Route: Printable Topographic Maps
Access to Kuli`ou`ou Ridge Trail starts on the right at the hunter/hiker check-in station just past the Board of Water Supply cable gate. The trailhead to the ridge begins about 0.2 in on the Kuli`ou`ou Valley Trail and proceed up the ridge to the summit of the Ko`olau Range. About two-thirds of the way up the ridge, there is a shelter with two picnic tables. From this point, the trail becomes steeper,while following the ridge, the trail is only occasionally maintained, and may be difficult for inexperienced hikers. The trail ends at the summit with a spectacular view of the windward side of O`ahu and Waimanalo. Return is by the same route.
The trail traverses through an assortment of exotic vegetation typical of arid areas: Christmas berry, haole koa, formosa koa, ironwood, Norfolk pine and guava. Beyond the shelter and the guava forest, the trail breaks out of the canopy and into uluhe-o`hia-koa-lama forest. This upper section of trail offers an almost 360 degree view of the island. Caution should be exercised on this trail since it is also open to mountain bikers and hunters.
This trail traverses a public hunting area - hikers should exercise caution. Wear bright colored clothing and be aware that you may encounter hunters who may be hunting off trail - stay on the trail.
Directions: From Kalanianaole Highway heading east, take a left on Kuliouou Street.Drive mauka towards the back of the valley. Follow the curve to the left, and take a right on Kuli`ou`ou Road. Turn right on Kala`au Place, continuing to the the cul-de-sac at the end of the street. Park at the end of the cul-de-sac and proceed on foot past the cable gate on the access road. The trail begins on the right of the access road at the hunter/hiker check in station.
Trail Information: Stay on the trail. Pack out at least what you pack in. No open fires.Dog Owners: Hunting may be in progress on or near this hiking trail. Hunting dogs may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt. Hikers must keep their dogs leashed at all times and remove dog waste while on this trail.
Mountain Bikers: Always yield to hikers. Do not slide around corners or slide down the trail. Careless mountain biking damages the trail and causes erosion. If accidents are reported or damage to the trail is extreme, the trail may be closed to mountain bikers.To report problems, incidents or trail damage: Click Here
or call 808-973-9782 Camping is allowed on this Trail: Click Here
Trail Announcements: For Current Trail Warnings, Conditions, or Events Click Here
Hiking Safely in Hawaii Brochure: Click Here
Current Trail Maintenance Report on Facebook: Click Here
Oahu Weather Forecast: Click Here
Bus Route Information: Click Here
Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and
color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features
are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch
off from the public features may be on private property, and are not
managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent
landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing
and possibly putting yourself at risk.