ʻAiea Loop Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

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[KAUA’I] UPDATED 4/14/26

The Kalalau trail has REOPENED and the Haʻena Shuttle has RESUMED.

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Koke’e State Park camping will be CLOSED for campground improvements. Construction to begin May 2026 and extend through Spring 2027.

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Polihale State Park and camping is CLOSED until further notice due to mud and debris removal.

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Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.

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[O’AHU] UPDATED 4/12/26

O’ahu state parks have REOPENED with the exception of Ka’ena Point State Park, both Mokule’ia and Mākua-Keawa’ula sections, and Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site.

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[HAWAI’I] UPDATED 4/10/26

Notice to bidders for Mobile Food Truck Concessions opened today for certain Hawai’i Island parks. More information at: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/mobile-food-truck-concessions-hawaii/

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[MAUI] UPDATE 3/30/26

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are CLOSED until further notice.

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‘Iao Valley State Monument: Currently CLOSED until further notice. Parking and entry CLOSED until April 26.

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[HAWAI’I] UPDATE 3/25/26

Akaka Falls State Park: Water and comfort station CLOSED, park open with portable toilets.

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[MOLOKAʻI] 3/23/26

Palaʻau State Wayside and camping areas CLOSED for renovations until May 4.

ʻAiea Loop Trail

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    Trail Length 4.8 mile loop
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Easy to Moderate
    Terrain Forested and Open Ridge
    Elevation Gain 900 ft
    Trail Brochure Keaīwa Heiau Brochure
    Park Name Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area

    Description

    The ‘Aiea Loop Trail is 4.8-mile trail that begins and ends in the park. This trail runs along the ridge on the west side of Halawa Valley and offers views of the southern coastline of O‘ahu from Pearl Harbor (Pu‘uloa) and the Wai‘anae Range to Honolulu and Diamond Head (Le‘ahi).

    Much of this area was replanted by foresters in the late 1920s. The lemon eucalyptus trees give the air a light citrus fragrance. Stands of Norfolk Island pine trees mark the lower end of the trail. Look for the native koa and ohi‘a trees as you reach Pu‘u Uau, the high point about midway along the length of the trail. You might also see remnants of a B-24 bomber that crashed in 1944.

    This hike is not strenuous but involves some gradual uphill climbs with a steep switchback and a stream crossing at the end of the trail. The trail may be muddy with sections of exposed tree roots. Give yourself about 2.5 to 3 hours for the hike and enjoy the plants and the sound of birds around you.

    Route

    The trailhead is off the park road at the upper eastern end of the park marked by parking lots, picnic pavilions and restroom. Park your car in a marked stall and look for the trail sign. The trail will come out at the lower campgrounds. Follow the park road back to your car.

    Directions

    Follow H-1 to Moanalua Highway (Route 78). Take the ‘Aiea cutoff to the third traffic light, make a right turn at ‘Aiea Heights Drive and follow it about 3 miles up to the end of the road. Continue on the one-way park road to the trailhead.

    Additional Info

    • Mountain biking is no longer allowed on this trail.
    • Stay on the trail.
    • Keep dogs on leash.
    • Pack out at least what you pack in.
    • No open fires.