Mt Ka’ala Trail

A must-​do if you’re looking to get off the beaten path a bit. I’ll rate this hike on certain points, out of 6:
Difficulty: ⁵⁄₆
— If you’re reasonably fit and hike regularly, you’ll be fine, but it’s a very solid intermediate. I hiked two months after tearing my meniscus, and while the increasing weakness in my knee and a huge downpour kept us from reaching the summit, I didn’t find the constant uphill difficult (downhill was a different story). There are several dropoffs and narrow ridge parts, so be aware of this if you have a bad fear of heights. Microspikes and gloves would really help. Don’t continue if it’s raining — you can always come back.
Solitude: ³⁄₆
— We came across several other hikers, mostly nice, but one huge d-​bag blaring country music, smug as can be, and a really loud group. Either tourists or from Kailua… if you get my drift LOL. Please remember to yield to hikers going uphill.
Views: ⁵⁄₆
— From the summit I’m sure it’s a 6/​6, but we really enjoyed the views from the fence line
Time: 5 – 7 hours round trip
A few notes…
— Watch for dog poop on the road up
— There’s a split not long after the picnic table — stay left downhill, then cross the creek and stay left again to go uphill
— Follow the purple bottlecaps/​blazes up
— Bring at least 1 litre of water per person
— Be respectful — remember that you are sharing native lands. Bring out what you bring in, don’t go off the trails, and don’t be loud and obnoxious
— Wear bright colors, as it is an active hunting area

Your gonna be, walking up (like a stair master) scramble and bolder for most of the hike up to the summit. Coming down is quicker, only if it’s not wet outside and if your quads are fit. The view is beautiful when you hit the first bolder area the view from the second bolder climb is just as beautiful.
Down side to this hike was coming down. There are hunting dogs around this park. It’s sad to see dogs hunt wild boar like that. These dogs are not like duck/​bird hunters for retrieving or pointers. They are pit bull or mix pits.

This is a rad hike. Going up is not too bad, going down gets old reeeaal fast. It took us 7 hrs with a lot of breaks. My GPS said 9.4 miles roundtrip (4.7 each way), but a lot of reviews say 8ish. We did it in a group of 2 super active people and 2 people who who don’t really hike or workout (but are in semi-​good shape). We were over it by the end, but we were fine. I don’t know where the 8 pull-​ups and running 4 miles came from! Lol! Similar to olomana 3 peaks but longer and not as technical/​sketch.
Tips:
–follow the purple caps
–At the trailhead: Walk up the paved road (just over a mile) until it turns into a dirt path. Follow the dirt path past the picnic area and you’ll be on a ridge (for like a minute) and the path will split at a creek. Cross the creek and follow the purple arrow to GO LEFT into the valley (it will eventually go straight up). The only other split is when you get to the pig fence — GO RIGHT. It’s all marked with purple tho, so if u remember that you’ll be fine !
–Go past the end of trail sign and walk around the satellite. That’s where the view is. You can pretty much circle the entire fenced off area to see different angles/​views of the island.
–2 L of water was fine for me
–I did the whole thing in running shorts and a tank top, but you may want to pack a jacket if you’re the kind of person who gets cold at 65 degrees. A change of clothes and slippers is nice to have waiting at the car.
–Bring gloves for the ropes if u want to go faster going down (which u will b/​c it takes forever)
–Bring bug spray, sunscreen, snacks (duh)
–Don’t be a punk. Pick up your trash, stay on the trail (ESP at the bog), be respectful of ppl hunting, etc. Malama da aina!

