| A man-made trail on a man-made island, this coastal trail semi-circumnavigates Honolulu International Airport's 13,000-foot Reef Runway. A favorite route for local fishermen, the aircraft fly-overs makes it the noisiest trail on the island! |
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Description: This coastal trail begins on the north side of the Reef Runway "island" and proceeds alongside the airport's fenceline. The gritty, sometimes sandy, footpath is actually the open space left when the fence was constructed about three feet in from the island's levelled edge. The barb-wire-topped cyclone fence envelopes the entire section of island accessible from the outside and by foot. The longest section runs the island's south side but abruptly ends about 1/3rd from the island's eastern end. Bordered by Keehi Lagoon, then Mamala Bay, the trail remains within 25 feet of the water at all times and maintains a 10-foot elevation throughout its course. It receives bicycle and fisherman traffic. For detailed "description" info, click More Info. What to Expect: This is probably the flatest, straightest, and noisiest trail on the island. After passing the airport fire department's boathouse on the left and the station on the right, the trail veers left and proceeds on a straight path directly East for 0.8-mile. The trail then turns directly South on a perpendicular course for about 0.4-mile, crossing the flight path of the runway. Finally, the trail turns directly West and parallels the runway for about 1.9 miles. It ends at a rocky, fenced barrier. Expect frequent aircraft take-offs between 8 AM and 1 AM. For a topographic map of this trail, click More Info. Trailhead Location:On the access road to the Airport's South Ramp Fire Station, it is immediately to the left of the tall gate fronting the facility. There is no sign or marking to indicate this unofficial/unmaintained trail but a footpath is obvious. Accessing the Trail: The fire station's access road is the very short street located near the end of Lagoon Drive. It is directly across (makai, to the South) the FAA's "Flight Service Station". Park in marked stalls along Lagoon Drive. There may be addtional parking at the lot in front of the general aviation hangars. Update: Due to the 9/11 terrorist attack, Lagoon Drive is now restricted access which is controlled by the State of Hawaii Sheriff. Now, only authorized employees, business customers, aircraft owners/operators based at the hangars, or those with permission are allowed entry. Property/Access: Government owned, unofficial trail. Dangers/Other Considerations: Trail is in vicinity of aircraft operating multiple jet-turbine engines at take-off power. Exposure may cause premature hearing loss. There is no significant vegetation along this trail. Expect extreme sun exposure due to wide-open sky and reflection from ocean and asphalt. |
 Reef Runway Trail (early along trail) |
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| What the books say... | |
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| Hawaiian Hiking Trails Craig Chisholm |
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| Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails Robert Smith | Not listed |
| The Hikers Guide to O'ahu Stuart Ball |
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