Hiking ʻAiea Loop Trail
A shaded 4.8-mile loop, with preserved cultural sites and city views in Central Oʻahu.
*Note: The campground here is temporarily closed.
I’ve become so accustomed to the drone of cars and sirens it takes me a few minutes to realize the absence of the city. All I hear are leaves rustling and birds chirping. I breathe in the fresh mountain air. It smells of citrusy Eucalyptus trees and red earth.
ʻAiea Loop Trail is a family-friendly 4.8-mile loop in Central Oʻahu. Upon entry, you are instantly immersed in green valleys, tall Norfolk Pines, Eucalyptus and native ʻOhiʻa Lehua and Koa trees. Views of Pearl Harbor, H-3 and the historical site of the B-24 bomber make this an exciting hike for all ages.
I prefer ʻAiea Loop to hiking Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) because of how much greener and lush it is. It’s the perfect length to feel satisfied, but not exhausted, and the mix of historical views and immersion into the diverse mix of tropical endemic and introduced plants keeps me engaged the whole time. It's also much less crowded and does not require a reservation like Lēʻahi does.
What Makes ‘Aiea Loop Distinct
Many of Oʻahu’s popular hikes are crowded and hot. ʻAiea Loop Trail is a shaded forest hike, which is more uncommon. The canopy of trees keeps the trail 10–15°F cooler than Oʻahu’s exposed trails, making the trail enjoyable from start to finish. Not only is this hike the perfect way to get your dose of nature, it also features two eras of Hawai’i history in one hike: Keaīwa Heiau and a WWII B-24 bomber crash site. Keaīwa Heiau, a pre-contact Hawaiian healing site, is located at the beginning of the trail. The stone temple, built in the 16th century consists of a 4-foot-high stacked rock wall enclosing its 100-by-160-foot sacred area. The WWII B-24 bomber crash site is located near the back of the loop. It can be hard to see the debris due to dense plant coverage. The crash happened during a training flight from Hickam Field on May 23, 1944, leaving all ten crew members dead.
Who Should Hike ʻAiea Loop Trail
Hike it
This is the perfect hike for visitors who don’t want extreme stairs or exposed ridgelines. The tree canopy and shade makes it accessible for anyone who is heat-sensitive (like myself!) especially during hot summer days. The distance is manageable and the terrain is forgiving making the trail manageable for kids eight and older. Photographers and visitors wanting forest views and historical subjects rather than ocean panoramas will love this hike. If you’ve visited Oʻahu before and already hiked Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) and Mānoa Falls, this is a great next option.
Skip it
If you only have one day on Oʻahu, I’d recommend the Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) hike for sunrise or sunset to see its iconic view. ʻAiea Loop Trail is a forest walk that shows snippets of the ocean, city and mountains but won’t give you that “wow” view payoff you might be looking for. Although this is a great hike to get up and moving, if you’re wanting a hardcore workout, I recommend Koko Crater Stairs instead. ʻAiea Loop may feel easy for fit hikers. If you’re looking for a waterfall hike, I’d recommend Mānoa Falls.
Safety is the most important thing when hiking the Hawaiian islands. If the forecast says heavy rain, this trail gets muddy and parts can become slippery. If that’s the case, skip it for another day.
Alternatives if ʻAiea Loop isn’t the Right Pick
If you want the iconic view of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), try the 1.6 mile Lēʻahi hike. Plan ahead since reservations are required. If you’re looking for a waterfall view, Mānoa Falls is beautiful. The hike is 1.6 miles round trip with paid parking. Lastly, Koko Crater Stairs is perfect for those wanting an intense workout.
What to Expect on this Hike
Before or after hiking, I recommend taking a few minutes to check out the stone temple ruins of the Keaīwa Heiau near the trailhead. Heiau are an important and foundational element in Hawaiian culture. Take a moment to honor and recognize the rich history. Please be respectful and do not step inside the heiau walls. Do not remove or leave anything.
