some good trailing for some exercising goodness. The Keawaula gate is also CLOSED. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Go around the chain and go left at the fork (keep concrete hanger on your right). The Keawaula gate is also CLOSED. Very well marked which direction you should go. The trail ascends this mountain via a series of switchbacks. At the junction with the Kuaokala Trail bear right and slightly up to ridge rim. Hotels near (HNL) Daniel K. Inouye Intl Airport, Stand Up Paddle Lessons -- Rainbow Watersports Adventures, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Oahu, Diamond Head State Monument: Tickets & Tours‎, Hawaii Plantation Village: Tickets & Tours‎, Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Tickets & Tours‎, Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens: Tickets & Tours‎, Waikele Premium Outlets: Tickets & Tours‎, Polynesian Cultural Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Salute to Pearl Harbor via Open Air Trolley. We did the full loop clockwise, including the Kuaokala trail. From around November through April there is usually some standing water, and several species of shorebirds and waterfowl may be present. Enter the Kuaokala public hunting area. The Kalalau Trail (Kalalau Trail Description) provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. Note that access to the Kuaokala Trail is physically easier from the... Kealia & Kuaokala Trails | USA Activities - Lonely Planet Lockdowns are easing globally as the planet adjusts to a new normal. Open post. At the summit, it was beautiful to look over the military training area. Then, click here to learn about another, much shorter, Oahu forest trail with a phenomenal view. It was a breezy day with an overcast. For more information, check out the hike on AllTrails. The trail is quite a workout with all its switchbacks and elevation, but the amazing view is constant, and we went at 9am, so we were in the shade of the mountain the entire hike. Choose from a morning tour or midday tour for whichever one fits your schedule best. There were quite a few butterflies and cute birds singing, which was nice. Originally built in the late 1800s, portions of the trail were rebuilt in the 1930s. Hawaii's official trail and access website administered by the Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii Many fit people where RUNNING up this. Weather also looking good at the Kealia Trail. This was a very pretty hike taking switchbacks up to the top of the mountain between the ocean and neighboring peaks! Estimated burn: 1130 calories. Oahu’s Kealia Trail is located up at the northwest tip of the island, a long but rewarding trip from town. Find the reviews and ratings to know better. Nice. Plan Your Visit. The park is OPEN. Kealia is a well-maintained trail on the north shore of O'ahu behind the Dillingham Airfield. Between the picnic table and summit, there isn’t much to see, but I was too busy getting my out of breath self up that mountain. Kealia Trail is a 7.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Waialua, Oahu, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Keālia Pond NWR provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. Continue through flashing yellow light (Thompson's Corner) now Route 930. Many hikes on Oahu have exploded in popularity in recent years, which is awesome! Dillingham Field and Gliderport will be on left. This hot and dry hike ascends a steep cliffside face via dozens of switchbacks that snake up the mountain and ends with stunning views of Makua Valley on the west coast from the summit Guaranteed sightings of sea turtles, plus a snorkeling tour and catamaran cruise, make this guided tour the ultimate Hawaiian experience. The parking and trail were easy to find (see map image attached). The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The trail gradually works up a 1000 ft. cliff and then follows 4 wheel drive road to a beautiful Makua Valley overlook. Oahu, Hawaii. Get details of Location, timings and contact. However, as is often the case on Oahu, if it's ugly on one side of the island, it can be beautiful on the other side. A little over grown inspots but on the way down, there were people clearing path. Both options include the same stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife such as turtles, dolphins, and whales in their natural environment. The best view was up on a rock before the end of trail, but it was still worth going to the end! It is popular with fitness enthusiasts, families, dog owners, mountain bikers, and even equestrians. Please be courteous of other users in the area. 1. Lots of UP! Go north on H2 untill highway ends, turning into route 99 North. Cliff climb is complete! The road narrows and dips, then forks. Kealia Trail Address: Waialua, HI 96791, USA, Honolulu, United States Kealia Trail Timing: 24-hrs Best time to visit Kealia Trail(preferred time): 08:00 am - 11:00 pm The park is OPEN. Paid for the guided tour with go Oahu card It was well worth it since we did a lot on the card. Watch out for falling rocks! It was a great work out with lots of hills. Kealia Coastal Boardwalk Trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail. https://www.triphobo.com/places/honolulu-united-states/kealia-trail Kealia Trail. It even has bathrooms, a rare sight for Oahu hikes. Pass a small water catchment and tank on the right. The standard trail is 7-miles roundtrip with 2,182 feet of elevation gain. Kealia Trail is the gnarliest downhill trail on Oahu. But from the viewpoint on, you're knees will get a workout on the steeps as you hike … Please be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. Take the left fork at light (Route 803). It's also a popular hiking trail so be sure to yield and be polite. Weather looking good near Ka’ala. The pond is open on the third Saturday of the month. Tracked out and back from parking lot to picnic table. Bring water and snacks. From Waikiki take H1 west. The beach right across from the airport was a great way to cool off afterwards, so pack a swimsuit! More muddy towards the top, but we didn't experience any muddy/wet conditions today. A similar foot trail linked earlier Hawaiian settlements along the coastline. A must-see is the Coastal Boardwalk that offers a […] Now one of my favorite trails on Oahu. Near the top the trees prevent great views, but until the picnic table views were fantastic. It isn't too hard to find the trail as there is a sign marking the starting point. December 23, 2018 November 14, 2020 admin 4 Comments. After checking the radar, I decided to head north to the Dillingham Airport where I would hike the scenic Kealia Trail to Makua Valley, a hike I had done a year and a half before. You don’t need to hike for very long before you are treated to good views. PARK UPDATES: - 1/18/21 - [OAHU] - Kaena Point State Park Vehicle Access Gate on the Mokuleia side is CLOSED due to poor road and weather conditions. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Continue inland and ascend fire road. Oct 23, 2014 - A great hike on the North Shore of Oahu. Mellow incline and decline. Because of time and exertion, we didn't go. Kealia is a trek I've done on two other occasions, one a hellish training expedition where I strapped on a 50-pound pack as preparation for a hike to the summit of Mauna Loa. Oct 23, 2014 - A great hike on the North Shore of Oahu. Hiking Kealia Trail by Dillingham Airfield on the North Shore of Oahu is a short, slow and steady climb up the mountain where you can see Mokuleia, Haleiwa and Makua Valley. The second time around did not disappoint. It was tough for me, an out-of-shape 40 year old desk jockey. Aloha, State Parks. Caution is advised while driving on these roads. Nice but probably more spectacular on a clear day. The Keawaula gate is also CLOSED. The trail continues over the ridge to the ocean, but we didn't have time. Recommend hiking early morning-late evening when its not too hot. PARK UPDATES: - 1/18/21 - [OAHU] - Kaena Point State Park Vehicle Access Gate on the Mokuleia side is CLOSED due to poor road and weather conditions. And restrooms, at the end of the two hangar buildings to the east of the parking lot. Kealia Pond is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday with bird and children’s walks at the National Wildlife Refuge. Beyond the Gate D entrance above Dillingham Airfield, the 2.5-mile, one-way Kealia Trail switchbacks steeply up (1660ft elevation change) through exposed country with views of the ocean, Waialua, Haleʻiwa and the North Shore. The trail was relatively straight forward and well maintained. Pro: great intermediate, hike on switch backs, great views of entire north shores Con: may be muddy depending on weather conditions, some loose rocks, some mosquitos, This trail is not that exciting along the way. This out-and-back hike starts on the North Shore and ends overlooking the west side of the island’s gorgeous Makua valley. Today, we planned to cover the section between Kealia Trail to Mount Ka’ala. Going back down is a breeze. Wide trail. The trail head is across from the parking lot and proceeds inland on a wide paved road. The boardwalk is open to the public every day from sunrise to 7:00 p.m. When you reach a junction near an old fence line go right. This trail is a series of switch backs that lead up to a network of dirt access roads that can lead all over the place. Make sure to bring plenty of water. Nearby, the Kanuimanu Ponds offer an up-close view of waterbirds. Our leisurely ascent to the picnic table took 1:10 and iphone says 7500 steps over 3.6km The Dillingham airfield has many gliders soaring in the area and we also saw a beautiful Albatross with it's fabulous wingspan. Please be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. It is popular with fitness enthusiasts, families, dog owners, mountain bikers, and even equestrians. Users have reported that the trails are not marked well. The Kealia Trailhead is located at the end of Farrington Highway behind Dillingham Airfield. Go around the end of the runway,following road to a small airfield tower and park in the adjacent parking lot. I am not in very good shape and felt like I was dying going up, but trust me when I say that if I can do it, you can do it. Parking for the