Hawaii Loa Ridge Hike
The Hawaii Loa Ridge Hike takes you along the top of a ridge, with sweeping ocean and valley views on either side! Because you are already at the top of the ridge when you begin this hike, it is less strenuous than other hikes.
Unfortunately, only Hawaii residents and military personnel are admitted, so you need at least one person with Hawaii or military ID with you.
Thick forests and grasses await you, and spotted turtle doves and pacific golden plover birds sing sweetly. You can hike for 2.5 miles along the red-dirt ridge (the last mile is very strenuous). Ironwood trees, Cook Island pines, and occasional ridgetop mist add to the intense mood of this hike. The sound of the wind in the trees is just incredible- come here just for that pleasure. There are also ripe yellow cherry guavas in the trees in late summer. On a hot day, come here for the strong cool breeze that is sure to cool you down!
The hike starts at Paka Nahele, a park with sweeping views over Diamond Head and the ocean. There are pines, grassy hills, red bougainvillea bushes, and magical rocks rising out of the carpet of ironwood needles. A little path winds around the park, with fitness stations such as push up, chin up, and bench curl.
After your hike, satisfy your hunger at one of the Hawaii Kai Places to Eat.
Last time I was here there was a strange man with no clothes hiking who kept waiting around the corner for us- so don't come alone, and bring your dog as well.
Light hitting the ridges of the mountains.
Bougainvillea at the guard shack.
View of Diamond Head crater and the coastline at Kahala.
Blissful trail!
Pathway through the trees, in the park where the hike begins.
Such pretty views of greenery, in the park where the hike begins.
Pathway and trees in the park at the top of the drive.
Green and blue...the grass and ocean beyond, as seen from the park.
Forest walkway.
Cherry guava bush, with Koko Head behind.
Long grasses on the trail.
The red dirt path winding up above us, and misty mountains in the distance.
Bright green vegetation along the ridge.
Ironwood trees along the road that takes you to the top of the park.
Paka Nahele, the park where the hike begins, has workout stations.
Pine trees and hilly lawn in the park.
Lush trees in the park.
Bougainvillea bushes and view of Diamond Head from the park.
Rocks rising out of the carpet of ironwood needles, in the park.
Greenest vegetation!
Views of Koko Head and Koko Crater from the trail.
Rocks along the trail.
Views of Diamond Head.
I love the dappled light in the ironwood forest, which the trail runs through.
Wildflowers and lichens on the rock.
The ironwood forest is a magical spot you pass along the way. Kiss your loved one here!
Diffused light over the mountains.
Looking up at the wonderful mountain top.
View of the valley and sea.
The trail winds past a red dirt cliff.
The bright green vegetation and the sea.
Stormy sky above the mountains.
The red dirt.
From Kalanianaole Hwy, turn onto Puuikena Drive. Tell the guard that you are hiking the trail. He will check your Hawaii driver's license, Hawaii state ID, or military ID before letting you in. Proceed to the very end of the road and park at the trailhead, to the left of the watertank.
Last Updated: Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:48:21 GMT
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