| A different type of trail, indeed! Taking on the characteristic Waianae dryness, it adds to it groves of drought-resistant pines. The path, sometimes dusty and gravel-ish, gains elevation gently, providing a good trail for short backpackings and views of Makua Valley. |
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Description: This is a great ridge for a Waianae mountain trail! You start out at a high elevation so you need not labor to get to the ridgeline (as you do with most Waianae trails). Plus, the pine trees provide shade to about 50% of the trail walk. The route along the ridgeline is essentially separated into two sections: the official DLNR well-graded trail and the rest of the ungraded ridgeline. The official trail starts at a paved road and ends at a dirt road. The ridge continues past this dirt road and ends at a junction called "Three Corners". This is where Kuaokala meets the middle of Makua-Keaau Ridge - turn left and you make your way to Mt. Kaala. Turn right and you make your way to the peak called Ohikilolo. However, for various accessibility issues and the distance to Three Corners, neither leg is advised! What to Expect: Trailhead Location: The trailhead is perched in the upper section of the USAF Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station located at the end of the paved Farrington Hwy (in Makaha). The official trailhead, or "upper" or northern trailhead, is located within the military base and is prominently marked with State DLNR signs. Remember, this trailhead is for the official DLNR trail (which comprises only 50% of the entire ridge). A "lower" or southern trailhead is located behind the base's water tanks just around the fence. The Makua Rim East trailhead (marking the continuation of the ungraded ridge) is unmarked. However, it is simply opposite of the exit from the official DLNR trail along the ridge. A dirt road separates the ridge trail. Continuing this ungraded trail will get you to the campsite and, eventually, the junction called Three Corners. This trail is not part of the official DLNR Kuaokala Trail. Accessing the Trail: Permission from the DLNR in the form of a permit will normally gain you access through the USAF security checkpoint unless the base's threat condition (THREATCON) has been upgraded to a serious level. The permit is normally date-specific and time-limited. Otherwise, you will NOT be permitted on base by merely stating you're there to hike. Property/Access: Government, Conditional Trailhead/Access to: State of Hawaii (owner), USAF (leasee) Trail: State of Hawaii (owner) Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records June 26, 2002. For detailed "property/access" info, click More Info to go there. Dangers/Other Considerations: The entire trail lies within or skirts the southern boundary of the Kuaokala Game Management & Public Hunting Area (Unit A). Expect varying types of hunting seasons and methods as set by the DFW for feral goats and wild boar. When in season, hunting is permitted daily. |
 Kuaokala Ridge (Southeast-Side View from Makua Rim East) |
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 Wooded Trail (First 50%) |
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 Exposed Trail Section (Looking Back) |
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 Final Trail Section (Viewed from Trail Terminus) |
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 Makua Valley (Viewed from Trail Terminus) |
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