Aiea Loop Trail
full circle beauty
While loop trails may be few and far between here on Oahu, the Aiea Loop Trail is one not to miss. This hike will take you from central Oahu overlooking the west side, to standing above the H3 in Kanehoe.
Not to worry, you will not be bored during the 4+ mile loop as the diversity of Oahu's plants is extremley interesting. From larger trees in forests, to beautiful guava trees and bright flowers you will consitatly be suprised and stunned.
There are a few rest points along the trail that have benches and small over looks. This hike does not have a 'You Made It' spot as it is a loop but there are still lots of great views throughout the hike.
Be alert of your surroundings at all times and keep note of tree fallings and loose branches. This is a State Regulated Trail so must of the fallen trees are secured or have been cut for saftey. Please do not move them or wander off the marked trail.
Although we chose to go on a foggy day, you can still see all the way to west side on the hike. I was so suprised and amazed! This hike is perfectly located to give you the best of both worlds.
The plants and trees were taking my breath away! Some were easily over 100 feet tall, and other banayan trees had brances just as wide, or so it felt :) It was a great change of pace from ocean views on hikes because you can really appreciate the amazing unique ecosystem here.
There are lots of cellular towers along the hike too. We explored some of the surrounding areas but please do not touch, climb, or interfere with the towers. The contrasting colors of the plants and tall grass is straight out of a movie.
Bring lots of bug spray and water on the trail because it is long! I also would advise a light jacket or long pants becuase the trees make a lot of the trail shady and it can get rather cool. You can bring a swimsuit if you follow the stream at the end of the trail you can find a small waterfall and swimming hole.
Once we made it to the overlook of the H3 I was taken away by the stunning sights. Seeing the Ko'olau mountians in golden hour was an experience I highly recommend.
The hike is a loop but you will start and finish in two different parking lots! I reccomend parking in the third parking lot where the trail head starts. You finish in the first parking lot, and then you can walk the .25 mile to your car. I reccomend this becuase there is an awesome swing in parking lot #1 you don't want to miss! :)
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how to get here
To get to the Aiea Trail head you will take H-1 W and exit at the Stadium from here you will follow Aiea Heights Drive all the way to the state park and marked trail head. As mentioned above you will start in parking lot 3 and end in parking lot 1.
warning
This hike is long so please ensure you have enough food and water before starting out. Please stay on the marked trail head, falling off the edge could be fatal. Please be aware of wildlife, if you come in contact with a boar make loud noises and do not run. Bring bug spray and pick all trash you bring and any you see on the trail.
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Did you celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday!? I did by checking a brand new hike off my list! The Ehukai Pillbox has now taken second place behind Crouching Lion on my favorite hikes on Oahu list. Located on the North Shore of Oahu this hike will not disappoint in a good workout, good views, or good vibes.