You can complete the trail clockwise or counterclockwise, it's up to you. Both work but most hikers go clockwise to hit the easier downhill portion on the back half of the trail. There are public bathrooms at both entrances near the parking lots. Signs are present at both ends of the hike.
The first mile is a gentle climb through Eucalyptus, Koa and Strawberry Guava trees — a delicious snack but highly invasive to the forest. The first major view is around a quarter of a mile in. To the west is the Waiʻanae mountain range and to the north the Koʻolau mountain range. The trail is cool, shaded and quiet. You’ll reach the first view of Pearl Harbor and the H-3 freeway around three quarters of a mile in. Framed between blossoming ʻOhiʻa Lehua trees, the H-3 descends into the green Koʻolau mountains. You might do a double take like I did as it looks more like a children’s highway play set than real life.
The middle stretch of the hike is shaded and fragrant. Norfolk Pines, planted by foresters in the 1920s, emanate their fresh woodsy scent. Be careful of muddy patches if it has recently rained. Due to recent storms, there are a few fallen trees along the midsections of the trail but they are easy to navigate around. At the mid-back section of the loop, look for the debris left after a B-24 Liberator bomber. The debris is visible slightly off-trail. It is a war site so treat it with respect and do not remove anything.
The back stretch of the trail has a gradual descent through more open forests with partial ocean and city views. If you complete the hike clockwise, the trail will end at the campgrounds. Picnic areas with tables and covered pavilions make up the ten campsites available for tent camping. Close the loop back at the trailhead parking lot.
Practical Logistics
Getting There and Parking
Take the H-1 Freeway West from Waikīkī, continue on H-201 and exit toward Stadium/ʻAiea. Proceed up ‘Aiea Heights Drive for about three miles until you reach Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area. Parking is free and rarely full, even on weekends. If the parking lot closest to the trailhead is full, there is another parking lot where the trail ends by the lower campgrounds. If you want to switch it up, feel free to reverse the direction of the loop by starting at the campgrounds. The hike takes two to three hours to complete.
Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area Hours
Summer: 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. (starting April 1)
Winter: 7:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. (starting the day after Labor Day)
What to Bring
As with any hike it's important to bring enough water — at least one liter. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, such as hiking shoes or trail runners and bring bug spray in case of mosquitoes.
Pro-tip: As a kid, I would only hike if my mom brought See's Candies lollipops. Throw some treats in your bag for that final mile.
Mud, Cell Service and Amenities
The trail can be muddy and slippery after rain. It’s manageable but avoid hiking during or immediately after heavy rain. The cell service is decent at the start of the trailhead and weaker in the back stretches. Although the trail is easy to follow, you can also download a map to use offline if needed. There are restrooms at the trailhead but no drinking fountain.
Camping
*Note: The campground here is temporarily closed
Camping is allowed by permit only, Friday through Wednesday, closed Thursdays.
Fees per night, per campsite:
Residents: $20
Non-Residents: $30
Respect at Keaīwa Heiau
The Keaīwa Heiau, also known as Heiau Ho'ola, is located near the entrance of the park. A heiau is a sacred Ancient Hawaiian temple. This particular heiau specialized in medicinal or healing practices from kahuna, or priests. Abundant medicinal herbs growing nearby were used by the kahuna. Haumana, or students, were trained in the practices of lāʻau lapaʻau —medicinal forms of healing using plants, fasting, and prayers — by the kahuna at this heiau. Its name “Keaīwa” has been translated as “mysterious” or “incomprehensible.” This may refer to the inexplicable healing done by kahuna at this site. The date this heiau was built is unknown, but one source has suggested its construction was commissioned in the 16th century by Kakuhihewa, an aliʻi, or chief, of Oʻahu, and his kahuna Keaīwa.
Do not step inside the stacked stone walls of the heiau. Do not remove rocks or leave any offerings. Photos are allowed, but please be respectful when photographing the site.