Kealia Trail

Trailhead

Description: This is a well-graded ascent of the windward Waianae cliffs above Mokuleia which terminates high atop the mountains above Makua Valley. The trail contains two major parts: the intial climb up switchbacks and the more straight-shot approach of the jeep road. What to Expect: The first "half" of this trail involves nineteen switchbacks which ascend 1,040 feet to the top of cliffs. After the final series of switchbacks, and just beyond the picnic shelter (erected by Boy Scouts of the Makaha Troop), the trail turns into a wide, evenly-graded jeep road the rest of the way. The early to middle portion of the trail affords views of the many gliders soaring over the cliffs. Also, the trail passes several intersections with other jeep roads/trails but the official state trail remains relatively obvious and easy-to-follow. Furthermore, at the 1,680-ft elevation, the trail crosses the northern boundary of the Kuaokala boar/goat hunting area which, when in season, runs daily. The official end of the Kealia Trail, or simply the upper trailhead, is merely a junction with the Kuaokala-Mokuleia Access Road (elev. 1,800-ft). This is frequently-used jeep road which cruises the main, northwest spine of the Waianae Mountains. To lengthen the hike, or for excellent viewing opportunities, there are two options to continue beyond the upper trailhead (both are along the Kuaokala-Mokuleia Access Road). Turning right (west) eventually leads to the USAF Satellite Tracking Station, maintaining the jeep road the entire way (about 2.8 miles). Beware: A hiking permit is required to enter U.S. Air Force property. Turning left (east) leads to the junction with a foot-trail which heads uphill (south). This is the upper (west) trailhead of the Kuaokala Ridge Trail. The actual Waianae ridgeline can be reached with a short walk up this foot-path to a viewpoint (elev. 1,960-ft) of Makua Valley and the Waianae coast. Trailhead Location: Lower trailhead: The trail starts about 0.3-mile behind the air traffic control (UNICOM) building parking lot on the mauka (insland) side of Dillingham Airfield. From the parking park, proceed along the wide gravel road past an old concrete aircraft hangar. Continue to the green fenceline to the official start of the trail. There is a posted trailhead sign marking this point. Upper trailhead: If driving from the parking area at the Air Force station, the signed trailhead is approximately 2.8 miles down the Kuaokala-Mokuleia Access Road on the left-hand side. Accessing the Trail: The lower trailhead (behind Dillingham Airfield) is open and publically-accessible. The airfield is past Waialua High School along Farrington Hwy (in Mokuleia). Drive onto the airfield property through its third gate (the first gate is marked with "emergency access" signs and is at the runway's east end, the second is the entrance to the "terminal", the third gate lead to a road past the west end of the runway to the opposite side of the airfield. Upon reaching the mauka (inland) side of the airport, continue to the paved parking lot behind the air traffic control building (which is technically a UNICOM station). Park only on the paved lot and be aware of the airport hours (the gates are usually closed/locked near sunset). A permit issued by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DFW) is required to access the upper trailhead, if one plans to approach from Makaha (through the Air Force Station). Otherwise, permission is required for vehicular access to the Kuaokala-Mokuleia Access Road through private ranch property gates in Mokuleia. Property/Access: The entire trail is open/public. Trail access and maintenance is overseen by Na Ala Hele. Dangers/Other Considerations: Beware of the gates at Dillingham Airfield as there are posted open/close hours you'll need to heed. Be aware of the increased necessity of staying on the trail (not wandering off) due to its presence within the Kuaokala Game Management and Public Hunting Unit (DFW Hunting Unit "A"). Visit or call the DFW at 587-0166 or 973-9786 to find out the status of the hunting unit. As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement.	Walking to the Trailhead (behind UNICOM building)
	Official trailhead (lower trailhead)
	Typical Trail (lower switchbacks)
	Dillingham Airfield (view from switchbacks)
	Typical Trail (upper switchbacks)
	Typical Trail (jeep road section)
	Official Trailhead (upper trailhead)