Kuliouou Ridge Trail

Great hike, views at top are spectacular. Took us about 2 hours round trip without kids. Lots of switchbacks.

Hiked up Kuliouou on a Sunday morning with my love. It’s a 3 hour hike round trip. The trail is easy to find and follow — plus there’s plenty of traffic so you’re never really alone. You’re mostly in the shade but sunblock is a must!
The last 30 minutes were super muddy so wear shoes you don’t mind getting yucky and be prepared for a serious stretch of stairs the last 20 minutes to the top. There are several opportunities to check out the view. My favorite was right before the top on the muddy stairs — right below the fog.
Bring plenty of water and a celebratory snack for the top!
We surprisingly found parking right near the beginning of the trail but a block or two down is normal and not a bad mini hike to the trail.

This was the longest hike I’ve done on the island so far. We took our time and I think it was about 4.5 hrs round trip. Like other reviewers stated, it is mostly shaded, there are a lot of switchbacks and the views are amazing all the way up, but especially on top. My best advice is to take plenty of water, snacks, sunblock, a light backpack, good shoes, a good camera for lots of landscape pics, and just enjoy it. The steps at the end are a challenge once you’ve already hiked up that far. It’s so worth it though. Stay up at the top for a while… enjoy the panoramic views before you head back down. The trail is very easy to follow and very popular, so its maintained and user friendly. There is a little picnic area around half way up to sit and enjoy a snack/​break. I saw lots of people with dogs, so its also pet friendly.
Parking: Its in a residential area, so be mindful of the people who live there. It was first come, first serve street parking. Like most hikes, it is best to get there early to get a spot and have plenty of time before it gets really hot. Also, it goes without saying, but make sure you lock up your stuff and don’t leave things out in plain view while you are away from your car.

The short and sweet: The ridge trail is approximately 4 – 5 miles roundtrip with many switchbacks ascending approximately 2000 feet. Luckily, the trail is also mostly shady. For the average hiker who takes breaks and pictures, be prepared to spend about 3 – 4 hours completing this hike.
To get there, follow Kuliouou Road and take a right on Kalaau Place and find street parking. The trailhead is also the start for another trail: an easier 2 mile Kuliouou Valley Trail.

This hike was awesome! It definitely tests what you’re made of. It is a long and adventurous 2 miles of winding and alternating terrain. From major tree roots, rocky, grassy, sloped and inclined to very mellow and peaceful trails. Definitely be careful not to twist an ankle. It does get you in the end since you have been in a gradual incline the whole way and are met with several set of challenging stairs to climb. At the end is definitely a site to see. Great views from way up high. Would definitely recommend. Safe trails my friends!

This hike is one of my favorites on the island of Oahu. It is a pretty easy hike with lots of trees and shade. The view at the top is one of the most captivating views on the island. You can see the whole windward side and Honolulu. I go on this hike every time I come home to visit.

Great hike with an awesome view at the top. It’s a great workout, but not too hard. The first half is a gradual incline and then it gets steeper once you pass the halfway point (where picnic tables are). The steps make the footing easy during the steepest part near the top.
The trail is easy to follow and we had no issues staying on it.
The views are beautiful and I would absolutely do this one again.

Hands down, one of my favorite hikes on the island next to the ka’au crater hike. My friends & I got a mix of great scenery, an uphill stairway workout, & we met a bunch of really great people that were either also going up or going down. I absolutely adore this hike & think that everyone should do it at least once. This is a great place to really be at one with Mother Nature & just enjoy all that God has given to us.

This hike took us 3 hours and 45 minutes. I saw a review that it only took another person 2 – 3 hours so it really depends on how fast you walk and whether you take breaks. Kuliouou has been the most challenging for me so far, but I felt good knowing that I got a good workout and a great view afterwards. You could easily get off track so pay attention to your surroundings.

I love this hike! Here is the breakdown:
Difficulty: Moderate, but most anyone in decent shape can do this hike. It is mostly a moderate incline, uphill hike the whole way, but you can stop and take a break as much as you want if you need it. No matter what, you will be in for a really good workout.
Recommended Equipment: Bring some snacks and a lot of water as this is a long hike. Backpack to carry snack/​water/​other essentials. Good tennis shoes, preferably mid-​rise hiking boots.
Length/​Time: About 5 – 6 miles, 4 hour hike.
Navigation Tips: The trail is well maintained, a little rocky so watch your step, but easy to follow and navigate. Be careful hiking the ridge portion as there are some steep dropoffs, but you’d have to try hard to fall off so just be smart :) The changes in the landscape are amazing — you spend most of the hike in the jungle hiking the side of the mountain, then towards the summit you hike the ridge where there are a few steps which can be challenging. I had to take many breaks on the steps because the altitude is high here and it’s a lot of leg work!
Enjoy! You’re in for some great scenery and views. This is one of my favorite hikes on the island.

This was a great hike! Well, worth the journey to the top. We made it to the top in about an hour and forty-​five mins. We just missed the view because the clouds rolled in and it started raining. Do make sure to bring a snack and plenty of water. Keep in mind that this trail gets slippery when wet. Aloha, hang loose!