When my best friend told me we were going to hike this a few days before I arrived in Hawaii, I assumed it’d be an easy hike because she knew I was going to be running a half marathon two days later.
In my opinion, the Mt Ka’ala Trail was the most dangerous, strenuous and rewarding hike of my life! I pictured us receiving Medals at the end for hiking 16 miles (up/​down) and 4,000 feet up!
OMG, what amazing views from that mountain… it was truly an unforgettable experience and I’m glad we did that during my trip. I didn’t realize it but this was my first trail that I’ve ever accomplished and it happened to be the most difficult one. Honestly, it was a great mix of easy hiking, rope challenges, and rock climbing; if you’re into that stuff!
I’ll never forget walking backwards on the last mile down to the car — LOL!!! #Ouch

This hike is no joke so don’t try it if you have kids with you, a weak heart, fear of heights or vertigo.
We started at 8 am and it still took us a little over 3hrs to the big boulder which is where we stopped when it started raining. Bummed out but glad we didn’t tempt the devil.
There are no water sources so plan wisely. Our Camelpacks ran out just as we were getting back to the car where cold Heinies awaited us, 6 hrs later.
Take your time, brace yourself, get shoes with serious traction, and if you’re unsure, go back. You can always return better prepared.
Also, expect to be on Advil and beer for a couple of days after that, especially if you wipe out like I did. Those roots are your friends going up but not coming down and certainly not when wet.
One of the best hikes I’ve ever done nonetheless. I shall return.

The highest peak of Oahu! I’ve been there several times. Amazing views at the top. However the weather changes often and could get sucked in by clouds. Don’t forget to bring a jacket if you want to stay at the top to enjoy the view.
Please be careful if you plan on driving. This is a high theft area.

The steep spots on this hike will get your heart racing at warp speed, and all of the rope climbing will make you feel you’re on an adventure show like The Amazing Race. The first couple of miles start off mellow enough, but just when you’re thinking, «oh yeah, I can handle this,» you’ll find your life in the hands of a paltry rope as you try to ascend a boulder with 200-​foot drop-​offs on both sides. And just when you think that you’ve picked a perfect day with no rain, you’ll eventually come across the muddy inclines and find yourself slipping as you climb up the next series of ropes.
This isn’t for the faint hearted, but it’s truly an amazing hike with everything one could ask for — jungly areas with guavas littering the ground, boulder climbing (see above), an amazing bog walk, and views like no one’s business.
It took us about 7 hours roundtrip, including lots of stop-​offs to take pics and chow on our lunch. Bring more water and food than you think, and consider a flashlight just in case. My knees were killing me after descending, and it was a serious arm workout with all of the ropes. The only drawback is walking that last mile along the paved road to the car when you’re ready to take a dip in the ocean and grab some grub.

Not a bad hike! Was lucky to go during a mostly clear day. Started at 545am so it was kind of creepy/​sketch looking getting to the parking area at the bottom. Went early to not get caught in the hot sun like ive done in other trails and it turned out great. If you enjoy actual hiking and not mini trails, this is a good one. Not too easy and depending on the season, not too overgrown. I recommend gloves for rope sections as you descend back down if youre the type to let the ropes slide through your grip to go faster, other than that just comfortable hikimg attire and water. The views are beautiful as are most of the other trails on oahu, but this one has a great view of wainae coast, north shore and even all the way down to diamond head. I would definately do this hike again. Next stop, three peaks and crouching lion! See you there!

Reviews are pretty accurate. Our total mileage to the top and back was just over 9 miles. Took us about 6 hours and we rarely stopped, and maybe spent 15 minutes at the top. Driving to the end of the road was approximately 2 miles. And definitely go left into the valley. You will see a very obvious purple arrow directing you. We, unfortunately didn’t get a view as it was cloudy and poured rain on us. I’ve done all 3 peaks at Olomana, and this was more physically challenging (with a good pace). Olomana is a technical and mentally challenging hike. This hike has a lot of ropes, but it’s not like Olomana, where you grab a rope, look down, and realize you will plummet to your death if the rope breaks. I’m pretty in shape and this hike rarely gives you a break in elevation gain. Then, you think going down will be a relief, but it’s not! On the way up, you want the paved road to end. On the way down you can’t wait for the paved road to begin! We slipped and fell a few times, so be careful if it’s raining.
Not the greatest hike for views unless you can get a clear day. But pretty awesome to say you hiked to the highest point on the island. It was cool to see the clouds rolling right by you. We got to see a pretty awesome rainbow! It was fascinating to be dying of heat and sun on the way up, and cold and soaking wet at the top! The vegetation was pretty interesting as well. I was hoping for a jacuzzi to be waiting for me at the top, but no luck!
Afterwards we hit up the sunset grill right down the road for some super cheap beer and pupu’s! Happy hour from 2 – 6 and the perfect spot for sunset! Then we took a dip in the ocean to cool/​rinse off!
All in all, this day was totally worth the drive across the island!

