When you think of Oahu, Hawaii, you probably think of beaches and all the water sports that go with it like surfing, snorkeling, swimming, paddle-boarding, etc. What you should be thinking about is hiking – Oahu (and Hawaii for that matter) is a hiker’s paradise!
Hiking The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail (Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii)
Having hiked the Diamond Head Crater Summit Trail to get a little taste of Hawaiian hiking, I was ready to move on to a longer, steeper, more challenging hike.
A friend told me about a hike that was a local favorite because it ended in a spot atop a ridge where you could look down and see Honolulu on one side, and Kailua on the other side.
About The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail Hike
AllTrails lists the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail as a moderate 4.5 mile out-and-back hike.
I would rate this trail as “strenuous” due to the possibility (or in my case – reality) of extreme heat and humidity, extreme mud and slippery conditions, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Location And Getting There
The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trailhead is located about 25 minutes by car from Waikiki Beach. The drive will take you along the H1, before you head north and drive to the top of a very posh neighborhood lined with beautiful homes with incredible ocean views.
Security Guard Station Kiosk And Parking
You’ll soon come across a security guard station kiosk. Here, you’ll need to show your ID then grab the pass (with a map on the back) below.
The security guard we met was very chill and friendly, he handed me the pass and yelled, “have an awesome hike at Wiliwilinui!”
With the pass in hand, I continued the drive to the top to find this little parking lot.
If all those spots are taken, don’t worry. There are some more parking spots just beyond these trees.
The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trailhead
The trailhead is well-marked and easy to find.
Actually, you can’t miss it even if you wanted to.
Map of the trail and area
Section 1: Trek Up The Hill, Through The Trees, And Through The Mud
The first part of this hike takes you up a semi-eroded service road.
You’ll essentially follow these power lines up the whole way.
View of Honolulu peeking out below
Soon, you’ll arrive in a shaded wooded area. This is where things may get a bit muddy. Actually, super-muddy. How muddy? You’ll notice ropes tied to trees to help you slog through the mud.
One false step, and you could be 6 inches deep into a muddy sinkhole.
As you climb higher, the trail will get more exposed and dry (which is a good thing).
The end is in sight!
Section 2: The Muddy Staircase
Eventually, you’ll come upon a small clearing with the beginning of the staircase. This staircase will take you to the shack and tower near the top.
For the most part, the steps are easy to use, but they are made of metal and can be slippery. Also, the stairs will often hide a little puddle (some of which are deep), and this makes going up way easier then coming back down.
Look closely and you can see hikers following this trail to the top
There are a couple of spots on this section of trail that were sketchy – if not downright treacherous to those not paying attention – so take your time and be careful.
The first spot is an area that was heavily eroded with a huge hole on the trail. This section is muddy with a big step up. In truth, the worst part about this area was coming down. It’s totally manageable and safe – if you watch your step.
The other sketchy part was another eroded area where you need to use a rope provided to pull yourself up a section of the stairs that was actually more like a ladder. Again, challenging – and muddy – but not ridiculous.
Oh yeah, probably not a good idea to hang out on this hazardous cliff
Section 3: The Final Push And Summit
The final push will take you right up to the shack and tower that the power lines pass over.
At this point, the trail actually mellows out a bit. Take a breather and take some pictures.
Looking south, you can see Honolulu…
…and looking north, you can see over the ridge into Kailua.
Just past the tower, there is one more little peak to go. There is a rope, but you probably won’t even need it.
When you see this bench, you’ve made it! Congrats!
Grab a seat and try to take it all in (if its not too cloudy or rainy like it was for me).
The clouds continuously roll in over the ridge
Final Thoughts: Hiking The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail (Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii)
What a great and unique hike! Awesome trails, beautiful scenery and wildlife, and amazing views!
It was challenging for sure, but not overwhelmingly so. In all, it took us about 4 hours to finish. I’d say you should devote a half-day to complete this hike and drive.
The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is probably not a great trail for kids, beginners, people wearing white clothes, or people that don’t do well in the heat.
As I mentioned before, this hike has a little of everything. You will likely run into any combination of the following things: rain, mud, blazing sun exposure, crowds, heavy clouds, crushing humidity, and bugs.
But – it’ll totally be worth it. Especially if you like getting a little dirty.
Cheers!
Heading back down the trail, from the top
