Kuliouou is a fine hike leading from the suburbs of East Honolulu to the Koolau summit. Along the way it passes through several types of forest, starting with mixed secondary growth, followed by ironwoods, then Cook pine, and finally, near the summit, an almost native forest of ohia and lama trees. That makes the route shady, opening up only after reaching the final approach to the summit. Although there is an 1800-foot altitude gain, the trail is well graded, with only one steep section, again near the end. The trail is safe, and there are no dropoffs or other dangerous places along the route, making the 6-mile round trip suitable for the entire family. However, caution should be observed at the summit, where young children must be under firm adult control at all times. The trail ends abruptly at a sheer cliff (see photo above), with a 1200-foot drop straight down to Waimanalo.
To reach the trailhead, take Kalanianaole Highway and turn mauka on Kuliouou Road, follow it almost to its end, and turn right on Kalaau Place. Park at the end of the road, but avoid blocking driveways, mailboxes, or trash cans. Follow the paved road behind the turnaround circle.
Starting out on the paved road
At the sign for the trailhead for both the Kuliouou Ridge and Valley Trails, continue on the trail which leads into the valley.
Watch for a sign pointing out the fork between the valley and ridge trails, and turn right.
Sign at the valley/ridge trails divide
The route now begins to climb a series of switchbacks in a mixed forest of mainly Christmas berry and guava, changing to an ironwood grove just before reaching the ridge.
On the switchbacks
Four-legged-hikers bring up the rear
From time to time, good views of the valley and the coast unfold
Looking back at Kuliouou Valley
Shortly after reaching the ironwoods, the trail reaches the ridge line, turns left, and continues along the ridge
Along the ridge, through ironwoods and Cook pines
Covered picnic tables, at about the half-way mark, provide a good place to rest and enjoy a snack.
After a brief rest, it’s up again on a steep but short stretch.
The route then levels briefly, and enters a grove of old and young Cook pines.
The trail breaks out into the open, and the ridge narrows. As we are entering an area where native plants predominate, a boot brush requires a stop to remove alien seeds and spores.
Now, the Cook pines thin out, and then disappear, as native ohia, lama, and uluhe take over.
On the more open ridge, fine views unfold of East Honolulu.
View of Koko Crater
As the trail steepens on the final stretch to the summit, stairs aid the climb.
Finally, on the summit, a panorama opens of the windward coast.
View over Waimanalo, Makapuu Head, and Rabbit Island
Looking toward Bellows with Mokulua Islands off shore
The views are just as good in the opposite direction.
Hawaii Kai, with Koko Head (right) and Koko Crater (left)
It’s a great place for lunch—no restaurant can beat the view. Even if the winds are cold and brisk, there is a sheltered spot just leeward of the summit.
Following lunch and photo shots, it’s time for the trip back.
| The best way to hike the trails on Oahu is with the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club and the Sierra Club. Both have permission to hike many routes not open to the general public. Neither one requires membership to join most hikes, although non-members pay a small fee, and they restrict certain hikes to members only. For info on membership and hiking schedules, see the following web sites. HTMC & Sierra Club. |
