Waianae-Kaala Trail

Trailhead

This is an antipode of typical Waianae Range hikes for it is surprisingly lush, wet, and cool. This is the most used route to the highest peak on Oahu. This section of Kamaileunu Ridge stands in the misty shadow of Mount Kaala, its mountain-top bog attracts botanists ranging from novices to research scientists!

	Waianae Kai/Kaala Trailhead (elev. 1,420 feet)
Description: One of the best, most splendid trails on Oahu! This trail gets busy from the get-go, brings you out of the hot and parched Waianae Valley first to the top of Kamaileunu Ridge - the geographic feature which separates Waianae and Makaha Valleys. Then, it brings you higher and into the sometimes-foggy Kaala Natural Area Reserve (NAR): home to the Kaala Bog. Once through the .5-mile long cornicopia of pristine, native Hawaiian botany the trail continues to the actual peak (Mt. Kaala) and views of north Oahu, from Mokuleia to Kahuku Point. What to Expect: This is another one of the few "honest" trails on Oahu so be prepared to climb and keep climbing. No matter where you start (at the locked gate or at the end of the pavement), expect a constant incline with three exceptions: as you briefly make your way from a ridge spur through a gulch to the neighboring spur, when you intercept the top of Kamaileunu Ridge, and when you top out on final approach into Kaala NAR. The two steep-ascent sections climb a total of 2,600-feet in about two miles. Although it doesn't narrow into a knife-edge there is a short stretch of bouldering atop the ridge. This is as you approach the final, 800-foot-tall, steep wall of switchbacks. It is here where the scariest part of the trail is - when you need to slab over an approximately 10-foot-high boulder. Footholds were once chiseled in and the ropes will assist you. The climb becomes muddy as you ascend the steep wall and approach the bog. You may want to bring warm (dry) clothing to wear at the top. The cool humidity, esp. during winter months, dwells in the bog and can get quite chilly. Technically speaking, the U.S. military reservation at the top is leased by the United States Air Force and operated by the Hawaii Air National Guard as the State's ASRS-4 (ADIZ/CERAP Radar) Site. The two large radars (covered by protective spherical radomes) are used by the federal Honolulu Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZHN). Trailhead Location: Off of Farrington Hwy (before Makaha), take a right onto Waianae Valley Road. About 2.5-miles in, take the left prong when you reach a fork in the road. A locked gate will greet you along this paved road. Continuing through, the paved road winds through water wells and pumping stations until the pavement ends at the trailhead. The trailhead is simply a break in the thick brush where the paved road continues uphill as a dirt road. Accessing the Trail: Officially, this is in the Wai'anae Kai Public Hunting Area (Kumaipo) Unit D and the combination/key to the gated entrance can be obtained from the State's Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Otherwise, you can pass the vehicular gate and walk it all the way to the trailhead. It's an uphill walk, though, and you expend a lot of energy just getting to the trailhead. Property/Access: Government Owned, Open Access Majority Owner: State of Hawaii Other Interests: C&C of Honolulu, USAF Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records June 26, 2002. It is your responsibility to obtain permission from proper landowners. For detailed "property/access" info, click More Info. Dangers/Other Considerations: From the trailhead through the entire steep climb to the top-out near Kaala Bog, the area has been designated by the State as a hunting area moreso than a hiking area. Expect the following types of hunting methods for wild boar and feral goats: dogs, rifles, shotguns, knives, spears, and bow & arrow. Hunting is permitted Saturday, Sunday, and state holidays from May through January. Boars are the common inhabitants in the area of the Waianae-Kaala trail. Goats are more prevalent on the nearby and drier Kamaileunu Ridge trail.	Trail from Afar (Eastern Kamaileunu Ridge)
	Lower Trail Section (Near Streambed)
	Powerline Junction & 1st Ridgeline Ascent (elev. 2,720 feet)
	Final Steep Ascent (approx. 800 feet)

What the books say...
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: Medium Skill: Int/Expert

Waianae-Kaala Trail

Trailhead