LENGTH
4.5 miles round-trip
ELEVATION
1,600 feet
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
SEASON
Year-round
PERMITS
none
TRAILHEAD
Scramble the mercilessly steep slopes of Olomana's three peaks for an astounding view of O'ahu's eastern side and the Ko'olau Range. One
of the most fun hikes on O'ahu, you'll climb up several rope sections and hoist yourself up rocky boulder faces to reach the first and highest summit.
The Olomana trail has multiple steep drop-offs and is not suitable for those afraid of heights. Be aware that this hike is incredibly muddy and dangerous after or during rainstorms, and should only be hiked on dry days. There are many rescue operations per year on Olomana, so please be careful and hike responsibly.
The Olomana trail has multiple steep drop-offs and is not suitable for those afraid of heights. Be aware that this hike is incredibly muddy and dangerous after or during rainstorms, and should only be hiked on dry days. There are many rescue operations per year on Olomana, so please be careful and hike responsibly.
Getting There and Parking
To access the Olomana trail, park on Auloa Road across the street from the bus stop. Park on the small gravel strip opposite the bus stop, taking
care not to obstruct the asphalt sidewalk: Note that hikers have reported receiving tickets for parking on the asphalt. The following pin shows the
public parking location on Auloa Road.
From the parking area, it's a 0.6 mile to the Olomana trailhead. This section is entirely along Loop Road, which is an access road for the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club.
While this is open for public access, parking is not permitted on Loop Road, nor at the trailhead. I've included a photo of the trailhead off Loop Road, as well
as a GPS pin of its location to help you find the start of the trail.
Hike Details
The Olomana trail is seriously steep, and requires some moderate rock climbing to reach the first summit. The trail begins in a dense rain forest,
ascending rapidly with periodic views of the surrounding valley and nearby ocean. We made frequent stops on our way up, the humidity of the day
combined with the trail's steep grade quickly tired us out.
Starting from the parking area on Auloa Road, you'll cover about 4.5 miles round trip if you hike to the first peak, including over 1,600 feet of elevation gain.
There are multiple rope sections to climb to the first peak, the most difficult of which scales at 15-foot boulder. If you're physically fit and have a limited fear of heights, these climbing sections should be doable.
After a very sweaty and tiring couple of miles, you'll eventually reach the first peak. The panoramic view from Olomana's summit covers the Ko'olau Range,
ranging from well north of Kāne'ohe to Kailua.
We opted to turn around at the first peak, but the trail continues to the second and third peaks. Hiking further is not advised, especially so if you intend to reach the third peak.
Looking south you can see Kailua, and the Mokes (the offshore islands)
The second peak is relatively close to the first, but lower in elevation. We decided to turn around at this point,
the trail having precipitous drop-offs on either side.
Starting from the parking area on Auloa Road, you'll cover about 4.5 miles round trip if you hike to the first peak, including over 1,600 feet of elevation gain.
There are multiple rope sections to climb to the first peak, the most difficult of which scales at 15-foot boulder. If you're physically fit and have a limited fear of heights, these climbing sections should be doable.
We opted to turn around at the first peak, but the trail continues to the second and third peaks. Hiking further is not advised, especially so if you intend to reach the third peak.
Still have questions? Send me a message over email to connect. Happy Trails!
