Kuilau Ridge Trail

The Kuilau Ridge Trail begins at a slightly higher elevation and traces an old abandoned roadbed up a slope to some expansive views toward the mountains in the island's interior.

It starts out following the roadbed, which is now just a double track cleared by the tracks of the moderate number of hikers that this trail sees. The path climbs past trees and to opening views. Expect to sweat a little bit here as the trail maintains its uphill stride pretty consistently for the first 1.25 miles. At that point, the trail hits a clearing with a table scenically overlooking the nearby Mount Wai'ale'ale. It's a great place for a snack and just to catch your breath and take in the island's lush expansiveness.

Beyond here, the trail is a bit trickier to follow, as it first rounds a narrow ridge and continues up a series of small muddy curves and switchbacks, before coming to an end at a wooden bridge where it meets the Moalepe Trail.

From here, retrace your route downhill to the parking area.

If it's a hot day, you can walk slightly further up the road to the Keahua Arboretum swimming hole just around the corner. 

There is a very limited number of parking spaces at the gated trailhead. If parking is full, continue slightly further to park at the Keahua Arboretum. 

There is no water or amenities at the trailhead or along the hike. Come prepared. And expect to end up sweaty and muddy from this hike.