difficult at all. The trail seems mostly maintained for the…read moremost part. It was raining when we went, so it got super muddy, but that is to be expected and was totally fine. My only real disappointment was that you cannot actually get into the water to swim anywhere along the trail or at the falls. Also, be aware that they charge for parking, though they do offer a military discount if that applies to you. Overall, it is a nice, accessible walk through nature, just do not bring your swimsuit expecting to dive in.

    Service- 3 stars Ambiance- 5 stars…read more I usually hike this trail once a month to put myself out in the jungle and get away from concrete and I love it every time. This trail is located deep and all the way in Manoa valley- past the gym, Manoa elementary school where the road becomes pretty much a one lane street until you get around to the stop where you pay the attendant. I think this part is what disappoints me the most is because kama'aina still have to pay to hike this trail. Geez. If you are kama'aina, you have to present your ID to the attendant where you will have to pay $4. Not sure what the cost is for tourists or non-residents. There are lots of spaces to park when you past the attendant. You have the option to park at your first right past the old Treetops restaurant or further down. There is a restroom and little convenience shop if you want to purchase a souvenir, ice cream, water, etc for your hike. This trail can get super muddy and dangerous after rainfall so I would use caution if you choose to hike during wet season. There are big rocks you will have to step over all throughout the trail so be sure to go with proper hiking shoes with good grip. The waterfall at the very end isn't much but a good little reward as a picture opportunity. Folks can no longer go into the water due to leptospirosis. I highly recommend visiting this spot if you're a hiking person and nature lover!

    Photos
    Mānoa Falls Trail - Spectacular!

    Spectacular!

    Mānoa Falls Trail - Water fall behind me and my boo 3

    Water fall behind me and my boo 3

    Mānoa Falls Trail - Lonely self

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    Lonely self

    Lulumahu Falls

    Lulumahu Falls

    4.5(360 reviews)
    9.1 mi

    A beautiful day for a hike! Every time I do this hike it's a little different. Today the waterfall…read morewas cold and bracing and there were a lot of people hiking the falls. We started out around 8:45 AM and by the time we reached the waterfall, it was getting full of families and pairs of hikers. I recommend go early to skip the crowds. The hike itself isn't too technical and there are only a few places where you have to step up high over a rock or scramble through a stream.

    Lulumahu Falls was definitely one of the hikes I've wanted to do for a very long time…read more I've passed by it a number of times, so I knew exactly where it was. If you've driven up Pali Hwy - Kailua-bound, then you've passed by it. The parking and entrance is right at the intersection of Nuuanu Pali Road, you'll see plenty of cars parked. While there's no true entrance, cars do somehow figure out a way to park. You technically do need a permit to visit here as you are accessing State Forest Reserve land, which you can purchase at - https://trails.ehawaii.gov/camping/ - website. It's very easy to set up an account and make your reservation. It's only $2.50 for your entire party (not per person!). Print at least two copies (1 for your car and 1 with you). This hike is not as easy as a good amount of reviews make it out to be. It's not that kid friendly either. The main entrance is at the center of the parking lot. There is also another entrance to your right, near the road. The beginning part is fine. Flat and well maintained, graveled path through a bamboo forest. It's after your first jump or hop over a streamlet that can be more difficult because the hike is essentially gradually going up towards the mountain while crossing over the Lulumahu Stream multiple times until you reach the waterfall. Crossing the stream, you'll need to jump or climb from rock to rock, go under tree branches, step on slipper rocks (or just step in the water), and etc. You shouldn't get lost here as long as you hear the stream and stay near it. The objective is to follow the stream while looking out for those bright neon ribbons. But there are situations where you don't see any ribbon with multiple paths you can take. Being that it was my first time here, I probably took a few paths that was the more difficult one, but eventually made it at the end without any difficulties or setbacks. This seems to be a popular hike as it was quite busy at the waterfall. There were hardly any places to stand, and the "safe" areas are further away from the waterfall while if you want to get closer to get that under the waterfall photo, you'll need to pass some slippery rocks, jump here and there, and pass through narrow spaces. Of course, you can just put your shoes and feet into water to bypass. In the end, it was quite a nice waterfall and an interesting journey to get there. Wish it was less busy, but it wasn't overcrowded. There's no main path, so you can end up going through many difficult paths. I can upon a family of 4 literally walk up the stream, knee high in water. No clue where they came from, but I pointed to the direction I went. On the way down, you can take a different path. I went towards the right, and went down to the watershed. Look for the cement wall with graffiti. You can keep going down the walkway, and there is an opening at the corner of the fence towards the end, which will lead you back to the beginning, bamboo forest path. Overall, this was a fun and interesting hike! It wasn't easy, but not difficult or long. A good test of your balance to not get your socks wet! It takes about 45-60 minutes both ways depending on your level and path taken. Unless you want to swim and climb up stream. Hope to come back soon!

