There are over 40 trails to hike on Oʻahu, from a short Tantalus-Arboretum Trail at .25 miles to a 10 mile Maunawili Trail. Some trails are very accessible and public friendly while others, like Haʻikū Stairs, are dangerous and forbidden. Be sure to research the trail beforehand and always be prepared.
If you are new to O’ahu, or are a kamaʻāina hiker and want something different than the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, and are not yet ready for the advanced hike at Koko Crater Trail, then the Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge Trail is a nice option. This much less visited and somewhat secret trail is above Kalaniana’ole Highway and in between the sight lines of Koko Head and Diamond Head.
Directions
To get to the 3.5 mile Hawaii Loa Ridge hike, drive up Puʻuikena Drive. Stopping at the guard station (the entrance to Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge) and providing proper identification is required to pass through the private community. There are only 10 public parking spaces for this off-the-beaten-path hike, so guards can turn cars away. Continuing up through the neighborhood to the trail, pass through a world-class community where approximately 500 luxury homes and undeveloped lots have sizeable parcels and priceless views of the ocean. Another community within a community is The Pointe. This is a premier subdivision within the gated residential development of Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge, and is separated by a second private entrance.
At the very end of Puʻuikena Drive and just steps outside of the exclusive neighborhood is Pāka Nahele (translated, wilderness park). The private park includes: a rest house, picnic facilities, and an exercise course for the owners and their guests of Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge, and is next to what seems to be a large recreation area. Finally, a state sign, marking the beginning of one of Oʻahu’s great hiking trails, Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail. Enjoy.
More Information
If you would like more information about the Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge Trail, or nearby real estate opportunities, please contact me.
Marco Airaghi
February 24, 2018
Bell’articoo per chi come me ama andare in montgna.Le hawaii non solo solo spiagge incantate e mare bellisimo.