Kuaokala Trail - Waialua, HI

Heather Bennett-Hart

We ventured off to this side of the island and it did NOT disappoint. We hiked this trail end of March on a weekend mid day/afternoon and it had lots of shade but also some sunny parts. Beautiful views all along the trail. We stopped at the gate identifying you to stop if you had dogs with you. But just past that gate is a perfect spot to see the beach and mountains, it was stunning! There are some steep spots that require good gripping on your shoes. Also, some steep ledges, so take your time! Overall, super quiet hike. We saw three other groups total for the hike.

As for access to the park. You do need a permit but it cost $2.50. Super easy to access online. I read to have it printed out. Once you reach the gate, you present the permit, ID for anyone hiking, safety and registration for the car. Once you’ve been checked in, they let you through the gate and you follow the road up the mountain to the next check point where you will be escorted to the next gate. After that gate, you can park at the trail head OR venture down the off road path with proper 4 wheel drive. We never drive our Subaru off road, so we went on a little adventure then turned around to park at the trail head. When you’re headed out, you just call a number for them to come get you and escort you back through. Super simple! We are a military family and presented military IDs with no issue but also still needed the permit.

There are NO bathrooms at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.

Afterwards, try and stay on this side of the island for the sunset. Best sunset we’ve seen on the island since moving here a few months ago!

Yuki K

Permit取得が必要なトレイル。
2019年12月に訪れた時は、webで申請できるようになってました。犬連れのハイカーもいたので、次回は愛犬も連れて来ようかな〜。

Heidi Shyu

Fantastic ridge hike with stunning views! My absolute favorite hike in Oahu. Bring bottles of water and wear sturdy shoes. Parts of the hike can be steep.

Eldon Ngo

Nice hike, I recommend just getting to the high rock sculpture then head back, nothing else to really see if you proceed past the gate.

iratwo pollack

The view from the access road is better than the view from the trail.this is a low key trail, mostly on dirt roads. Intermittent views of the Makaha coast. Nothing dangerous or sketchy. A pleasant walk.

T J L

Wonderful vistas. Moderate hiking difficulty in a couple spots. Great place to see varied vegetation and geology. Access requires permit and escort on part of the road to trail head. Some litter but users mostly seem to respect the environment by taking out their own trash which made it nice to enjoy a clean trail.

Jason Leong

A quick and easy hike of about 5 miles. It's a restricted hike so you'll need to get a permit from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife located in downtown. Some of the route consists of dirt roads that are used for vehicle access which makes these sections feel very unnatural. You'll see a lot of Makua Valley with some ocean views.

Chief Ka'ena

Its a beautiful 1.5 mile walk. A lot of hassle getting a permit and driving out there, checking in with security, waiting on the escort to drive thru the base. For a short hike to feel like your in the woods of North Carolina. You can keep going for miles and miles to overlook Makua valley. Just be back and off the base by 6pm or they could tow your vehicle and HPD will have to pick you up. Yes they have signs posted.