Third time was the charm! We went on a nice sunny day (although, sadly, voggy, so the pics were a bit hazy) and finally got to the top (second time) and saw the beautiful views. The trail (about a month ago) was dry which makes the roots section much easier. The stairs weren’t so bad this time; maybe ’cause it was the second time to the top or because there were others struggling more than me :-)
The views make this hike worth the effort. Go on a clear day so you’re guaranteed to see the views. It really sucks to get to the top to nothing but gray clouds :-(Bring plenty of water, a hat, and sun block ’cause when you start the stair section there’s very little shade the rest of the way up.

Did this hike on a whim with my wife yesterday. It was a great experience, but not easy unless you’re a mountain goat.
We started the hike with little knowledge of what was in store. Up to the point when we reached the swing I thought it was no big deal; that was only the first half. From there the ascent became pretty aggressive with many stairs. There was one rope section that was challenging; I don’t think it’s realistic to climb that part if the rope wasn’t there.
The rewards of the hike were worth every step. The views were amazing and really encapsulated the island. Views of the green hilly terrain with distant glimpses of the city and ocean everywhere. The trails were spectacular. Highly recommend this hike.

This hike has amazing views… If not blocked by clouds. If you look up into the mountains before your hike and it’s cloudy at the top, know that you aren’t going to get the same views as other reviews on Unilocal.
We did it anyways! :) I am an experienced hiker so the mud and the clouds and slight showers were no bother to me. Just keep it in mind and know your limits. Be careful when it’s muddy! There are stairs and narrows spots on the trail. Plus it’s very windy at the top.
In the end it felt like we had literally hiked up into a cloud!

Among my favorite hikes on Oahu. A short drive from town, this hike has a clear and designated entrance. This hike generally takes about 4 hrs RT, and you are rewarded with picturesque views along the way to the top, and an incredible 360 view at the summit. A wonderful place to sit and eat, just make sure you bring a light jacket. It will get windy and cold.
Now the struggle, this hike is pretty strenuous. W/​in about 30 min, we were drenched in sweat even with an 80 °F temp and w/​tree shade. The multiple switch backs and the stairs were killer. Also, if possible wear shoes with good traction. The trail was moderately muddy and slippery. The fallen pine needles made it difficult to walk, but of course, tennis shows will be ok. Just watch your footing.
If you’re in for an adventure, continue along the ridge after you summit. My friends and I continued and it was epic! The ridge appears unmanned and at times the path may be difficult to see, but it’s well worth it. Just maybe not for those afraid of heights. Hell, I saw a family of 5 come from the side we were heading. If they can do it, so can you.
On both sides, there is a steep drop so just be sure to hang low to the ground and possibly use the shrubs for extra security. The path is a little more clear as you descend. BIG HOWEVER bc we didn’t quite know where we were going, and we got lost. The trail of pink ribbons disappeared in the heavy brush and we ended up following a yellow ribbon trail; a trail that I’m sure no one has been on for the past 30 yrs. Luckily we found our way back but not w/​o a bunch of battle scars from the thorned bushes. Try not to take this route as you will end up directly in someone’s backyard/​backdoor. ENJOY!

Kuliouou is an easy hike (not moderate) for the simple fact that it is young child and dog friendly, not dangerous, and all hills can be traversed with stairs (no ropes).
This hike is my favorite in Oahu. It was one of my first hikes (when I started hiking — Koko Crater, Waahila Ridge, and then Kuliouou), my first date hike with my fiancée, and later, it’s where I proposed to her (at the summit).
The trailhead is located up Kuliouou Street, at the end of a neighborhood near the to top (street right before the «dead end» sign). Parking can be a challenge, so be prepared to park near the bottom of the street and walk up. Typically there would be ample parking, but honestly, the neighbors (as usual) do not like hikers roaming through the neighborhood, so it’s pretty obvious that they deliberately park like shit by parking right in the middle of a stretch of sidewalk, that could easily fit at least two cars (or even three!)…the way they park, it only allows theirs… check it out next time you go, I’m not kidding. With that said, as always, because trailhead is in a neighborhood, be mindful to be courteous with your noise levels (especially if you’re hiking with a group of friends) — save the laughing and raucous once you’re on the trail in the mountains. When in the neighborhood, please shut the hell up and don’t litter.
Trail starts off easily enough, then you’ll hit a sign that will allow you to go straight to Kuliouou Valley, or curve up towards the ridge… go up and up. The terrain for Kuliouou is great, nothing too strenuous in the beginning, and you’ll weave through some minor forestry brush, then pine covered switchbacks until you hit a wider open plain with taller woodsy pines all around, and finally a small covered shack with benches to rest. Then you’ll head up a couple steeper root, covered slopes (if it’s raining, be prepared to slip and be challenged, so you might have to go on all fours), and then a few stints of stairs until you hit the top… simple as that. If you go at a moderate pace, you’ll make it to the top in about 1.5 hours. Only an 1 hour to head back down, and once you pass the shack, you can pretty much trail run the whole thing down… it’s even enough that you can hit a nice jog until you get to the bottom.
The great thing about Kuliouou is the scenery changes, and there’s a nice, open plateau at the top with beautiful views, so there’s a payoff. You can also continue past the top to a connecting ridge; that one is more challenging so best to go with an experienced hiker if you feel like exploring. Typically, the top may be clouded over depending on the weather, but on clear days, like most of the ridge hikes in Hawaii Kai, you can see Bellows, Lanikai, etc.
Highly recommend this hike which is great for ALL hikers at all levels of physicality.

