Oahu's Olomana Trail

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O'ahu, Hawaii

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(6 votes, 5 reviews)

Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: The Olomana Hike is one of the top hikes in Oahu if you are looking for a challenging hike with unbelievable views. It is only about 1.5 miles to the first peak (there are three in total), but there is more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain and some parts have dropoffs on both sides of the trail. Ropes have been added in a few places to prevent you from slipping (the clay can be pretty slippery).

If you aren't afraid of heights and are comfortable with some moderate rock climbing, then the Olomana hike should be at the top of your list. If you want to continue farther, there are two more peaks but they are not as high (so the views aren't as spectacular) and the trail gets sketchier as you approach them. If you think that's fine, wait until you hike the "unsketchy" trail before considering hiking to the other two peaks.

Tips: Park outside of the golf course on the side of the road. This trail gets very steep near the top and you will have to climb up some rock walls, so be prepared.

Points of Interest

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Parking

There is no parking near the trailhead, because you must walk into the Golf Course to access it. Park on the side of the road here (if you park any closer, your car may be towed)

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Guardhouse

This is the entrance to the golf course. The man here was extremely helpful and gave us lots of good information about the hike (to watch out for the while pigs, for instance).

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Trail head

Leave the paved road here and start walking straight into the trees. The cover is pretty thick, but after a short while you will be on the ridge with some great views of Kailua and the ocean.

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The ridge

This is where the trail starts to get significantly steeper. You should have great views for the rest of the hike, but make sure to keep an eye on the trail as well, as either side drops off very quickly. In some of the steeper places on the way to the top there are ropes provided to prevent you from falling or slipping.

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The First Peak

The path to the First peak is very steep and very narrow at times. It ends with a climb up a vertical wall with several ropes to use for support, but the views from the top are worth it. The top is unsettlingly small, but there is enough room for several people to walk past each other and sit down. The views from here are unbeatable.

If you are feeling up for it, you can climb to the next 2 peaks as well, but the trail becomes more narrow, steep, and sketchy. Most people turn back at this point, and the 2 other peaks are lower and don't offer any better views.

Pictures in this guide taken by: chris

How does this work?

This trail is pretty awesome. I've gone to the first peak 4 times, second peak 2 times, and I made it to the third peak 1 time. I will recommend you avoid the weekends if at all possible, especially if you plan to go all the way to the third peak, because this is a very popular trail and it tends to get a little packed with people. If you are not an advanced hiker you probably want to stop at the top of the first peak. If you do not go beyond the first peak you still get an awesome workout and an amazing view. Coming down from the second peak toward the third peak is where the trail becomes very advanced. Only experienced hikers should go this far as it is very dangerous. If you do make it to the top of the third peak, you will have an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and you get to sign your name in the book! Oh, one more thing. I recently found an alternative way to begin the trail. Just past the guard shack there is a small trail into the woods to the left. This will merge you with the primary trail about halfway up to the first peak but you get off of the pavement way sooner and it is a lot steeper so it gets your heart pumping right off of the bat. Check this out as an alternative if you are doing this hike with the goal of getting a good cardio workout. Happy hiking!.
Visited on Jul 12, 2012

by AkoniMikeal on Aug 30, 2012

Fantastic trail!! It's difficult enough to give you a sense of achievement yet not too dangerous. And yes, the view is bloody amazing. One word of caution; be careful in your use of the ropes. Some of them are getting a bit frayed so be careful in putting your full weight on them. Don't let this stop you though as the hike is definately worth it!
Visited on Aug 21, 2011

by Wads on Aug 22, 2011

what a awesome hike, the guide on here is right on. I did it in about 2 hours and it was just right a little challenge but fun and wroth it once we got to the top. I definitely recommend it, small rock climbing great views and steep trails, which was exciting and a great rush. I'm not afraid of heights but was a little worried about failing going down. Have fun! Next is the stairway to heaven!
Visited on Apr 11, 2011

by MITCH808LA on Apr 13, 2011

Overall, a great hawaiian climbing experience. Hiked with my 12 year old. Great trail definition and the gate guard was very informative. The last 100 feet of the climb was right at the threshold of our comfort zone. Quite sporty! Get ready to get muddy on wet days. Only climbed the first peak due to time constraints but that will be our next visit.
Visited on Mar 11, 2011

by dpmsdm on Mar 13, 2011

This has to be one of the coolest hikes I have ever been on. It was probably also the most dangerous. We didn't have time to make it to the second and third peaks (and I'm glad, because they looked a bit sketchy), but the experience was still great.

The views are just unbeatable, and you can't help but laugh to yourself along the trail when you approach a 20ft rope and jagged rocks ("you want me to do WHAT?"). In the end it all pays off and makes for some great pictures and a great story once you are back on firm ground.
Visited on Feb 17, 2010

by chris on Mar 11, 2011