The Breathtaking Destination In Hawaii That's Hard To Get To But Totally Worth The Trip

Located on Oahu’s stunning windward coast is a striking natural wonder, three mountain peaks rising dramatically out of the lush landscape. This beautiful place is also home to one of the state’s most difficult hiking trails – just behind Kauai’s 11-mile (one-way) Kalalau Trail, and the infamous Stairway to Heaven.

The trail: Olomana Three Peaks, and though the photographs are absolutely breathtaking, you sure won’t catch me hanging out here anytime soon. The Outbound Collective calls the hike an “adrenaline junkie’s dream,” and with razor-sharp ridges and questionable ropes that you are supposed to trust with your life, the Olomana Trail is just that.

Kevin McCarthy/Flickr

The heavily trafficked trail takes extreme hikers on a muddy journey up - and then back down - three perilous, yet absolutely awe-inspiring, mountain peaks, with an elevation gain of more than 2,000 feet.

Sean Munson/Flickr

The first peak is approximately 1.5 miles into the trail, and features steep drop-offs on either side of the trail. The trek to the second peak is less challenging, though still just as stunning - and the third peak should only be attempted by highly experienced hikers. The first peak is approximately 1.5 miles into the trail, and features steep drop-offs on either side of the trail. The trek to the second peak is less challenging, though still just as stunning - and the third peak should only be attempted by highly experienced hikers.

Advertisement

Sean Munson/Flickr

Advertisement

Related Stories

This Fairy Tale Campground In Hawaii Is Like Something From A Dream

The Magnificent Waterfront Airbnb In Hawaii That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Purvé Donut Stop In Hawaii

Marvin Chandra/Flickr

While it’s not full-on rock climbing, there will be a lot of rock scrambling, rope-grasping, and cautious maneuvers involved, and the trail certainly isn’t designed for the faint of heart, or those in less-than-perfect shape.

Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr

Olomana translates to "divided hill" in Hawaiian, and according to local legend, Olomana was a giant warrior who ruled the lands of windward Oahu from Kualoa to Makapu'u. According to Hawaii.edu, "The king of Oahu at that time, 'Ahuapau, dispatched one of his top warriors, Palila, to square off with Olomana. In the ensuing confrontation, Palila, gifted with supernatural powers, sliced the windward giant in half. The top portion flew off and landed near the ocean while the bottom half remained at the battle site and became Mount Olomana."

Sean Munson/Flickr

The peaks are the erosional remnants of the Ko’olau Volcano, and while you will find magnificent views from the summit of all three peaks - there are many simply content with peering in awe up at Olomana as they pass by in their car on the way to the windward coast’s stunning white sand beaches and crystalline, turquoise waters.

Brian Governale/Flickr

Breathtaking flora, wild pigs, stunning vistas, and plenty of mud will greet you on this incredible trail, though we understand if you don’t want to take on the challenge. Instead, check out this video by Yeti Adventure Films to witness the trail without leaving your couch.

Have you attempted to hike the Olomana Trail, or are you lightheaded just thinking about being so high above sea level? Check out these 15 easy hikes in Hawaii that are much more suitable for hikers of all athletic and experience levels.