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Aiea Loop Trail
Located within the Central Region on Oahu
Guide Snapshot
A quick fit check before you commit to this trail.
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
Just under 5 miles
Estimated time
2-3 hours
Elevation & terrain
Rolling forest path
Family fit
Good for active kids
Highlights
Loop · Shade · Forest
Central Oahu Hike
Hiking Trails on Oahu
Aiea Loop Trail
Restroom alert:DLNR says in its October 29 notice that all three restrooms at Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area are closed for construction through November 25, 2026. The notice does not say the trail is closed. Plan without park restrooms and confirm current facilities and trail access with DLNR before visiting.
This hike is the ideal hike for those who are not as active. Running just under five miles, you will be grateful for the shade and relatively flat pathways along most of the trail. Along the loop, you can explore the beauty of native trees, in a cool, shady, verdant forest with lemon eucalyptus groves, Norfolk pine, native koa, and ʻōhiʻa trees.
The trail is located on the west side of Hālawa Valley, where you can also take in some impressive views from the ridge, including Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and the Ko‘olau Mountains. The beauty of the trail is that you will find something new at every turn. Halfway along the trail, a lookout point offers a stunning view of the Hālawa Valley.
Trail day tools
Before you drive to the trailhead, check the trail and weather layer.
Hawaii hikes can change quickly with closures, rain, mud, heat, and daylight.
The trailhead is in Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area. DLNR says its restrooms are closed for construction through November 25, 2026; confirm current facilities before you go.
And let’s not forget the bonus – you can reward your workout with a slice of lemon-crunch cake at The Alley Restaurant three miles down the road.
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
Dry conditions on Oʻahu today, with breezy wind in exposed areas. Drier weather continues through Wednesday as moisture clears out.
A medium-sized northwest swell will bring elevated surf to north and west-facing shores tonight through Sunday morning—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. Winds remain breezy through Sunday, easing slightly Monday and Tuesday before picking up again Wednesday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Monday morning for most coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Scattered showers arrive Thursday into Friday.
South and west shore beaches work well through Sunday for calmer conditions. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're drawn to bigger waves.
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Skies are drying out across Maui today through Wednesday as moisture clears. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed and terrain-favored spots.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell moves in—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then strengthen again Wednesday. The next chance of scattered showers arrives Thursday through Friday.
If you're heading to the beach, south and west shores are your best bet through Sunday. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're into bigger waves.
0:000:53
Voice
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Mostly clear and dry today on the Big Island, with noticeably breezy winds in exposed areas and terrain-favored spots. That breeze continues through Sunday.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell arrives—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. South shores stay small. A Small Craft Advisory covers most coastal waters through Monday morning due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive statewide Thursday to Friday.
Head to the south and west shores for beach and snorkeling through Sunday. If bigger waves interest you, the north shore has surf to watch tonight into Sunday morning.
0:000:49
Voice
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Drier air is moving in through Wednesday. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed areas.
Tonight into Sunday morning, a medium-sized northwest swell will push elevated surf onto the north and west shores—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive Thursday or Friday.
Hit the south and west shores for swimming and snorkeling through Sunday. If you want to watch big waves, the north shore is worth a look tonight into Sunday morning.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
