Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail

The Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail is a moderate to intermediate mountain hike tucked in the Kuli‘ou‘ou Valley Forest Reserve, just east of Honolulu in the Hawaii Kai area. It stretches around 4.4–4.7 miles round-trip (about 2.5 mi each way) and features approximately 1,650 ft of elevation gain, typically completed in 3 to 4 hours.

The beginning section winds through the forest canopy, passing ironwood, guava, Norfolk pine, and Cook pines. Rooty and rocky terrain, with tree roots holding moisture, tends to be slippery after rain.

Around two-thirds of the way up, you'll find a shelter with picnic tables, a good spot to rest. THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO TURNAROUND IF YOU FEEL NOT BE ABLE TO ASCEND TO THE TOP.

Beyond this, the trail transitions to steep man-made stairs constructed for erosion control. These are challenging but make the final ascent more manageable.

Please note the end time can vary depending on the hike speed, weather and other various conditions being out in nature.

Parking: Street parking is available nearby—just be mindful of residents and parking rules. KEEP NOISE TO MINIMUM. No parking is permitted in the cul‑de‑sac itself.

Recommended for the hike:

• Bring plenty of WATER and lunch/snacks to keep your energy going.
• Wear a pair of hiking shoes with good traction.
• Bring gloves for grabbing rocks, trees and ropes.
• Hiking poles or microspikes and long pants strongly recommended if you are going to summit. Some area is heavily eroded.
• Even if you are not going to the summit, there are some sections with steep hills and rocks. Packing poles or spikes may help.
• It has been rainy and windy recently. Might want to bring a rain jacket or something warm.

HIKERS POLICY/DISCLAIMER (please read):

Respect the Host(s), fellow hikers and the 'aina.

New Friends in the 808, a Meetup Group (Group). and/or its Event Hosts, or Organizers, shall not be liable for any injury, loss or damage to persons and/or property, direct or indirect, arising out of any events of the Group. The assumption of risk, which is inherent in this type of outdoor activity, is implied on the part of each person participating in any Group hiked. Every person participating in any of these events assumes all risk and liability during the event.

All hikes, require advance registration (RSVP) before the hike's date, to allow the Host to make preparations. For intermediate/advanced hikes, the Host may: 1) contact members in advance; 2) close RSVP early, when necessary to limit the size of the hiking group; 3) refuse RSVPs to persons who may not be sufficiently strong to stay with the group; and 4) turn back any hiker, the Host feels can't complete the hike.

Adopted/modified from:

Mountain Club of Maryland / Hiker’s Policy
13740 Oster Farm Road
West Friendship, MD 21794
email: contact@mcomd.org

used with permission

SAFETY TIPS FOR HIKING:

1. Bring sufficient water. Do not drink stream water.
2. Stay on the trail.
3. Allow ample time to return before nightfall by figuring 1.5 miles per hour.
4. Bring proper equipment, as indicated by the host; including a first aid kit.
5. Wear proper shoes and clothing.
6. Hike in a group and keep track of those in your party.
7. You are responsible for your own safety.

(created 12/1/2019, updated on 1/27/2025)