Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail – Oahu, Hawaii Hike

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge is a beautiful hike near Honolulu (where Jedd grew up) with several interesting changes in landscape. It is challenging enough that you feel you’ve truly earned the magnificent view at the top!

The Ridge Trail is 5 miles round trip. It’s listed as “Beginner to Intermediate” but with the elevation gain, you will no doubt get a work-out!

Step carefully as you are often walking on a gnarly tangle of roots and the trail gets slick when wet.

Updated: Jan 2023. Originally published: 2017.

A note about the Kuli’ou’ou Valley Trail: Both the ridge and valley trails start from the same spot (see directions below). The valley trail is a much easier 1.2 mile (each way) out and back. It’s a nice walk for exercise but somewhat anti-climactic.

Hiking up a mountain of tree roots!

To get an idea of the overall lay-out of the hike, I like this map: Kiapolo’s Flicker Map.

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Directions to the Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

From the Kalanianaole Highway, turn onto Kuliouou Road at the light. Follow it back into the valley and then make a right on Kalaau Place. Park along this street if you can.

Click on a thumbnail below to see a larger image:

Upon passing the gate, take the paved path left. You’ll then see a trail entrance on the right with some signs and a mailbox to enter record of your hike. It can get quite muddy here sometimes.

Tip: Pick up a walking stick as you enter the trailhead. Though not obligatory, they come in handy while maneuvering back down some of the steeper sections of the hike.

After following the dirt path for a short while, you’ll take a right at the signs to get on to the Ridge Trail.

Most of the time, the trail is easy to follow but occasionally you’ll want to be extra observant of where the path is most matted and worn to stay on track.

(There are a few side trails which frequently seem to lead to little camping spots. A lot of restoration work is being done so it’s important not to take short cuts or go off trail.)

About half-way up, you’ll see a covered picnic hut. This is one place to take a snack break.

I recommend continuing up about half mile farther (maybe more) for a break. Go through the crazy doorway of trees (pictured above) and park yourself on the bench (pictured below) to enjoy the first great viewpoint looking south.

Around this point, the trail gets steeper.

The last 1/3 of the climb has less tree cover, more views, and – eventually – lots of stairs!

I think there are 8-9 significant sets of stairs. Some are steep and quite long, so it’s truly a stair master work out.

If you struggled on the first two-thirds of the hike, know that it will not get any easier! This is why we highly recommend doing this hike early in the morning, otherwise doing these never-ending stairs in the heat of the day could be too much.

At the peak, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views. Stunning!

You’ll see the town of Waimanalo, farmland, and the small islands off Kaneohe below. 

The hike usually takes us about 1 hour 15 minutes going up at a steady pace, and somewhat faster going down. We’ve seen people jogging up and down for exercise, but many tend to take it slower and stop for more breaks.

Back towards the trail and on the way back down all those stairs, you can enjoy views from Hawaii Kai to Diamond Head. 

This is definitely one of our favorite Oahu hikes and a recommended sunrise hike in Honolulu.

Tips for Happy Hiking Kulio’ou’ou Trail

• Wear sturdy shoes with some traction
• Use a hiking stick – you can find plenty at the trail entrance
• If it’s been rainy, consider keeping a plastic bag and change of shoes in your car (for the mud)
• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and some bug spray doesn’t hurt either

* Access our free Hawaii packing checklist here *

You might also like these posts:
Visitor’s Hiking Guide to Oahu
The Best Sunset and Sunrise Hikes on Oahu
Lanikai Pillbox Hike – Oahu, Hawaii  
Lulumahu Falls hike – Oahu
One Week Oahu Itinerary
Where to Stay on Oahu
Is the Go Oahu Card worth it?
Honolulu Walking Routes Maps
Where to Stay in Honolulu Outside Waikiki

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