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Hiking in the Hawaiian Islands
Hiking in the Hawaiian Islands offers residents and visitors many opportunities to experience a unique natural environment. Known throughout the world for a wide variety of ecosystems, trails in Hawaii can take you to coastal dunes, shrublands, rainforests, and high alpine deserts. Certain historic trails provide a glimpse of the cultural heritage of Hawaii as they traverse past historic and archeological sites. Isolated by over 2,000 miles from the nearest landmass, native Hawaiian flora and fauna evolved into highly specialized species and some endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
Please remember -- when you are hiking on trails in Hawaii, you are a guest in the home of our forest creatures and Hawaiian ancestors. Please treat these areas with respect. Read and follow any official informational or directional signage that may be posted along the trail to ensure that you are not walking onto sacred sites or areas of ecological restoration.
Visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/hiking-in-hawaii/ for more information.
Trails on Army Installations
There are two trails on Army installations, and one requires a letter of permission.
- Kolekole Trail: Located at the end of Trimble Road on Schofield Barracks, approximately a half a mile each way (ends at a bench and scenic overlook). Considered moderate/medium due to steep areas. Open on select dates during non-live-fire days to Department of Defense/military ID cardholders and visitors. Dates are known approximately 1-2 weeks prior. No advance permission required.
- Schofield-Waikane Trail: Begins on East Range at the end of California Avenue in Wahiawa. A 14-mile round-trip graded ridge hike with 1,200 feet elevation gain. Suitable for intermediate and expert hikers. Accessible on weekends from sunrise to sunset with a letter of permission. For more info, see the "Requesting Access" tab.
The following trails are completely or partially on Army installations and are closed to the public due to troop movements/training:
- Kalena
- Kanehoa-Hapapa
- Pu'u Hapapa (from the bench at the end of the Kolekole Hiking Trail to the first peak)
Approval is not required to access the following trails because they do not cross Army installations:
- Kaunala
- Pupukea Summit
- Wahiawa Hills
Requesting Access
To obtain permission to access the Schofield-Waikane Trail, send a letter to the Directorate of Public Works’ Real Property Office. Your letter must be signed and forwarded at least 10 business days prior to your requested hike date.
Mail your request to:
USAG Hawaii Directorate of Public Works
Attn: Real Property Office – Hiking Request
947 Wright Avenue
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857-5013
USAG Hawaii Directorate of Public Works
Attn: Real Property Office – Hiking Request
947 Wright Avenue
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857-5013
Your request letter must include:
- Date of your requested hike
- Number of people in your party
- First and last names of all participants
- Your email address and phone number
Upon approval, you will receive a letter via email with installation access procedures. Carry a printed copy during your hike.
For more information, please call (808) 787-5124.
Hiking Safety
The following tips are courtesy of the Hawaii State Parks system. For a listing of trails open to the public and other resources, visit www.hawaiistateparks.org/hiking/.
- Inform Others of Your Plans: Let someone know which trail you plan to hike and your expected return time.
- Hike With a Partner: Avoid hiking alone; a partner can assist in emergencies.
- Get Information About the Trail: Know the route, start point, and difficulty.
- Assess Your Capabilities: Choose trails that match your fitness and experience.
- Check Weather Conditions: Weather can change quickly; check forecasts and beware of flash floods.
- Wear Proper Clothing: Dress in layers, use sun protection, wear sturdy boots, and carry light rain gear.