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Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Located within the Waikiki & Honolulu Region on Oahu
Waikiki & Honolulu Hiking Trails
Best Hiking Trails on Oahu
Kuliouou Ridge Trail
The Kuliouou Ridge Trail is about 4.4 miles round trip and takes a good three to four hours to complete. Less than half an hour from Waikiki, the trailhead is located at the end of residential Kalaau Place. It is moderate in its challenge and features some stairs that make the climb easier. It is a pretty rocky terrain on steep inclines with many local varieties of plants and trees. The trail travels through several different environments showcasing the diversity of the Oahu landscape.
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 trail has a lot of switchbacks to guide you up the side of the mountain. Just when you’re feeling winded you reach a ridgeline where you will enjoy cool breezes. The main trail then veers to the left into a grove of Cook pines that leads to the base of a red dirt hill. You can pause at the covered bench at the top before ascending the final climb to the peak. The climb is steep with lots of pesky roots that can be difficult to navigate. However, past the roots you will find the trip was worth it when you take in the view of the Kuliouou valley and ocean.
The trail continues through an interesting archway of banyan branches, to an even more breathtaking view from the ridge. Stairs make it easier to reach the final plateau where you will thank your lucky stars for persevering when you see the overwhelming views of beautiful East Oahu. Lush farms, sandy beaches, the endless Kailua coastline, the striking Kaneohe peninsula, and the outstanding view of the Koko Crater fight for your attention before you retreat down the trail.
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Breezy trade winds are in place with windward and inland showers expected tonight and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday evening—avoid them if rough water concerns you. East-facing shores will see building swell Sunday as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves in with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas on the windward side. Forecasters are still narrowing down the exact track, so check updates this weekend. By Thursday normal trades return.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you stay clear of the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when the storm passes through.
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Trade winds are bringing showers to the windward side and inland areas, mostly at night and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday—avoid them if you're not comfortable in rough water.
Tropical Storm Fausto arrives Tuesday and brings heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on east-facing shores through Wednesday. The storm is moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot for days. Forecasters are still narrowing the track, so watch for updates this weekend. Impacts could shift depending on whether it passes north or south of the islands.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you avoid the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when Fausto moves through.
0:000:66
Voice
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Right now you've got breezy trade winds with showers mainly at night and early morning on the windward and inland sides. Conditions stay stable through Monday with the same pattern—showers mostly after dark, trades during the day.
High surf is running through Saturday at 6 PM on south-facing beaches. Starting Sunday, east-facing shores will see advisory-level surf building as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches from the southeast. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves near the islands with heavy rain and gusty winds on the windward side. It's moving fast at 15 miles per hour, so rain won't sit in one spot for days, but forecasters are still refining the track—updates this weekend will clarify the exact impacts.
Stick with leeward beaches through Monday if you're comfortable in the current surf. For Tuesday and Wednesday, plan indoor activities or protected bays on the lee side while the heavy rain and wind move through.
0:000:48
Voice
Read the transcript
Breezy trade winds this morning with scattered showers on the windward side and inland—mostly at night and early morning. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday; skip them if rough water makes you nervous.
Tropical Storm Fausto moves near the islands Tuesday through Wednesday with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on the east-facing shores. The storm's moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot. The exact impacts depend on whether it tracks north or south—forecasters are still pinning down the track, so check updates this weekend.
Plan leeward beaches or protected bays through Monday. Once the trades return to normal Thursday onward, conditions settle back to typical.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