This was an epic hike! I didn’t know what I was getting myself into until the very end of the hike where you have to climb the stairs all the way to the heavens… Or so it seemed!
A beautiful trail with switchbacks, amazing greenery, beautiful pine trees and challenging terrain.
Save energy for the last portion of the hike and enjoy the payoff… Sweeping views of Waikiki, Honolulu, all the way toward the east side including Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo and kailua. A truly incredible experience!

This is a really great hike and I think a pretty good challenge. The beginning third is nicely graded with switchbacks and greenery. The second third begins with pine needles and becomes more challenging with steeper climbs on sometimes slippery roots. The final third is very challenging with steps that NEVER END along a ferny ridge! What I find so great about this hike is the change in vegetation as you make progress to the top.
If, after you see those steps, you soldier on and get to the top, you are rewarded with an amazing view of Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, and the beginning of Lanikai. I’ve been told it is about 2000 ft in elevation at the top and so you can also experience being in the clouds at times. My iPhone app said that I climbed 135 flights! Yowza!
Parking is on a residential street and can be difficult if you get there after 9 am. I have been several times and it has been really hard to park when we arrived later than that.

Amazing sights!!! If you love hiking and are in decent shape you need to check this out! It’s a 4 ½ mile round trip to a panoramic view of Oahu.
The travel is dry (unlike Maunawili) and there are good spots to rest if need be. My wife and I took about an hour to get to the top and were amazed by the views. We also had lunch at the picnic table.
I wore my sneakers and brought a bottle of water along with a small lunch. Check this hike out if you have the time! It took us roughly 2 hours up and down, maybe more, who knows? Time flies I guess. Check out my photos!

Recently visited Hawaii and scheduled in a hike… chose Kuli ou ou Ridge Trail. The Kuli ou ou trail is about a 20 minute drive East out of Waikiki. The Hawaii Department of Resources and a number of private organizations have a lot of stuff on the internet about this hike… recommend you research there to get a better idea (for example… www​.every​trail​.com/​s​e​a​r​c​h​.​p​h​p​?​q​=​k​u​l​iouou). These sites provide a lot of pictures and commentary. Kuli ou ou has two trails… a valley trail and a ridge trail… we took the ridge trail. Most of the guides rate the ridge trail as easy or beginner…2 stars out of 5… we would give it 2 ½ or 3 stars… this trail will push you a bit… doable but a good workout.
Basically this is a four mile, out and back hike… two miles out and two miles back. Took us just under four hours. You will start out at about 300 feet and climb to roughly 1,800…so there is an elevation of 1,500 feet to negotiate… once up and then down. While it is obvious you have to come down, we only mention it because the down took as long as the up. Because of the terrain you can’t just jog down the trail.
The trail itself is well marked and well maintained… you will always know the way. The terrain started with relatively smooth switchbacks… which then got tighter and narrower. The switchbacks progressively get rocky and with many roots underfoot (this part is about one third of the entire journey). Past the roots and switchbacks you enter a wooded pine forest with relatively smooth and rising trails… you will have pine needles underfoot for a major portion of this area (which comprises maybe another one-​third of the entire hike). The last third of the hike is mostly steps and this is where you will experience most of the elevation gain; the steps are dirt steps with a steel or wooden front to keep them in position; they are safe but can be slippery when wet. It rained just slightly when we went and you had to watch your footing.
Speaking of footing you must wear good shoes. We met and passed a number of other hikers up and down the trail and those with lousy footwear were toast. Some had sand shoes, some had flip-​flops, and others had soft soled shoes… don’t do it. The part of the trail with roots and rocks will kill your feet. Minimum should be strong athletic shoes (and hope it doesn’t rain) but even better is hiking boots or athletic shoes with prominent lugs on the bottom. You will need the grip somewhere along the hike especially in moist weather. We went without hiking poles and did fine without them.
Maybe two-​thirds of the trail is under cover and you won’t need to worry too much about sun. We saw no bikers, and only one or two kids (with mom or dad who will probably end up carrying them). There are no water resources so you bring your own… two liters each should do. Bring some munchies too… trail mix or whatever. You pack in what you need and pack it out with you. While it could be cool at the top — once you start back down it will warm up.
At the top… you can have a wonderful view if the fog isn’t rolling in (it was on our day). This is also the point where an advanced secondary ridge trail begins on your left… we did not take it and it did look very rough. All in all this was a beautiful hike. It will push you a bit and you’ll get some great views back towards Diamond Head and Waikiki. The lush vegetation is also a treat. Recommended.