Trail last cleared:
Length: - 4 miles round trip
Hike difficulty: - intermediate
Type of hike: - ridge
Locale: - Waialae
Access:  Open.  However, you will need to get a day pass. (See Directions to trailhead.)

Directions to trailhead: Head east on H-1 to its terminus in Kahala where it becomes Kalanianaole Hwy.   Turn left onto Laukahi Street at the third traffic light , then go about 2 miles to the entrance to the Waialae Iki 5 gated community.  Get a hiking day pass from the guard, then continue to the T-intersection with Okoa Street.  Turn left and drive to the parking areas at the very end of Okoa St.  The day pass shows the two designated parking areas. 

Hike directions: From either parking area, walk up the paved Board of Water Supply service road.  The hike starts as a jeep road just past the water tank.  At around 1 1/4 miles, the jeep road ends and the signed trail begins. From here, it is around 3/4 miles to the summit. There are a couple of cables that are helpful because of the present eroded condition of the trail.  DLNR is planning to repair existing steps and install some additional steps in 2010.. 

Hike description: General description - Mostly road (except for the last portion) route to the Koolau summit. Features - Windward views from the top, native plants near the summit.  When the 'ohia trees are in bloom, look for apapane on the trail.   Do not follow any of the ribbons on either side of the trail.  The ribbons on the right .8 mile into the jeep road marks a trail down to Wailupe Gulch. 

S. B. 10/97

W. K. 3/2010