Koloa Ridge Trail

Trailhead

Description: This trail is along the gently-rising ridge with Koloa Gulch to the north and Aakakii Gulch to the south. It is in the wild, undisturbed, rippled territory between Sacred Falls (Kaluanui Stream) and Laie Ridge. Normally used to access the waterfalls at the end of the Koloa Gulch Trail, this ungraded trail continues the ridgeline straight uphill toward the Koolau crest instead of heading right and down to the stream. It doesn't actually intercept the spine of the Koolaus but quickly veers to the left (south) and ascends a 680-foot spur. After this climb, you eventually reach a junction at the top of Kaipapau Ridge (elev. 1,240 feet). What to Expect: The junction where the graded trail continues off the ridge into Koloa Gulch is after a small hump and at an elevation of 400 feet. (Continue through the junction instead of heading right.) Trailhead Location: The trailhead is the same for both the gulch and ridge trails. It is marked by a flagpole and landscaped, concrete memorial structure erected in honor of Jonathan Taylor - a Boy Scout who was killed in Koloa Gulch when the stream flash-flooded in 1994. The trail, which initially heads into Aakakii Gulch, begins through the nearby fence and thick grass about 15 feet to the left of the memorial. To find the memorial, head straight ahead from the dirt road (Aakakii Gulch Road) as it swings left. You should see a metal chain spanning two fence posts at the entrance and about 30 feet after is the memorial. Aakakii Gulch Road connects to the highway immediately opposite of the house addressed 55-147 Kamehameha Hwy (Rte 83). This is 0.3-mile north (Kahuku-bound) of Kokololio Beach Park. Accessing the Trail: There are no physical barriers to accessing the ridge or the gulch. However, the trail is within private property and requires permission to access. Contact Hawaii Reserves, Inc., the Mormon Church's property management arm, main offices in person at Laie Shopping Center or via telephone. Property/Access: Unofficial/unmaintained trail, privately-owned trailhead and trail. Dangers/Other Considerations: There are no extreme dangers with this trail. As will all hiking trails, observe proper caution for normal trail hazards.	Road to Ridge (Memorial ahead-right)
	Koloa Ridgeline (Initial Section)
	Koloa Ridgeline (0.25 mile in)
	Koloa Ridgeline (0.75 mile in)
	Lower Koloa Gulch (view from Koloa Ridge)