Halawa Ridge

Overview

A graded contour footpath constructed in 1935 by the CCC, Halawa Ridge is long but the reward at the end is a spectacular overlook of Haiku Valley.

Directions

Proceed on foot through the board of water supply park. Look for a trail in back of the park to the left and follow it. Ford Halawa Stream and pick up the trail on the other side heading toward the H-3 freeway. Pass under the H-3 freeway hiking in the stream if necessary. Emerge from under the freeway and proceed down the H-3 access road to the far side of bridge #4. Turn right and ascend steeply eventually reaching the power line pole at a dirt road. Tramp along the road in the mauka (toward the mountain) direction to the start of the Halawa Ridge Trail.

The first part of the hike travels under the lovely foliage of an extensive grove of eucalyptus trees. Shading and providing a soft bark covering to the trail. Though a non-native tree, it has been used extensively to reforest and provide windbreaks for large portions of Oahu’s slopes. This grove is mostly blue gum with a sprinkling of paper bark and provides a most desirable section of trail

The first half of the trail is contoured along the side of Halawa ridge away from the H-3 highway so there is little distraction by traffic noise. However, after awhile you will reach the “crossover” when the trail switches to the other side of the ridge and traffic and noise will be very evident. Also the nature of the hike landscape will change as you wind in and out of a number of shallow gully like areas. The trail is more overgrown and muddy but still contoured and very gradual in its rise. Eventually, you will emerge at the Ko’olau summit at a significant drop-off point that overlooks Haiku Valley and all of Kaneohe Bay. To the left is a higher ridge that you may climb for even better views. To your right you may be able to see Haiku Stairs and perhaps some climbers on it. Further on you’ll be able to spot the power line poles at the top of Tripler Ridge. The return is the reverse of the hike in.

Hazards

Although basically graded, the trail has some uneven and narrow spots because of erosion and slippage through the years. In some places the vegetation tends to force you off the trail. Expect to fall down and get muddy and wet.