| One of the most truly spectacular windward views on Oahu awaits at the terminus of this long, graded trail. This neatly-manicured maintains a calm demeanor with no harsh sections along its steadiy climb to the Koolau summit. Beware, it is Na Ala Hele's second-longest trails on the island. |
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Description: A very long but tame trail under the auspices of Na Ala Hele: well-graded in the first half and well-maintained in the second half. From the very start, you get the feeling that you're in the middle of nowhere - nothing but green as far as the eye can see. Built for the U.S. Army in the 1920s, it connects Schofield Barracks in Wahiawa (central Oahu) and Waikane Valley (windward Oahu). What to Expect: There is no significant steepness but the trail is pretty long (nearly 7 miles) and continually (but gently) rollercoasters uphill of and beyond the first half. The first half is a wide grade cut into the side of the mountain ridge. The second half is a combination of graded and ungraded trail. The final section is completely graded right to the junction with the Koolau Summit Trail. The graded nature of this trail virtually eliminates all steep climbs/descents allowing for an "upright" hike (no four-point climbing). This makes it ideal for backpackers and a wonderful "easy-on-the-body" exit after a lengthy battle with the Koolau Summit Trail. The vegetation overgrowth, if any, is typically mild - don't expect to struggle and thrash against huge clumps of foliage. In fact, there are long stretches in the upper half which offer spectacular, wide-open views all around you as the vegetation remains at ankle to knee-high height. Trailhead Location: The signed, official Na Ala Hele trailhead is deep within Schofield Barracks. Just prior to the end of California Avenue, there is an access point, through a gate along the perimeter fence, to the East Range. The access is paved road for a short distance followed by a dirt road for about 2 miles. Accessing the Trail: While the trail is for public use, the trick is in getting on base to reach the trailhead. This base is the U.S. Army's Schofield Barracks, Home of the "Tropic Lightning" (25th Infantry, Light). While the trailhead has been mentioned in reference to the East Range gate, this is not the official base entrance so there is no guarantee of the gate's open or close time. Furthermore, use of the East Range access point does not circumvent the need for U.S. Army permission. Contact the State of Hawaii's "Na Ala Hele" agency (Department of Land and Natural Resources) for current information about entering the base especially due to varying degrees of threat conditions. Property/Access: Official state-run Na Ala Hele Trail Government-Owned, Maintained Open/Public Access Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records August 12, 2002. For detailed "property/access" info, click More Info. Dangers/Other Considerations: Despite the long distance, this trail has no unusual detriments or extreme dangers. As with all trails, observe prudent caution realizing the dangers normal to hiking. |
 Trailhead (Na Ala Hele) Photo by B. Van Kinkle |
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 Trail (lower half) Photo by B. Van Kinkle | |
 Kaukonahua Valley (north of trail) Photo by B. Van Kinkle | |
 Waianae Range in Distance (campsite view) |
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 Kahana Valley (terminus view) |
| What the books say... | |
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| Hawaiian Hiking Trails Craig Chisholm |
Not listed |
| Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails Robert Smith | Not listed |
| The Hikers Guide to O'ahu Stuart Ball |
Danger: Low Skill: Int/Expert |