ʻAiea Loop Trail
Hawaii hikers

ʻAiea Loop Trail

4/17/20 - COVID-19 rules: The 'Aiea Loop Trail is open for hiking, so long as social distancing requirements are adhered to. The trail may be accessed by transiting the Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area, which remains closed. No lingering allowed within the Rec Area.

Group hiking on State trails is not allowed, unless all participants are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address. People who want to hike alone, but who want to have another person nearby for safety reasons, are required to maintain a distance of not less than 20-feet from each other.

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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.