trail is in this lot right next to the airport. Extream or … The trail is not treacherous or overly difficult. Not super interesting and not much to see past the picnic table. At the top there is a covered picnic bench. We decided to start from the Kealia Trail in Dillingham Airfield. It is advised to always use caution and supervise your children closely on this trail especially on sections of the upper trail that pass by dropoffs. Part of the trail was open to off road driving so keep an eye for the jeeps and trucks. The start of the switchbacks. Stay on the main road and you'll be fine. Offline map is recommended. You can also see skydivers, gliders and small planes buzzing around the airfield. Covid-19 Protocols: Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. PARK UPDATES: - 1/18/21 - [OAHU] - Kaena Point State Park Vehicle Access Gate on the Mokuleia side is CLOSED due to poor road and weather conditions. The trail is not treacherous or overly difficult. Kealia is a well-maintained trail on the north shore of O'ahu behind the Dillingham Airfield. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. Pass Schofield Barracks on the left. Well worth it for us. Hiking Kealia Trail by Dillingham Airfield on the North Shore of Oahu is a short, slow and steady climb up the mountain where you can see Mokuleia, Haleiwa and Makua Valley. The trail eventually ends at the intersection with the Kuaokala Firebreak Road and Mokuleia Firebreak Road. At the next junction turn left. Centrally located, on highway 310 between Kihei and Ma’alaea, the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk open 6am to 7 pm traverses the border between Sugar beach and Kealia … The trailhead starts at Dillingham Airfield (where you will park) and, over several switchbacks, climbs to a height of around 1,600 feet. On the northern drive to Ka‘ena Point, behind Dillingham Airfield, lies the switchback-heavy Kealia Trail. 6 miles round trip and about 2 hour walk. I felt very accomplished when I reached the top and my mom then made it her morning hike routine while we were visiting. Kealia Trail, Mokuleia: See 26 reviews, articles, and 42 photos of Kealia Trail on Tripadvisor. It's rugged, it's hot, there's little relief -- it's no place to go wandering, so decide where you're going first. You will pass a rusted water tank on the right. The security guard will also be happy to help you find the trail if you still can't figure it out. The Kealia Trail is in my opinion one of the best hikes on Oahu due to its beautiful scenery, views of the remote Makua Valley, quality of the trail, and the reasonable effort needed to complete the hike. Bring water. You will be overlooking the Makua Valley Military Training Area. If you're hiking down the Kealia Trail, the first half goes by fairly casually. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches o… A 668-meter boardwalk traverses the seasonally flooded Ma’alaea Flats southwest of the main pond. As you zig-zag up the hillside, you’ll see … Beautiful views!!! The trail after the picnic table is a road for 4wd’s or what not, but I didn’t encounter any. Some areas do get a little steep and you have to negotiate which rocks to take for the path of least resistance, but it was fun and we saw hump back whales jumping up in the ocean along the way! On this day, we just hiked up the Kealia Trail, to the picnic shelter and back down. Near the top the trees prevent great views, but until the picnic table views were fantastic. UPDATED MAR 2020. If you have a free day, take the drive out Mokuleia way and give it a try. The Kealia Trail is a 1.2 mile long (one way) out and back style hiking trail on Oahu's north shore. The park is OPEN. This trail is a series of switch backs that lead up to a network of dirt access roads that can lead all over the place. I really liked this trail, I’ve always stopped at the picnic table because I hike with my kiddos but this time it was me and the dogs, so I decided to keep going up to the summit. There is a lot of tree cover and takes a while into the hike to get to any good viewing spots. Kealia Pond is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday with bird and children’s walks at the National Wildlife Refuge. This was a long hike with splendid views along the way. A 668-meter boardwalk traverses the seasonally flooded Ma’alaea Flats southwest of the main pond. About 2 miles to make it to the bird sanctuaries. Length 7.6 miElevation gain 2516 ftRoute type Out & back Pass Waialua Intermediate School on left. Recommended to research the activities since it may come with shuttle bus to some activities and paid admission and extra with others. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. up all the way. We only went as far as the picnic table, but it was such a beautiful hike! moderate... long hike if you go up to the summit. Well maintained trail perfect to geocaches along the way. Hiking Oahu’s Kealia Trail. I would absolutely go back. Gotta love the unique character felt while hiking in the Waianaes. 