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Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Located within the Waikiki & Honolulu Region on Oahu
Guide Snapshot
A quick fit check before you commit to this trail.
Difficulty
Challenging
Distance
About 4.4 miles round trip
Estimated time
3-4 hours
Elevation & terrain
Sustained ridge climb
Family fit
Experienced hikers
Highlights
Ridge · Big Views · Workout
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.
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
