
**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**
Monitor local surf and weather reports before your park visit.
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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 2/7/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Full park closures will commence Tuesdays through Fridays beginning March 4 to March 14, and April 1 to April 11. Partial park closures from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM occur on Monday's during this time. Full park closures will also occur Monday through Thursday April 14 to April 17. Normal park hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM will resume during Spring Break March 17 to March 28, Good Friday Holiday on April 18, and Weekends. Partial park closures from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM will continue again Monday through Friday, (excluding weekends and holidays) on April 21. The project began January 6, 2025, and will run to July 25, 2025, or upon completion of the rock fall mitigation construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. During Partial park closures from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the last reservation time slot for Parking and Entry and Entry Only will be 12:00 p.m. If you reserved at 12:00 p.m., you must enter the Park no later than 12:30 p.m. or you will be denied entry. Please check back for updates.
ʻAiea Loop Trail
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.