One of the best hikes I’ve ever done. The bog was amazing, the guavas, blackberries, raspberries, and macadamia nuts were all tasty and refreshing! Took us 6 hours round trip with lots of pictures and a few lazy breaks. Fantastic scenery and the bog is so cool. Blue moss was everywhere! Definite must-​do!

Here is the video compilation of our trip…

Does anybody know where to go when, two-​thirds of the way up, or about 40 – 50 minutes steady pace AFTER the paved part. is a near vertical mountain wall, only dirt and stones going up with nothing to hold on to, and no visible trail markers or fence in the clearing? Its right when the foresty part ends.
Please PM me if you can help.
Otherwise. the trail is varied and while no clear nice views going up, the terrain is interesting and the work-​out is great :)

These photos (
) suggest the road is close except for government personnel (FAA).

Wow what a hike! So this was my second time trying to do it the first time got rained out but today was a great sunny day to do it. I read about this hike and was prepared but for a hike that goes straight up how much can you really prepare lol.
I must admit I didn’t go all the way to the too just the landing near the too. The last bit of the hike it was cold and raining and cloudy so I figured what’s the point of going all the way up if you can’t see anything.
This hike will test your legs and will power for sure but the views are worth the pain.

Mt Kaala Trail was the most dangerous, strenuous and rewarding hike of my life! It took my girlfriend and I 9 hours round trip from the end of WVR to the FAA tower and back.
This hike has it all, challenging terrain, thrilling cliffs/​heights great views and super unique/​beautiful flora. Even on a Saturday we only saw 7 people total up on the trail. I recommend for anyone who is an athletic thrill-​seeker.
If I did it again I would have brought more water proof clothing, more water, bug spray and some kind of gloves since the ropes rubbed my hand raw. Glad I brought a coat, snacks and rugged hiking boots.

Its always sunny and clear up there until I try and hike it :)
Those that have done this a few times know what I mean.
I have done this hike about 5 times and love it every time. I have only completed the trail from the Waianae side. The worst part of this trail is about the 1.5 mile paved road up to the picnic table. Its a steady road that just smokes your calves before the hike even begins. Also not any shade on that part of the trail.
Once you get to the trail make sure you pay attention and follow the purple caps. Don’t make the mistake of continuing up the ridge following the wrong caps. We hit somewhat of a dead end one time that resulted in some pretty hairy rock climbing and a really really sketchy return trip only to get back onto the trail. Not recommended to go that way.
At the top is absolutely beautiful. You skirt around the fence and there you are at the highest point on Oahu looking at about 80% of the entire island. Really awesome. We brought beer and sausage for the trip. Enjoy!!!

All reviews below are right on. Stick to the purple markers! Make sure your shoes have good traction! Alot of the sections have loose dirt and unstable footing. The ropes are a must! Trust them and test them. It took us an hour to come down from the entire rope section so maybe bring gloves. We brought wind breakers for the summit and that was very useful! To me the parking seemed sketch but we came back 9 hours later and the car was fine. Next time id have someone drop us off.

Definitely one of my favorite hikes.
The first mile or so after the end of Waianae Valley Rd is a standard walk along a paved road. When the road ends, just keep following the purple markers; it’s pretty straight-​forward. But as many reviewers mention, the climb will get steep. It is a relentless climb to the top. Thankfully there are rope sections to help you, but be sure to test all ropes first. The journey to the radar station at the summit is roughly 4 miles.
When you get to the flat summit, you are treated to seeing a selection of native plants and animals! When you get to the FAA radar installation, you can go around the perimeter (preferably along the left side) to get fantastic views of north and central Oahu! At times, you can see all the way to Diamond Head. It is a view unlike any other!

A beautiful but strenuous hike up into the mountain range. Lots of different jungle atmospheres to trek through. As the elevation changes, so do the trees and vegetation. The hike is a work out and at times very steep. Stick to the purple trail markings. Crazy thing… there was cell service the entire time!

