Koolau Summit Trail

Trailhead

Long enough to require several days to complete, this is Oahu's only trail suitable for multiple-segment backpacking. Isolated, well-graded, this crest trail's elevation fluctuates gently, but the knee-high mud is unrelenting and its scathing overgrowth is unforgiving. Catch it on clear days and the panoramic views along the Kaipapau and Punaluu/Kahana stretches are spectacular!

	Trail - from Kawailoa Jct (departing from Castle Jct)
Description: This is probably the least known and most unused trail on Oahu and yet it happens to be the longest on the island. Built well over a half a century ago, it has fallen into disrepair and is void of continued maintenance save gallant efforts now and again by local hiking club members. Now, the primary user of the trail is the rather significant feral pig population (no joke). In terms of backpacking trails, this is probably one of the most miserable you'll find in the United States. There's no way to avoid getting soaking wet (throughout the duration of the trip), muddy in places you never dreamed possible, and scratched and abraded to the point of blood-letting. So why do some endure this masochistic adventure? Simple: the views - some of the best in the world. Another reason: isolation - 99.9% chance you won't see another soul for the duration atop the Koolau crest. What to Expect: Don't expect this to be easy. Foliage overgrowth will fight you back. Mud will slow down your legs. Wet clothes and packs will weigh you down. And, if you don't have dry clothes to change into, your night could be pretty cold, slimy, and miserable. Now, for the good points. Elevation-wise, the trail climbs gently, from north to south, along the spine of the Koolau Mountains and you never need to hand-over-hand climb (except in one specific spot where a deep cut has eroded into the trail). Terrain-wise, the northern Koolaus are short and convoluted and the trail snakes through hillish landscape. It almost seems you are in your own world because you see absolutely nothing but the immediate landscape around you. As the trail moves south (beyond Kaipapau Gulch), the Koolau spine sharpens and takes shape as the ridges and cliffs assume chiseled form. As you move south past Punaluu Valley the graded trail moves off the top of the crest and follows a route etched into the side of the Koolau summit. Trailhead Location: There are many feeder trails which can be used to access the Koolau Summit Trail at multiple intersections. They range from intermediate to extreme in difficulty especially when carrying an overnight backpack. The choice has to be made dependent on many factors including physical prowess, transportation type and availability, direction of travel, days planned on the KST, etc. For detailed "access route" info, click More Info. Accessing the Trail: This depends on the trailhead used (see above). Suffice it to say the majority of trailheads to the feeder routes are usually off-limits, difficult to reach vehicularly, or both. Property/Access: Government/Privately Owned, Conditional to Restricted Access Multiple owners/leasees For detailed "property/access" info, click More Info. Dangers/Other Considerations: Warning! This is definitely not a trail for amateurs or semi-experienced hikers. This can be a brutal and dangerous trail for those physically, psychologically, and logistically unprepared and inexperienced. Immediate dangers include the occasionally-severe erosion in the trail while over precipitous drop-offs and mud-holes which can cause tripping and injury. Navigation can be severely impeded if the clouds descend onto the trail. The trail itself is not marked and it is easy, especially in the northern reaches, to unintentionally divert onto the wrong path. Treat all water for bacteria/viral presence before drinking! Do not disturb sows and their young if encountered.	Trail - from Laie Jct (enroute to Castle)
	Trail - from Castle Jct (enroute to Poamoho)
	Trail - from Poamoho Jct (enroute to Schofield-Waikane)
	Behind Punaluu & Kahana Valleys (view from trail)

What the books say...
Hawaiian Hiking Trails Craig Chisholm	Not listed
Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails Robert Smith	Not listed
The Backpackers Guide to Hawai'i Stuart Ball	Difficulty: High

Koolau Summit Trail

Trailhead