| This bizarre triple-peaked geologic formation towers like a monument between Waimanalo and Kailua and is one of the most well-known of Oahu trails. The familiar windward Oahu landmark will entice any hiker but it's not for the weak-hearted or acrophobic. |
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Description: This is one of the few trails on Oahu that doesn't involve a trek to the top of either the Waianae or Koolau Mountains. While the free-standing peaks stand atop a ridge which eventually makes a radical ascent up the windward Koolau cliffs, Olomana is actually its own geologic formation of lava and not a ridge carved out by erosion. It has been designated the Mount Olomana State Monument. The trail is ungraded and follows the spine of the Olomana formation. Olomana is the large tower formation at the base of a non-descript ridge called Aniani Nui Ridge (formerly called "Keanini") which ascends sharply to Puu Lanipo (elev. 2,621-feet): the terminus of the Mauumae Ridge Trail. For legends and geology, click More Info. What to Expect:Remember those geometric curves you once drew in math class (such as the graph of "x-squared")? Well, that's what this trail is like. It starts off relatively flat, slowly and gradually steepens, then suddenly angles nearly straight up. After traversing the lower lilikoi-smothered foothills encompassing Olomana, the trail skyrockets up the first peak under a relatively shady koa grove. As you close in on the top and the trail breaks out from under the trees, a steep hand-over-hand climb up a 10-foot-high rock face toward the top is the scariest/hardest part of ascending the first peak (elev. 1,643-ft). The second peak is literally just a stroll-down from the first peak. But it is at the second peak where you really fathom the difficulty of completing the entire Olomana Trail While the first peak is the tallest and looks the most menacing of the three as viewed from the ground, it is actually the shorter, stubbier third peak (elev. 1,520-ft) which takes the honor of being the scariest to actually hike. The trip down from the second peak to the saddle fronting the third peak is extremely steep and near-vertical (with ropes to assist you) almost the entire way. After enduring this drop the scariest part is next as you traverse the knife-edge dike while ascending toward the third and final peak of the trail. Trailhead Location: The trail is in the Maunawili subdivision south of Kailua off of Kalanianaole Hwy (Hwy 72). Turn onto Auloa Road, continue onto Maunawili Street, and head toward the Luana Hills Country Club (which is private property). The trailhead is near a posted metal sign along the left side of the private road headed into the country club. Accessing the Trail: This is a frequently hiked trail with its trailhead on private property. Security typically will not allow you to enter vehicularly but won't stop you from walking to the trailhead. Parking outside private property is advised however be aware that hikers have had their vehicles broken into while parked on the relatively secluded access road. Property/Access: Government and privately owned, conditional access. Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records July 9, 2002. For detailed property/access info, click More Info. Dangers/Other Considerations: This trail has steep inclines, a near-vertical rock face, and serious drop-offs. Don't head up if you have any fear of heights. The climb to the first peak is very steep but not overly exposed: there's continual cover of vegetation providing ample foot and hand-holds. There is a near-vertical rock section to climb through near the top-out but there are ropes/cables to assist. Test all cables before using them! The traverse from from second to third peaks starts with a straight-down drop followed by an exposed, knife-edge dike with sheer cliffs to both sides. Be aware that while parked on roads fronting private property hikers have had their vehicles broken into while parked on the relatively secluded access road. Part of the Olomana Trail fringes on the border of the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility. |
 Trailhead (Along golf course road) |
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 Trail - Lower Foothills (First 0.25-mile) |
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 Trail - Upper Foothills (Just before steep ascent) |
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 Trail - Main Ascent (Midway to 1st peak) |
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 Olomana's 2nd & 3rd Peaks (View SSE from atop 1st peak) |
| What the books say... | |
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| Hawaiian Hiking Trails Craig Chisholm |
Not listed |
| Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails Robert Smith | Unknown |
| The Hikers Guide to O'ahu Stuart Ball |
Danger: High Skill: Int/Expert |