    Photos
    Lulumahu Falls
    Lulumahu Falls - Crossing through the stream - hopping on the rocks

    Crossing through the stream - hopping on the rocks

    Lulumahu Falls - Enter here

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    Enter here

    Diamond Head State Monument - Shaved Ice

    Diamond Head State Monument

    4.5(2.2k reviews)
    7.9 miDiamond Head

    We made a reservation to come to Diamond Head for 7AM, paid advance online. They checked tickets…read morewhen we arrived. Lovely area, and nice hike and somewhat steep walk up for beautiful views. Unfortunately we saw some people slip and fall a bit as it was sprinkling the day we went. A lot of people were struggling and were out of breath as well. It was a great workout hiking up Diamond Head. I took the opened steep stairs way up, got to the dark areas and the stairs there were really rusty and got on my skin, but it was pretty fun. I then took the scenic route down and experienced the views one more time. If I go back here, I'll jog it cause why not :)

    Along with Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument is arguably the premier reason to visit…read moreHonolulu over any of the other seven islands in Hawaii. The views are breathtaking, the ambiance is abundantly peaceful, and due to the sheer scope of the hike, hiking Diamond Head is a superb way to get your steps in for the day without question. Even though many locals suggested my brother and I try hiking Diamond Head closer to the sun rising or setting, we still had a blast hiking here in the afternoon (12 PM - 1:45 PM) since it wasn't particularly packed during our hike. That said, I would strongly advise planning in advance because everyone wants to check it out, and reservations on the official website do fill up quickly. I generally hike every Sunday morning, so Diamond Head was not a particularly challenging hike to me at all, but I would still recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, a sun hat, and possibly a portable fan if cardio-based workout aren't in your wheelhouse. You absolutely will sweat and pant basically as soon as you get started on the trail, so you'll want to ensure you have the proper hiking gear and equipment to actually enjoy the trail. Be prepared to stop regularly as there are many amazing photo opportunities on Diamond Head scattered throughout the entire hike. Pace yourself once you get here, and you'll enjoy what is arguably one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.

    Photos
    Diamond Head State Monument - Top of the crater

    Top of the crater

    Diamond Head State Monument - Super Mommy and Son Son

    Super Mommy and Son Son

    Diamond Head State Monument - Blue-billed White-Terns

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    Blue-billed White-Terns

    Makiki-Manoa Cliffs Hike - Bench where you can relax!

    Makiki-Manoa Cliffs Hike

    4.3(38 reviews)
    9.4 mi

    Did this amazing hike again starting at a different location with an alteration due to a closure of…read moreone section of the trail. I love the combination of this trails because the variety of beautiful views, landscapes, type of surfaces. Dense lush rainforest to dryer areas with a variety of foliage. Started at the Makiki Arboretum trail, taking the loop to the right on the Maunalaha Trail. This section will get the blood flowing as you climb upward over a very rooted trail. Once you arrive at an area with metal benches there is an intersection of multiple trails. Take Makiki Valley Trail to the Right. After a short hike take the Moleka Trail to the Left. The Moleka trail becomes the Manoa Cliff trail which you stay on for a number of miles. If you struggle with narrow trails with drop offs this section may not be for you. There are beautiful views of Manoa Valley from the trail. Some sections of this trail can be muddy. In the past Hike once you go through the gate the Manoa Cliff trail takes a sharp turn to Left at Intersection of other trails. In our case there was a recent landslide and there was a warning sign not continue on the Manoa Cliff Trail. No problem we took Pauoa Flats Trail until we reached Kalawahine Trail and took a Left on it. Take this trail until you reach a paved road, take a right down the road until you see the next trailhead, Nahuina Trail which zig zags its way down. When you come to Makiki Valley trail go left. When you reach Kanealole take it to your right. This trail will take you back to trail you started on. Since there are so many different trails to do this loop I suggest using Alltrails download. We clocked over 10 miles. I'd rate it as intermediate. Bring plenty of water, I carry crampons in case there are muddy slippery areas. Would not do if heavy rain or strong winds expected.

