The Little Known Ridge Trail That Will Show You A Side Of Hawaii You’ve Never Seen Before
By Megan Shute|Published October 07, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are not only home to magnificent beaches, but world-class hiking as well. Ranging in distance from .2 miles to 22 miles, the hiking trails that traverse the Aloha State are truly second to none — and with near-perfect summer weather year-round, there’s nowhere better to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails than our beautiful islands. Not all trails are created equal though, and today, we’re sharing with you one of our favorite off the beaten path hikes that lets you experience Hawaii’s natural beauty like never before.
The awe-inspiring Kuliouou Ridge Trail measures in at approximately five miles round trip and is as beautiful as it is secluded.
Let's begin, shall we? Follow a cement road several yards before veering right onto a marked dirt path. Soon, a sign alerts hikers to a side trail littered with rocks. It is here where you will begin your ascent, over boulders, rocks, and roots, past tall grasses, pools of water, and through an ironwood forest.
The trail gains approximately 500 feet and follows a series of switchbacks up the side of the mountain before finally approaching a ridgeline saddle. Don’t worry, though: there are steps built into the trail to help you along the way.
Soon, you’ll find a bench, but this is not the end of the trail. A steep climb straight to the top leads to a second bench offering an initial panoramic view that stretches from Kuliouou Valley and out to the Pacific.
Then, a distinct gnarled archway woven by the branches of banyan trees gives way to a ridge trail where you will find exponentially more stunning views as you make your way to the trail’s summit.
Looking for another easy forest trail in Hawaii that leads to a breathtaking view? Check out Kolekole, a walking path and hiking trail located on a U.S. Army base.
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