1. Kuliouou Ridge Trail

    1. Kuliouou Ridge Trail

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    Honolulu, HI

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    Kuliouou Ridge Trail

    4.7 (409 reviews)

    Kuliouou Ridge Trail Photos

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    Happy 4th!
    Joyce L.

    I say this hike is pretty similar to Wiliwilinui ridge trail hike. Although the sign says it's 2 miles long one way, my Iphone recorded at over 6 miles total when we were done. Ok, someone is way off. It took us little over 3 hours with rest in between for the entire hike. We're just ordinary person so you could probably do it faster if you're fit and athletic. My food supplies were two bottled water and a small snack. Before you get to the top, you will go through variety of pathways like dry, slippery, windy, etc. When you see stairs, you are almost there except there are quite bit of stairs you have to climb. The view covers from part of Waimanalo to Hawaii Kai. I must say that enjoying the incredible view with your own eyes is way better than the photo or video. It's just not the same. There's no restroom and street or neighborhood parking only. Come early like 7am so that you don't have to do a mini hike before the real hike.

    Leroy W.

    Gorgeous views and friendly hikers. Challenging uphill battles but so rewarding when the top is reached

    This picture does nothing...you have to be there IRL!
    Sammy L.

    Yes! Do it. This is a moderately hard hike if it is wet and muddy. If it rained the last few days, I'd skip if you have newbie hikers in your group. The stairs at the last 15 min can be extremely slippery. There are some thick roots and pine needles on the trail. I'd wear some grippy shoes. When you get to the fork make a right! Plenty of places to stop and rest. The trail is so shaded, so even if you go in the mid day heat it's not too horrible. We did the hike in four hours, we also had two six year olds and two dogs. I'm sure you could easily do this hike in 3 hours round trip. Do take plenty of water and go early in the morning I'd recommend before 9am. The neighborhood is quiet, so please be respectful while finding a parking spot and don't block any driveways. Enjoy my friends!

    Ayaka O.

    Nice view. Good hike with your dog. But top has not shade! Go early! And bring water!

    Ace T.

    The walk to the top is enjoyable with steep inclines. However, be warned that there are numerous stairs towards the end of the trail. Despite this, the view at the top is well worth the effort. What I found fascinating was the change in the ecosystem as we climbed higher. The trail started in a rocky and damp forest, but transitioned to a pleasant walk through pine leaves and then lush greenery. The beginning of the trail provided ample shade and a refreshing breeze. The 4.7 mile round trip trail offered enough challenge to make it enjoyable, and the numerous angles provided beautiful views. The trailhead is straightforward to locate, but it is located in a residential area, so you can park in the street. Compared to the Wiliwilinui Ridge hike, this trail is less risky and offers easier parking. Remember to bring suitable trail shoes, snacks, water, a hat, and determination to push through the uphill climb. I don't have strong knees when going downhill so I bring a walking stick to lessen the impact. Its my top choice for a hike on Oahu so far.

    Location of trail
    Ian K.

    Located in Kuliouou, about off Kala'au Pl (see photos). You go past Kuliouou Park and then take a right on Kala'au Pl. You probably will end up parking on Kala'au Pl depending on how crowded it is. It takes about 2 - 3 hours depending on how fast you are. You can take dogs, however, small dogs might have some difficulty coming down the stairs at the top. There are about 220 step. When it rains you might want to wait about 3 days before you go because it can be muddy and slippery. The view of the East side of the island as well as Waimanalo, Kailua, and Kaneohe is pretty impressive as you can see from everyone else's photos. We come here pretty often. Good for kids as well. Longer than Komi Crater. Much shorter and less challenging than Olomana (3 Peaks).

    Lots of stairs near the top
    Cheri M.

    This is an epic hike in town that is my go to when out of town friends visit. The trek is definitely worth every step and don't forget to pack extra water and snack for the top!

    View from the top
    Daniel C.

    Do you love hikes? Do you enjoy stairs? Is going out in nature your thing? It's definitely not my usual go to physical activity but Yelp GF loves hiking. Yelp GF text messaged me that we're going hiking and I was kidnapped. No information was given to me so I didn't know what to expect. I'm glad because this hike was a challenge. Just when I thought we were done the first time, I was wrong. That was just around the half way mark going up. When I thought we were done again, I was wrong and there was this endless stairway that appeared. At that point I didn't want to assume when we were done anymore and I just kept going. When we finally reached the top, we were rewarded with some beautiful views of Oahu. I had to take a breather before taking photos and enjoying the view from the top. The hike down was a lot easier than going up for me but took longer because Yelp GF tweaked an ankle. Was the hike worth it? YES! It felt so good to reach the top and the million dollar view was totally worth it. Some things I would recommend is bringing water and applying sunscreen. Also, wear comfortable and appropriate shoes. We saw another group going up on the way down not in shoes and they told us they totally regretted it. They underestimated the hike and wasn't prepared. I only brought a small bottle of water with me and I was extremely thirsty after the hike. Normally I don't drink a lot of water in general but this hike I was thirsty. Great hike and I'm so happy I was kidnapped to conquer it.

