Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail — Attraction in Honolulu

Little muddy definitely wanted to bring extra water and rain gear..

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail: A Must-Hike Gem in Oahu

If you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking experience in Oahu, the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is a top contender. Tucked in the lush mountains of East Honolulu, this moderate-to-challenging hike offers a breathtaking combination of adventure, panoramic views, and the unique beauty of Hawaii’s natural landscape.

What Makes Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail Special? • Epic Views: As you ascend, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Koʻolau Mountain Range, Waikīkī, Diamond Head, and even the Windward Coast on a clear day. It’s an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts or anyone who wants to soak in Hawaii’s stunning vistas. • Diverse Terrain: The trail features everything from dirt paths to wooden steps and even ropes for steeper sections. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or up for a new challenge, it’s an exhilarating mix of terrains. • Peaceful and Serene: Unlike some of the more crowded hikes on Oahu, Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail offers a quieter escape, making it perfect for those seeking solitude or a more mindful connection with nature.

Trail Tips: • Access Pass: This trail is located in a gated community, so be prepared to check in with security to receive a pass. Arrive early to ensure parking availability. • What to Bring: Sturdy shoes are a must as the trail can get muddy after rain. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a light jacket—weather can change quickly at higher elevations. • Hiking Time: The round trip typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. It’s family-friendly, but keep in mind that the final ascent requires some stamina and agility.

Why It’s Worth It

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is a local favorite for good reason. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a visitor looking for an authentic Oahu outdoor experience, this trail delivers on all fronts. The rewarding views at the summit are the perfect payoff for your efforts, offering a perspective of the island that’s simply unmatched.

If you’re planning your next outdoor adventure, make sure Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is on your list. It’s more than a hike—it’s a journey into the heart of Oahu’s natural wonders.

Looking for more hiking recommendations or real estate tips in Hawaii? Feel free...

Hiked: Saturday, 23rd April 2022. Weather: overcast with slight drizzling and windy.

The trail is hidden at the back of a very rich-looking neighborhood (i.e. massive houses with beautiful landscaping and amazing views).

There is a gate guard where hikers must stop and get a free parking pass. The gate guard stated that the trail is managed by the state and anyone parked in the area without a pass will get towed (We returned the parking pass to a Dropbox on our way out).

Parking near the trailhead is limited to 8 slots in one designated area then, about 10-15 dirt slots, plus one designated handicap parking, nearer the entrance.

The trailhead is well marked. The first 1/4 to 1/2 mile of the trail is paved or gravel so it is fairly easy to identify. Further along, it starts getting to be compact dirt with some areas getting loose and muddy. One area with a slight incline had a rope to assist hikers. We did not need it but I suspect if it gets too wet and slippery, it would be necessary.

Some parts of the trail is narrow and you can see drop-offs into the valley. This is also were some of the more scenic views overlooked to coast or city in a distant.

About halfway, there are stairs that replace the dirt trail. At yhis point, there are signs encouraging hikers to brush their boots to remove weed seeds. However, the one boot brush in place was filled with mud and worn out. Thus, it was ineffective. I hope it is replaced and others put in soon; (does anyone know how to pursue getting that done?).

The steps only had risers, where the thread should be, it was just the ground. Because of this, it was basically compacted dirt, which was now muddy or filled with water. This is also where we stopped, enjoyed the view then turned around. Because it was very cloudy/overcase/drizzeling, my mother (64 yr old) didn't feel comfortable proceeding so we turned around and headed back (At that point we were also about 1.5 miles in so it wasn't a complete waste). We saw other hikers who proceeded without issues. So hopefully others aren't deterred.

Overall, the part that i did experience was a great hike with...

We did the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail hike Tuesday morning, starting out around 8:30am to avoid hiking in the midday sun, but also to let the top of the trail clear from the morning clouds. It was a beautiful morning with no rain & we took an Uber up to the trail head so we didn't have to worry about parking.

The trail started out quite tame in the forest, with a wide, paved path. It soon changed to dirt, & the hills became steeper as we went along.

Then you start the stairs to begin hiking the ridge. It's a challenging climb, with some of the steps being thigh-high or even non-existent, & the ropes tied to the mountain are used to traverse these areas. The trail also becomes quite narrow, with many sections offering little to no buffer between you & the edge of the ridge. You do need to be careful with your footing as the ground is quite loose in dry conditions, & we read it can be very muddy & slippery in wet conditions, so paying attention to your footing is key.

When we reached the open trail of the ridge, we saw an old tower at the top & a "path" leading to it, & we thought that was our goal. Nope! The summit of the mountain ridge is beyond the tower, but not too far off, & more of a gradual incline than reaching the tower itself. But it is definitely worth it!

Amazing views start early on, but continuing to the stairs to hike the ridge will yield gorgeous views of Honolulu, Waikiki, & Diamond Head, & reaching the summit will give incredible views of both sides of the island!

Make sure you wear decent footwear with good treads, & bring lots of water & sunscreen, as shade is few & far between. Gloves would also be very handy for gripping the ropes, handholds & occasional crab-walking to get back down. Take breaks, enjoy the views, & go at...