| A no-nonsense way to the crest of the southeastern Koolaus, this graded trail leads you up from a valley of pines, switchbacks to the wooded ridgeline, then breaks out into the open. An exhilarating crest-climb brings you to panoramic views from Puu o Kona. |
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Description: This is one of the most popular of East Honolulu state trails for exercise and scenery enthusiasts alike. The 1,700-foot-climb and 3.4 round-trip distance makes it challenging enough for most hikers to work up a sweat. However, the windswept summit with coastal views of white-sand Waimanalo and Lanikai Beaches, deep green windward forests, and the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean makes the effort entirely worthwhile. What to Expect: A picnic table and shelter erected by the Boy Scouts and nearby area used for camping awaits along the ridgeline during the climb to the summit. The official 3.4-mi/1700-ft trail ends at the first junction with the Koolau crest. The formidable peak to the left, which stands tall at the head of Kuliouou Valley, is called Puu o Kona (elev. 2,200-ft). An alternate but expert continuation veers left along the crest toward Puu o Kona. Beware, this is a very dangerous, narrow stretch with unstable footing and precipitous drops to each side. This extension is not recommended and, if tried, should be attempted only by very experienced hikers. Distances/Elevation Change: Kalaau Pl (end) to intersection: 0.2-mi / +50 ft Switchbacks - int. to ridgeline: 0.7-mi / +740 ft Ridgeline to Koolau crest: 0.8-mi / +910 ft Crest junction to Puu o Kona: 0.4-mi / +170 ft Trailhead Location: Both Kuliouou trails begin on the right-hand, mauka (uphill) side about 25 yards beyond the chained entrance to the Board of Water Supply access road at the end of Kalaau Pl. Several signs mark the beginning of the foot-trail, including one that reads: "Kuliouou Public Hunting Area". Accessing the Trail: Both trails are part of the Na Ala Hele inventory meaning they are open to the public and well-maintained. There is no designated parking except what hikers can find within the residential area on Kalaau Pl. Do not park along the cul-de-sac: it is designated "no parking". From either direction along Kalanianaole Hwy (Rte 72), turn at the traffic light onto Kuliouou Road and drive 0.3-mile to the end (stop sign). Do not continue straight for that housing complex is the Haleloa residential area (there are no trailheads there). Instead, follow Elelupe Road a block to the left, then make an immediate right back onto Kuliouou Road (yes, for some reason it is disjointed). Proceed 0.7-mile and turn right onto Kalaau Pl. Total distance between highway and trailhead: 1.3-miles. Property/Access: Open/public-access. Public access and trail maintenance overseen by Na Ala Hele. Dangers/Other Considerations: Stay on the official trail - do not venture onto side trails nor continue along the Koolau crest. Both valley and ridge trails cross through the Kuliouou Public Hunting Area (Unit C) which is active year-round on weekends and state holidays. Goats and pigs are allowed to be hunted by means including dogs, rifle and bow & arrow. Remember that hunters are required to wearing blaze orange for visibility purposes - hikers are not. In other words, if they are wearing very bright colors, shouldn't you? Hunting regulations on open seasons and operating days are subject to change. Contact the Division of Forestry and Wildlife Oahu District Office (808-973-9778) for more infomation. As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement. |
 Trail-View of Koolau Crest (Puu o Kona in Clouds) |
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 Kuliouou Trail (Initial Switchback Section) |
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 Mid-Trail Shelter (Looking Back) |
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 Kuliouou Trail (atop Kuliouou Ridge) |
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 Koolau Crest (1st Ridgeline Ascent) |
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