    Brian B.

    One of my top three hikes of all time anywhere. Check AllTrails for current conditions. ARRIVE EARLY for parking anywhere near the trailhead. Like before 8am. Be respectful and don't block driveways or box people in. This hike is an amazing experience. With that said, there are millions of words on the topic already, so the rest of this review is devoted to the relatively less covered area of pedantic lecturing. Please stick to the main area at the peak. There's a side trail going to a slightly higher peak and this is how the mountain gets eroded, and curious suckers end up either dead or flailing down the side of a mountain. Please remember where you are and show some respect. Selfies look bad ass when you're in lotus position perched on the edge of a cliff, but literally thousands before you have already been there/done that and the Internet doesn't need more of this garbage. Also, ear buds are a wonderful thing. No one wants to hear your music banging up the trail and disturbing wildlife and the otherwise peaceful serenity of nature which is why people are here. Check yourself please. Finally, I suck at this and frankly didn't do a good job AT ALL, but if you wanted to be a saint you could brush your boots with a stiff brush, and spray them with 70% isopropyl rubbing before and after the hike to prevent cross-contamination of deadly fungal Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (ROD) disease. There's a boot brush on the trail but it's worn out and useless.

    Mix of terrain
    Rosalynn E.

    This was a moderate level hike. It has everything you want in a hike- nice nature, lots of shade, interesting terrain, beautiful photo spots and after cruising on a steady pace the hike pushes you and exerts your workout with 4 sets of stairs. This was a surprise as I didn't read about the hike ahead of time and the party I was with set there are "some"stairs at the end. We'll, this was a bit more then some lol! I like to have a push during a hike so this was nice. It took us 1.5 hours in and 1.5 hours out totaling 3 hours for 4.7 miles. There are rest spots in between and when you get to the benches that marks the start of the stairs. When you get about 10 min into your hike there are signs pointing to a Valley Trail and this one the Ridge trail. This is a perfect trail to bring people visiting Hawaii and It's my new favorite whenever I'm given the choice on which hike I'll pick this one.

    Ridge views
    Kate F.

    This may be my favorite hike in Honolulu! The views from the top are incredible! You can see Diamond head and Lanikai islands . It is in a neighborhood and parking can be hard to find. I arrived around 8am on a Sunday and had to park 2-3 blocks away but I could see most parking spots were taken when I left. The first hour or so is a gentle climb up but the last 20-30 minutes of the hike is steeper. Plan on the hike taking 3 -3.5 hour's depending on how much time you spend at the top. It's about 5 miles roundtrip and my phone told me that I climbed around 120 stories

    Laura J.

    Was scared by how long the hike was, but it didn't end up being that bad. Overall hike took around a little over 4 hours with a very generous break at the summit. This is definitely more of an endurance kind of hike both physically and mentally rather than a super hard hike. Very diverse hike with many different terrains. The trail path could be confusing sometimes but nothing you couldn't figure out as you go along and there are some signs that guide you up. Lots of shade and wind at the bottom, but not a lot of views going up until near the top. Careful of where you step because you can slip. There are many steps leading up to the summit and everytime you think you're done there's more. Going down for me was a lot scarier than going up because of how steep some of the paths are. Overall, I absolutely love this hike, it was very fun going up. Would highly recommend to anyone who feels comfortable walking for a long time time on an incline because the view up top is definitely worth it!

    View from the top!
    Janelle O.

    This review is long overdue. Kuliouou is one of my favorite hikes because it's the best bang for your buck in terms of effort to get to a spectacular view from the top of the ridge and a lot of it is shaded. It usually takes me around 3 hours round trip. Parking can be rough because it's all residential, so I pretty much only go if I take off work on a weekday, am willing to walk a good distance to the trail, or are prepared to go elsewhere instead. At the initial fork at the sign, you go right for the ridge trail (left is the valley trail). The trail is well-traveled and easy to follow. The first half or so of the hike up is switchbacks. There are shortcuts, but do not take them, as it causes unwanted erosion. You go in and out of 2 ironwood forests and eventually reach a picnic table where the uphill climb ramps up a bit. Be careful of the tree roots here, as they can be a bit slippery and are much more so when wet. When you reach another bench, you know that the stairs are coming. Depending on how you count them, I would say there are about 6.5 sets of stairs, but it always seems like there's 1 or 2 more than you thought there were lol. Then you reach the nice, large viewing plateau at the top! Enjoy, and then go back the way you came to exit.

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    Kuliouou Ridge Trail Reviews in Other Languages

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    Review Highlights - Kuliouou Ridge Trail

    This was described to us as a dry trail, but it was extremely muddy and slippery when we went in mid-September.

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    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    4.8(173 reviews)
    6.5 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.

    Photos
    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)
    5.5 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)
    6.6 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)
    5.8 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)
    6.8 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)
    6.0 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!

    Photos
    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)
    2.6 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 :)

    See all

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

    Kuliouou Ridge Trail - hiking - Updated September 2026

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