Travel Guide - Hiking on Oahu on the Kealia Trail

I don't get out to the North Shore very often because it's quite a long drive from my home in Kaneohe; when I am out that way, I often head for the Kealia trail.

To get there from Honolulu, take H-1 westbound. After passing Pearl City and Waipahu exits, head up H-2 to Wahiawa. H-2 will end. Continue on Route 99 north (Wilikina Road). When the road forks, take the left fork Route 803. Continue along toward Mokuleia. If you get lost, stop and ask for directions.

Kealia begins at the parking lot of the control tower at the Dillingham Air Field out Mokuleia way. For the town-dwelling majority of us, the drive along the Wahiawa pineapple fields and through the sleepy town of Waialua is a relaxing treat. It'll be the same for you.

The hike begins with a series of switchbacks--14 of 'em all told--that takes one from the base of the mountain to the top of it in about 45 minutes. Superb views of the airfield, of Mokuleia, and of the entire North Shore are rewards for the huffing and sweat. If you're lucky, you'll see gliders being towed skyward and swooping in front and above you as you make your way up the ridge.

While tramping up the switchbacks, stop and take a look at your car in the parking lot below. It'll have taken on tinker-toy-like proportions. Better yet, look seaward at the strikingly blue waters off Mokuleia. When you return from the top, you'll wish you were wading in that magnificent coolness.

Once at the top, prepare yourself for about an hour and a half of hiking along a series of dirt roads. Yup, there are roads up there, some seemingly well-traveled. It's my guess that these roads were blazed by the military. Cyclists who are willing to haul their mountain bikes up the trail will have an enjoyable romp in the extensive road system atop the ridge. I've done that once. And once was enough.

While trudging forward with weary legs but with uplifted hearts, you may wonder whether some sky-hugging 4x4 truck or some daredevil mountain biker will come screaming around a bend. None rarely do and for the entire length of the hike, you may likely see nary a soul.

The prize for your efforts will be a magnificent view into Makua Valley, which the military uses for maneuvers and target practice. The valley will likely be quiet on your visit to the vista above it, and after hunkering down for rest and luch, retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Kealia is a trek I've done on two other occasions, one a hellish training expedition where I strapped on a 50-pound pack as preparation for a hike to the summit of Mauna Loa. If you have a free day, take the drive out Mokuleia way and give it a try. Leave the 50- pound pack at home.