    Afternoon hike at Manoa Cliff, Kalawahine, and Makiki Valley Loop…read more Great trail, awesome views. Best if you can download the map as you loose service in several areas of the trail. My trail map also showed I hiked 7.3 miles and my husband stated 6.4, but either way it is long. Just be ready for a good long hike. We started in the rain so yes mud was around, and yes places were pretty slippery. But all in all not too bad to get around. Just wear good hiking shoes. Conditions: bugs, muddy, easy parking, great views, dog friendly, well maintained, wild flowers

    Photos
    Makiki-Manoa Cliffs Hike - Son son and mommy

    Son son and mommy

    Makiki-Manoa Cliffs Hike - Mommy and son son

    Mommy and son son

    Makiki-Manoa Cliffs Hike

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    Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Sunrise overlooking the Mokes

    Lanikai Pillbox Hike

    4.6(996 reviews)
    7.0 mi

    The Lanikai Pillbox hike is right around the corner from our place in Lanikai so we really don't…read morehave an excuse not to hike it. We didn't have to worry about parking so that made things a lot easier. The cars circle around our road looking for beach and hiking parking but if you start around 6-7am on a weekday you will probably be ok. You can also park at the Kailua beach parking lot and walk to the start of the hike. It's not a relaxing hike but it's definitely beautiful and unique once you get to the pillboxes. The views are so stunning! Definitely would recommend it for an early weekday hike.

    A short, intensive but gratifying hike!…read more Maybe it was because it was 11:30am and I was wearing not the best shoes but this very short hike humbled me. It only took about 25 minutes to get up (and about 20 down) but everyone else is right, it is very steep on about 70% of it. If it has rained at any point in the previous 24 hours I would say climb at your own risk. Most people should relatively be fine but don't be afraid to take breaks and watch your step esp if you have little tread on your shoes. Also if you suffer from any sort of vertigo I'd say don't do this. The beast thing about this hike is not that the view is the final destination but there the entire time! You don't have to reach the top if you don't want too. I can assure you that you can stop on the side and see the coastline at any point. I would say there was a fair amount of people on the trail but not crowded. Parking is available on the side of the road in the residential which wasn't too difficult. Totally worth the trek!

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    Lanikai Pillbox Hike
    Lanikai Pillbox Hike
    Lanikai Pillbox Hike

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    Koko Crater Trail - Sept 2025 - Top view of the city

    Koko Crater Trail

    4.6(920 reviews)
    1.4 miHawaii Kai

    2nd time on this trail. First time was over 15 years ago and most recently 1 month ago…read more Really great hike that can be done within 1-1.5 hrs out and back. 2 areas where it's not a solid trail- holes between the wooden planks that you can fall through if you're not careful- but I found out there are bypasses that you can do off your the right when going up and on the left when you are coming down. Always people overestimating their abilities and when we were there, someone had to be taken away by an ambulance... I think just make sure to start early if you aren't in good shape and take breaks along the way. Also, bring plenty of water and electrolytes. Great views from the top!

    If you know, you know. Koko Head is an absolute beast, and let's be real....this trail is not for…read moreeveryone. Looking up from the bottom doesn't seem that bad, but once you start climbing those railroad ties, reality hits quick. It's a straight-up vertical leg burner. My biggest advice is that slow and steady wins the race. This isn't a sprint. Don't worry about the people flying past you; just find your rhythm and take breaks. Most importantly: be careful and hydrate. There is zero shade out there and the sun will absolutely cook you. Bring way more water than you think you need and wear good shoes. Once you finally crawl to the top, the views of Hanauma Bay are insane and worth every agonizing step. Just take your time coming down because your legs will feel like Jell-O. Even if you have to climb slowly, just be careful...Don't worry about anyone else except you.

    Photos
    Koko Crater Trail - Gorgeous view from the top

    Gorgeous view from the top

    Koko Crater Trail - It's 1048 steps some of them are distant of each other some also higher steps at the endend

    It's 1048 steps some of them are distant of each other some also higher steps at the endend

    Koko Crater Trail - Sept 2025 - Are you ready?  That's how high you will go...all the way up that mountain :)

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    Sept 2025 - Are you ready? That's how high you will go...all the way up that mountain :)

    Kamiloiki Ridge Trail - hiking - Updated September 2026

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