Even in the rain, this is one of my favorite trails.
If you’re a townie like me and tend to hike town trails, heading out to Wai’anae is a great way to get to some new terrain. It’s significantly less-​crowded than town trails and the geology, vegetation and overall scenery is very different from hiking in the southern Ko’olau.
The trail is easy to find. Head mauka on Wai’anae Valley Road from Farrington. When the road forks roughly a mile back, head left and take the one lane road until it ends. There will be a parking area and a sign indicating «Wai’anae Kai Public Hunting Area.» Bear in mind that this area is popular with hunters, so try to wear something obnoxiously bright until you get above the tree line.
Take the paved road back a mile. You’ll pass by two fenced-​off/​tank areas. The second has a water spout that serves up delicious water from the area. If you want to spare yourself from carrying a heavy bag up the long, paved portion, you can fill your water bottles here. You’ll thank yourself later. After the second tank, follow the dirt road further up. IMPORTANT NOTE: For Ka’ala, follow purple ribbons and bottle caps up and orange indicators down. You can get lost in the valley very easily if you veer off trail.
You gain elevation fast. Immediately you head in an almost straight line up to the ridge. The trail is well-​cleared and for the most part well-​marked. There are steeper sections toward the top and it gets muddy and slick with even a hint of dampness. If you have micro spikes, this is a great trail to have them.
You’ll reach the ‘three poles’ lookout at about 2,800 feet. Soak in the view and look east, that’s what you’ll be climbing next. From a distance the ridge line looks narrow, steep and brutal. Parts of that are true, but like most trails it isn’t as bad once you actually get there.
Head up the ridge and be careful as it gets narrower and narrower the higher you get. The drop-​offs are pretty severe to the right, so keep your distance if you can. A new fence has been installed for the first ½ mile or so (to prevent goats), so you can grip that for security if you’d like.
You’ll reach two boulder sections. The first is not bad and is more like a large staircase. The second is not as bad as it looks. Though the drop off is to the right, you will need to head up that side first. If you look closely you’ll see that someone has carved notches into the lower boulder — you can use these for a foot hold as you make your way up. Once you’re a bit further up, you’ll see a small area leading up the left, almost like a small platform. Because you can’t see this from the ground, the climb looks much more difficult than it is. Head up from there and it is easy from that point on. Hug the rocks if you need and keep your hands on the rope and your feet on something supportive. At no point should you be swinging and/​or rappelling.
After the second boulder section it gets steeper and steeper. There are fewer drop offs but the climb is relentless until you reach the summit. Be ready for lots of ropes and no real place to take a good rest. Make sure to look back at what you just climbed (and continue to climb) — the views are amazing.
You’ll top out when the trail levels out. Keep heading along the trail and you’ll reach the bog. This is a special place filled with some plant species that only live here — and it is fragile. Make sure to brush the dirt off your shoes (tools provided at trail top) on the way in and on the way out. Stay on the boardwalk and don’t damage any of the plants. The boardwalk takes half an hour if you’re stopping to look closely and take pictures — which you should.
At the end of the boardwalk, you’ll reach the base. Follow the road right then head left at the fence, you can circle the base to get views of all sides of the island. We were wrapped in a cloud yesterday but will be going back on a clear day to see this.
When you’re ready, head back down. Be very careful if it’s wet since slipping off the ridge line would be a bad way to end your day and/​or life. Extra caution is required on the boulders.
This is an upper-​intermediate trail with some light bouldering/​scrambling required. More than anything, it is a leg burner. Avoid this if you’re not OK with some exposure to drop offs and if you haven’t done some of the longer town trails. I think a good practice trail would be Kulepeamoa in Niu Valley. The initial ascent is similar — straight up from the valley floor to gain the ridge line, and the climbs, while on different terrain, are close in level of difficulty. Kuliouou West (not the state trail) would be another good one to do prior to Ka’ala, as well.
Note that this is not a good trail for dogs (above three poles lookout) and hunters’ dogs and hikers’ dogs sometimes get in fights. This is also not a good hike for kids if you venture much past the end of the dirt road.