Tripler Ridge Trail — Attraction in Honolulu

Trippler Ridgeline Trail: (~9 miles)

There are several ways to do this hike. The first is to start at Tripler Ridgeline Trail head behind Tripler hospital. The second is to hike Moanalua Valley 1.7 miles to a trail that heads up to Tripler Ridgeline (0.7 miles up), and the third is to hike to the end of Moanalua Valley and take the trail up to Tripler Ridgeline. The easiest route is Trippler Trailhead (vs starting from the Valley floor), but the military had a checkpoint set up and I wasnt allowed to go past, so I turned around and went to Moanalua Valley. There are a lot of interesting signs that describe the valley's history- my favorite is the rock with hieroglyphics. At about 1.7 miles there is a path on the right that heads up for ~0.7 miles (it's tough but very safe) to the Tripler Ridge (path marked "To 12"). Initially the ridgeline is very wooded, but as you get closer to the summit it opens up and the drop-offs much steeper and higher. If you choose to just do the "Trippler Loop" you can take the trail down marked "Trail Down to End of Road." I took this trail down on my way back just so I would know more about it. When you reach the bottom of the hill there is a sign that says not to go beyond (for those hoing up the hill). The trail curves through tall grass for a mile or so until it becomes the same trails you take to go up Moanalua Ridge line. And thus follows the didt road back to the park. If you had to Trippler Summit the trail becomes more difficult and with some narrow ridgelines. Fortunately there were a lot of ropes along this trail. I'd say this trail is a out equal to Moanalua Ridgeline in difficulty. The views from the summit are amazing- it's hard to believe how much of Oahu you can see from up there on a clear day! I had planned to take the Ko' olau Summit trail to the radio tower, but that ridge line was to narrow and steep for me (but it did have a rope). The two guys that came up behind me took it...I'm just to scared of heights to do those kind of ridgelines. If you really want to see the radio tower and stairway to heaven I would recommend you take Moanalua Ridgeline your first time, bc it's a more direct route to the stairs...

My wife, son, and myself were fortunate to be invited onto this beautiful ridge trail by our friend and his wife. We took our 2 year old son, and he did surprisingly well - for his first hike ever. He did struggle a little as we walked up the steep incline, but nothing a 2 year old with energy can't handle. The views along the way are breathtaking both in beauty and physically. If you have a chance to experience this hike, I highly recommend you take advantage of it. Our walk took about 54 mins from start to finish - we ended up walking up to the swing. We did get a little wet from the drizzle on the day we went, but otherwise it felt quite safe and not too crazy, again for a 2 year old to do in sneakers. We hope to get invited out again to experience it when our son is older and more self sufficient. We were told, that the trail also leads to stairway to heaven. Which is nuts - that's gotta...

Located on Tripler Army Medical Center post lies a peaceful and fairly challenging hike. The mostly uphill 1.25 mile climb is paved with plenty of room for passing any other hikers. Don't be fooled by the pavement, it will be more challenging than expected but the peacefulness, serenity and great views make up for it. You will need a military ID or visitor's pass to get in but it's worth it. The main reason I enjoy it is because there are very few people ever on the trail early in the morning. The entrance is in a housing area. After a few hundred meters of going up the trail you turn left onto a chained off paved trail. Get ready for the hills. If you are an avid runner this is a great place to build your strength, stamina and endurance. Quite possibly the most peaceful hike on Oahu due to low traffic. It's kid friendly too but adult supervision is recommended. Be...