Challenging Hawaii Hiking: Kamaileunu Ridge Trail

Hawaii hiking guru and author Stuart Ball characterizes the Kamaileunu Trail on Oahu in Hawaii as the "most rugged hike on the island." Having hiked Kamaileunu a bunch of times, I agree with him.

What makes hiking Kamaileunu so tough is threefold. [1] The trail is all about ascending-so much so that we local hikers call Kamaileunu an "honest trail," meaning that it basically only goes up, i.e. there is no rollercoaster up and down action like many other "dishonest" trails (actually, there is one steep descent on the Kamaileunu trail but just one). [2] Shade along the way is virtually non-existent-plus the area of the island where this trail is located, Waianae, is notoriously hot year-round, so anyone who does Kamaileunu can plan on getting a nice tan if not deep-fried. [3] The terrain is rocky, making for sure footing but hard jarring underfoot which takes a toll on the lower extremities, particularly on the return leg of the hike.

The Kamaileunu trail basically starts at sea level, passes by an ancient Hawaiian rock temple (called a heiau) and terminates 3.5 miles later at a sheer rocky cliff after an elevation gain of 3200+ feet. Plus, on the way to trail terminus, there are some steep, sheer sections of the route where careful attention to balance and footing is required. While there is nowhere along the Kamaileunu trail where fixed ropes are needed or placed, do know that accidents do happen here, the most noteworthy one involving a Hawaiian Trail and Mountain club hiker who while descending the trail in its upper reaches fell off a precipitous section and was badly injured.

That accident aside, this is not to say that this trail isn't worth hiking. It certainly is, for there are magnificent views of both Waianae Valley to the right and Makaha Valley to the left and a heckuva workout to be had. But do know that Kamaileunu most certainly lives up to its "tough" billing. I can vouch for that.

The Kamaileunu trail is accessed as follows: from Farrington Highway in Waianae across from Waianae High School, turn right on Maiuu Road and go straight until the road makes a left turn. Right at that turn is the trailhead. Because of the remoteness of this location, parking there isn't advisable. Instead, hikers usually park at the intersection of Ala Akau, and then take Kaulawaha Road, which turns into a trail for a few minutes, to come to the same place on Maiuu Road.

Be careful on this hike but do enjoy yourself.