What to Do in Hawaii: Hike the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail on Oahu

The year 1941 was when the empire of Japan launched a surprise attack on the United States, sending war planes to bombard Pearl Harbor and other military installations in Hawaii. Probably as a consequence of the attack, during that same year, the United States Army decided to build a jeep road up a mountain ridge in the eastern part of the island of Oahu, not many miles from Pearl Harbor. Was the intent to create a lookout point for the Island? Of that I'm not sure.

What I am sure of is that the road is still there today. And that jeep road is part of a hike called Wiliwilinui Ridge.

How to Get There

To drive to the start of the hike from downtown Honolulu, plan to travel about 9 miles. Get on H-1 freeway eastbound. After a little over 5 miles from Punchbowl Street, H-1 will end. Continue on, now on Kalanianaole Highway. Pass Kalani High School on the left. Soon thereafter, turn left onto Laukahi Street. Climb uphill on Laukahi, stopping at a security guard station. You will be asked for your driver's license, and sometimes other documentation like vehicle registration and safety check. Make sure you have these. After checking in, continue uphill, passing some of the most expensive homes on Oahu. Turn left onto Okoa Street. Park in a lot on the left. There are spaces for 8 vehicles. Just beyond the lot is another gravel lot for overflow parking. A chain across the road blocks further vehicle traffic.

What is Wiliwilinui Like?

This trail is about five miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1300 feet. The first half of the hike (well, maybe more than half) is along a jeep road. I've heard that the road at one time was open to vehicular traffic, more likely 4x4 trucks. But in the years I've hiked Wiliwilinui, I've never seen the chain-gate at the trailhead open, nor have I seen a vehicle on the road. Tire marks on the road indicate that it does get used, most likely by personnel from the local utility companies.

The last part of the hike at the end of the jeep road is actually a trail. The footpath climbs to the summit of the Ko'olau Mountain Range. The trail steepens at one point and becomes severely rutted. When slick, this section can be treacherous, most especially while descending, so make sure to wear shoes with decent tread. Additionally, consider using a hiking pole. I vouch for mine. As an alternative, consider fashioning a pole out of a branch from a strawberry guava tree. No lack of strawberry guava along this trail and most Hawaii trails.

Near the summit is a utility station with high antennas. A few years back, I received an email from a guy who said he worked years ago on the utility station. How did he get up there? Hike it. Now, being a hiker, I'd love a job that I'd be able to hike up a mountain ridge every day. Well, at least until I got old, like I am now. Today, those who work on the utility station are likely choppered in. In fact, just past the station, look for a landing area on the ridge. You might be able to see the indentations for helicopter skids.

The reward for reaching the summit is a fantastic view of both sides of the island. To leeward (the side you started from) you can see Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Koko Crater. To windward is the triple peaked mountain called Olomana, which I have written about. To the far left is Kualoa Point. To the far right is Makapu'u Point. No lack of beauty at the summit.

And, for that matter, there is no lack of beauty along the entire hike. Yes, even along the jeep road, you'll feel like you've gotten away from the rush and hubbub of civilization. Recall all those ritzy homes beyond the guard post you've driven past on the way up to the trailhead? I don't know how many of those millionaire residents use the trail. My guess is not many. But feel fortunate that the powers-that-be, thanks to the prodding of local hikers and hunters, have made sure that access to the mountains on this ridge has remained open to the public. Hopefully, access will remain forever.