Kuliouou Ridge Trail: Best Places to Hike in Oahu Hawaii

Introduction 

Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail is a popular hiking destination on Oʻahu, known for its breathtaking views and rewarding summit. This intermediate-level hike offers a physical challenge with some minor technical obstacles. In addition, It’s renowned for being a great spot to enjoy stunning sunrises, making it an attractive option for early risers. Kuliouou Ridge Trail can be tough, especially near the top where the steps may become slippery in wet weather, but the scenic payoff is well worth the effort.  

KULIOUOU RIDGE TRAIL

Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trailhead

KULIOUOU RIDGE TRAILhead

The Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trailhead is located near the end of Kalaau Place in Honolulu, Oahu.In addition, Parking is not permitted in the cul-de-sac at the end of the road, but you may park in other surrounding places. This trail is recognized for its difficult uphill terrain with several stairs, and it normally takes around 3 hours to cover the 4.4-mile distance. Waimoku Falls is another beautiful trail in Hawaii.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail Oahu​  

KULIOUOU RIDGE TRAIL oahu

Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail is a challenging 4.4-mile out-and-back hike located near Honolulu, Oahu. It typically takes an average of about 3 hours to complete. The trail has some steep sections, especially the stairs at the top, and is intermediate in difficulty. A lot of water should be on hand for hikers. The stairs at the top are the hardest part. Monongahela National Forest is another brilliant forest-rich place to have peace of mind.

Kuliouou ridge hike

KULIOUOU RIDGE hike

It’s considered an intermediate-level hike, suitable for those looking for a physical challenge with minor technical obstacles. Always remember to check for any important updates or trail conditions before you go. It will provide you with many scenic views and panoramas. You can buy your favorite accessories from Eagle Ridge Mall for the hike.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail Photos

KULIOUOU RIDGE TRAIL photos

Kuliouou Ridge Trail Details

Here are some of the best details you can get from here;

Kuliouou Ridge Trail difficulty

 Pretty tricky to find and to complete, but we are also only intermediate-level hikers. The trail itself was not very well marked; we had to rely on the app map, which was very helpful. Doing the loop means you’ll walk through the ridge, which is very dangerous, very narrow, and right at the cliff but breathtaking.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail elevation

Kuliouou Ridge trail has approximately 1775 feet elevation.

How long is Kuliouou Ridge trail​

The Kuliouou Ridge Trail is approximately 4.4 miles long for the out-and-back route. It typically takes about 3 hours and 1 minute to complete, and it’s considered a challenging hike. Bring a lot of water as it requires a hydrated body to complete it to the top.  

Kuliouou Ridge trail hours

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail Length

The Kuliouou Ridge Trail near Honolulu, Oahu, is approximately 4.4 miles long for the out-and-back route. It generally takes an average of about 3 hours and 1 minute to complete.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail Directions

From Kalanianaole Highway, turn left into Kuliouou Street toward the valley’s rear. Follow the bend to the left and make a right onto Kuliouou Road. Precede Mauka on this road, then turn right into Kalaau Place and continue to the cul-de-sac at the end of the street.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail Address

The Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail is located in the Kuliouou Forest Reserve in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. While there isn’t a specific street address, you can access the trailhead from Kuliouou Road.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail map   

Kuliouou Ridge Trail parking

Due to the lack of a designated parking lot, parking on the Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail is restricted to the streets that border Kālaʻau Place. The Parking available at the nearby Kuliouou city park can get crowded, so it’s best to park there and walk the half mile to the trailhead for added safety.

Kuliouou Valley

KULIOUOU valley

Rich in heritage and deep in roots, Kuliʻouʻou Valley is a community known for being “old school.” A place where everyone looks out for one another. For almost the entire route, the trail is shaded by a canopy of trees and vegetation, a particular delight if you happen to hit the trail on a hot summer day. It covers a distance of 1.5 miles. The valley is also rich in history, dating back almost a thousand years.    

Kuliouou Ridge Trail nearby Attractions

Here are some notable nearby places to visit mentioned for additional pleasure and fun.

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

wiliwilinui ridge trail

The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is a moderately challenging hike located near Honolulu, Oahu. It covers a distance of approximately 4.7 miles in an out-and-back format and takes around 2 hours and 56 minutes to complete on average. In addition, Known for its beautiful views of the Koʻolau Summit, this trail is often regarded as one of the best introductory hikes in the area.

Koko Crater Arch trail

koko crater arch trail

The Koko crater arch trail follows one of the ridges to take you up to the arch. The trail is very short, but it does get steep. It is a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Generally considered a challenging route. Moreover, This is a popular trail for hiking and you can enjoy the path and scenes it provides for hikers.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail

makapu point lighthouse trail

The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, located near Waimanalo on Oʻahu, is a popular coastal hiking trail within the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. This 2.5-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging and typically takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes to complete. Hikers can enjoy outstanding views of Oahu’s southeastern coastline, including scenic sights such as Koko Head and Koko Crater.  

Kuliouou Ridge Trail Weather

KULIOUOU RIDGE TRAIL weather

Summertime temperatures are warm and pleasant. There is a lot of rain and showers during the winter. Equally important, Throughout the year, there can be substantial variations in the weather. It’s crucial to keep in mind that circumstances might be difficult for novice hikers, particularly following rain. Always check the specific weather forecast before planning your hike.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail Reviews

The reviews about the park are awesome by the majority of the visitors most of them quoted that, it is a more difficult path than it is heard or seen. Moreover, Some stated that it has bugs and insects in a way that irritates hikers. I didn’t hike the full path as it was rainy weather and the trail was very rough and filthy.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail Hotels

KULIOUOU RIDGE TRAIL hotels

The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Queen Kapiolani Hotel, Vive Hotel Waikiki, Hyatt Place, Alohilani Resort, Moana Surfrider, and Polynesian Hostel Beach Club are the best options to explore around the trail.

Conclusion

It’s a condensed version of those others, giving you the entire Ridge Trail experience in a somewhat shorter amount of time. You can also see Beautiful views of Rabbit Island, Koko Crater, Waimanalo, and the Nā Mokulua Islands from the hill. Finally, It has several steps that make the ascent easier and is moderately challenging. In short, it is a beautiful and challenging place to enjoy your time with pets and family.

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