UPDATED FEB 2020. I had been thinking of doing the Kuliouou Ridge Trail for a while and finally got around to it last weekend. All I can say is that I should’ve done it sooner. It really is a fun hike with such beautiful views at the top. Here’s a practical guide that I hope will be helpful for you in your adventure planning.
Everything You Need To Know To Hike The Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
FAQ for the Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Where is it located?
Honolulu, about 25 minutes drive from Waikiki.
How difficult is the trail?
Fairly easy in terms of hiking skills, moderate in terms of endurance.
How long does it take to complete the hike?
Approx 4 hours depending on your pace.
What is the cost?
None.
Is it safe?
It can be a bit slippery if it has been raining so check the weather beforehand.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes.
What should you bring with you?
- Water bottle
- Energy gels
or snacks - Camera – I use a GoPro with this compact selfie stick and tripod combo
- Good hiking shoes (these are my favorite and are well suited for dry hikes like this and wet hikes like Maunawili Falls
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear to go to the beach afterward
or snacks
and are well suited for dry hikes like this and wet hikes like 
Where to park for the Kuliouou Ridge Trail
The beginning of the Kuliouou Ridge trail is at the end of Kalaau Place.
Getting there is easily done by using this street into Google Maps, or even ‘Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail’.
This is a residential area and parking can be tricky. You may find yourself parking further away on another street and walking up to the trailhead.
No matter where you park, be respectful of the residents who live in the area.
It shouldn’t need to be said but unfortunately, it does, so remember to make sure you don’t block driveways or make excessive noise.
Start of the trail
How to get to the Kuliouou Ridge Trail using the bus
From Waikiki, use the #1 bus towards Hawaii Kai and get off at Kalanianaole Hwy and Kuliouou Rd.
You might have to connect using the #2 bus first – check the best options from where you will be staying. You can walk up to the trailhead from the bus stop.
Using public transport will take about 90 minutes. Check with the staff at your hotel for the most up to date public transport advice.
Where is the trailhead
You can begin the trail by walking to the end of the cul-de-sac and walking past the yellow gate.
From there you just follow the trail.
It is a popular trail so you will most likely see other people and the trail is clear enough to follow and well maintained.
There is one fork in the road where you get the option to do the valley trail or the ridge trail – my photos are taken on the ridge trail.
If you have done the valley trail, let me know how it is because it is still on my list of hikes to do.
What to expect
On your journey up on the ridge trail, you will go up a steady incline with a lot of switchbacks.
It’s not a hard hike in terms of skill which makes it a good trail for anyone, but it does get steep so you might just get a bit of a workout.
There is room to stop, take a break, and sip some water if you need (which is what I did many times on the way up!)
Along the way, mother nature provides a scenic, natural backdrop for the hike. The scenery changes along the way as you get higher on the trail.
The trail will take you up to the top of the ridge to the open lookout area then you will follow it back down the way you came.
The Kuliouou stairs
As you get closer to the top, you will reach the seemingly never-ending killer stairs.
Just what you want at the end of a hike right?
These are steep and will give your legs a nice workout on the way up – pretty sure that’s how Beyonce got her super toned legs… well at least that’s what motivated me to keep going anyway.
They are steep and you can step to the edge of them to catch your breath and let others pass by if you need to.
The top
After the stairs, you get to relax, soak in some sun, and enjoy the view.
Once you are at the top and look out at the turquoise waters stretching from the horizon to meet the greenery, it’s all worth it. This area has some of the most beautiful views on the island.
There is a nice big area to sit and enjoy the views until you’re ready to make the journey back down.
It would be a good hike to pack a lunch and eat it at the top as well.
Other things to do in the area
If you enjoy the Kuliouou Ridge Trail then try out the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail which is another trail the area, or the popular Koko Head stairs.
If you’d like to visit the beach after the hike, I recommend Hanauma Bay for snorkeling or Waimanalo Beach for just a regular dip in the beach type swim.
When it comes to food, I think you would be ready for a shave ice after the hike, and Uncle Clays House of Pure Aloha is a great spot in the area to try.
If you want to stop for a snack, Island Brew Coffee House is a great spot too.
Where to stay on Oahu
If you will be staying in Waikiki, I recommend the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This is where I love to stay when I have a staycation and it’s fantastic.
If you prefer to stay on the North Shore, I love Turtle Bay Resort up there.
No matter where you stay, I recommend searching on Booking.com. This is what I use when I book accommodation and I can always find a good deal there.
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There it is, another one of the fun hikes in Hawaii that will get you out and about enjoying a free workout in nature.
As always, use your best judgment as far as if this hike would be suitable for your skill and fitness levels.
Remember to treat the area with respect by sticking to the trail, not leaving any trash behind, and being considerate of the residents who live in the area.
If you found it useful, return the favor by sharing it or following me on Instagram.
“IF YOU LIKE WALKING AROUND BAGS OF DOG SHIT THIS IS THE TRAIL FOR YOU”
Hikers are ruining this trail.
They are parking their cars in driveways, in front of fire hydrents and stop signs. People in the neighborhood have started calling police and tow trucks to get them towed because they’ve had to put up with it for years.
Hikers are leaving bags of dog shit and trash on the pavement and curbs.
When they get to the trail some of them leave their dogs run wild to shit all over the trail.
The ones that leash their dogs liter the trails with dog shit bags, empty bottles and trash.
When they come back to the begining of the trail you will always navigate around a big pile of bags of dog shit.
They are ruining it for everybody!
The city, county and state won’t do anything about it!
It’s always the few irresponsible ones that ruin it for everyone. Sorry this is happening.
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