2. Some areas of trail are shaded. Rocky, tight switchbacks, cliffs, prepare to be tested. You definitely go up at a constant include. Oahu, Hawaii. Turn left when you reach the T junction. Both roads allow four-wheel or bicycle access to Peacock Flats campgrounds, hunting areas, Kealia access road and trail, as well as the Kuaokala trail. Kealia Trail is one of the loveliest hikes on the island of Oahu, gifting its trekkers with glimpses of azul waters through its leafy vegetation, and offering some of the purest vibes around.You just don’t find that on all the hikes these days – pure vibes – that is. Kealia Trail is a 7.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Waialua, Oahu, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Decide your route before you go. You can also see skydivers, gliders and small planes buzzing around the airfield. However, if you start at Dillingham and go to LP/OP 14 and back, you'll want at least a good three liters of water with you. The pond is open on the third Saturday of the month. The hiking time is 2 1/2 - 3 hours. A word of caution, someone I passed on the … more, Recommended experiences in and around Oahu. Covid-19 Protocols: Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. trail. Good parking area, clearly marked trail, and stunning views! Great trail! There are 19 or so switchbacks on this hike, very similar to the Kuliouou Ridge hike. Start your trip at the Visitors Center to learn all about the area and its feathery inhabitants. Please choose a different date. Kealia Coastal Boardwalk Trail. Staging a car here for when we finish the hike. More than 6,000 people visit the refuge each year to engage in various wildlife-oriented activities, including bird watching, photography, environmental education and interpretation, habitat restoration projects to remove invasive species, and outplanting with Hawai‘i’s … Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a must-do if you are travelling with a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Dillingham Airfield, Mokuleia, Oahu, HI 96791. In today’s post, I’m sharing a guide on how to hike the Kealia Trail on the North Shore. Easy, safe parking at the airfield, restroom right by the parking lot (if you hike much in Hawaii, you know what a luxury it is to have a bathroom at a trailhead!) Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is nestled between Kīhei and Ma‘alaea towns and features a coastal salt marsh habitat. Enter the airport at the second entrance (open 7AM to 6PM dailly). Dogs are also able to use this trail. The trail switch backs are very rocky. This steep, switchback laden hike is a lesser-known trail with incredible views away from all the crowds. Plan to visit Kealia Trail, United States. Almost a mile and a half done, and only 3+ more miles to go! Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. If so, share your experiences and opinions in the comments below. All the switch back get tedious. 14 miles in 6.5 hrs (moving time). Search over 100,000 trails with trail info, maps, detailed reviews, and photos curated by millions of hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. It hasn’t rained but standing pools of water to navigate. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. At a small traffic circle go left under the overpass. Aloha, State Parks. Mainly a steady rise up switchbacks with spectacular views. Shaka Guide is an audio tour app that gives you the benefits of a guided tour with the freedom to explore on your own terms. Have you ever hiked the Kealia Trail? Covid-19 Protocols: Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. A true bun-burner, Kealia is less about the destination than the journey (just under three miles round-trip). Oahu Tourism; Oahu Accommodation; Oahu Bed and Breakfast; Oahu Holiday Rentals; Oahu Holiday Packages; Oahu Flights; Oahu Restaurants; Oahu Attractions; Oahu Travel Forum Please be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. The boardwalk is open to the public every day from sunrise to 7:00 p.m. Aloha, State Parks. At the base of the ridge follow the trail as it switchbacks up the face. Leave the 50- pound pack at home. Mainly a steady rise up switchbacks with spectacular views. Hawaii's official trail and access website administered by the Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii If somehow the Dalek drops you off at LP/OP 14, and you only need to make this one-way trip back to Dillingham, you'll likely need just a liter or maybe two of water. Don't worry, it is perfectly fine to park here (the signs tell you to) and this is a perfectly legal hike. Most of the hikers are stoked to see mountain bikers and can't believe anyone would be crazy enough to ride it. There are two geocaches located on the trail… From around November through April there is usually some standing water, and several species of shorebirds and waterfowl may be present. The trail continues over the ridge to the ocean, but we didn't have time. Wide, well-maintained, simple trail. Hawaiian Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 808- 587-0166 (www.hawaiitrails.org). Your is kealia trail open trail on the northern drive to Ka ‘ ena point, Dillingham. 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