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Aiea Loop Trail
Categories: Active Life Parks Active Life Hiking Parks, Hiking [Edit]
Keaiwa Heiau State Park99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr
Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 483-2511
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
49 reviews for Aiea Loop Trail
49 reviews in English
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Review from Jan S.
Aiea, HI
1/3/2012
This is a great trail! It is mostly shaded, 4.8 miles and sometimes muddy. The terrain changes throughout the trail and the trees, ferns, and moss remind me of the Northwest. If felt as if we left Hawaii for a couple of hours.
Next time I would remember to bring water and wear better shoes thoughs. -
Review from Caitlin T.
Honolulu, HI
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Today was the fourth time doing this hike. It is different almost every time. Sometimes it's muddy, sometimes it's dry, sometimes it's rainy and other sunny.
This 4.8 mile look hike has its ups and downs, but it's always fun. Today we did it in an hour and 40 minutes with a few short stops and running some of the flatter areas. The last time we did it, we stopped and took a lot of pictures with our fancy camera and it took around 2.5 hours.
You will see everyone on this hike from older people to little kids and chihuahuas. Just make sure you take out what you take in. Even if your dog has to take a pit stop, at least push the poo off of the trail. No one wants to step in that stuff.
The worst part of this hike is the hike up the hill back to your car after you finish the look. Straight up hill right after finishing this long hike, kind of kills your buzz from finishing. We have tried parking at the bottom and starting from the finish, but the trail seems to be harder that way.
After running downhill in our hiking boots, I have 4 blisters including one giant one on my heel. Oh well, it felt great during.
Bring your family out and get some fresh air and exercise! -
Review from allyson o.
Honolulu, HI
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I did this hike on New Year's Day with a friend. It was a nice way to start off 2012. I'll rate this as an easy hike since it doesn't have any steep inclines or declines, and the paths are well-worn. It might be long for some people, since it's about 4.5 - 5 mi long.
My friend and I took about 2 to 2.5 hrs. to finish it, and I kept stopping along the way to take pictures.
There were people on mountain bikes, and runners going through the trail. There are fallen trees that obscure the trail at times, but people have added footholds, so you can hop over the tree trunks easier.
We somehow missed the wreckage of the plane that's mentioned. Not sure if we just didn't see it, or if it's been obscured by vegetation. I've seen it in the past, and was looking out for it, but we never did see it. Overall it was a nice hike, and we visited the Heiau near the entrance to the park on our way out. -
Review from Ka'ili H.
12/4/2011 1 photo
Some important cool factoids about this hike:
-It's generally safe. Save for the potential trips and falls that may happen if you're not careful on the slippery parts, or in my case, just going downhill too fast and falling graciously on my hands. The trail isn't scary and you don't have to worry about falling off a cliff because it's a foot wide trail. You got it made here.
-The appearance of boars is slim--on our hike we heard a boar rustling above, i saw a glimpse of it, but that's about it. We were safe and no other wild animals graced us with their presence.
-The trail takes about 2 hours if you're doing it for mediocre exercise. So if you're trying to get some blood circulating and you have a few hours in the day, this would be a good choice. It's cool, shady, and you get a pretty good workout here.
-It's near an ancient heeiau. That's pretty cool already.
This was my boyfriend's and my 5th hike in 5 days and it was fun. We enjoyed the scenery and the beautiful gingers we came across. So incredibly fragrant! the best perfume ever. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
From this hike there are several points where you can see the H3--a little sad and cool at the same time. There's also a couple spots where there are benches if you need a rest or just wanna enjoy the scenery. It's definitely a great place to gain your zen moments and relieve stress.
Yelp 365 Challenge: 64/ 265 -
Review from Rachel E.
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a beautiful hike, but kid friendly? No way. I took my 6 and 10 year old and I would say it was too difficult for the younger one. The older one was fine with stomping in mud and scrabbling over trees, but the younger got fatigued and was worn out by the end.
Overall, it is a great adult hike. You'll get muddy and wet if it has rained lately. The views are fabulous. -
Review from Sue M.
Durham, NC
12/31/2011
I consider beginner as something you can take your kids or grandparent on. This is harder than Manoa Falls and harder than Diamond Head Crater trail. I would not recommend this for kids or people who do not walk on a regular basis.
I live in North Carolina next to a State Park and hike 5 miles there at least once a week. Many parts of this hike were too technical for me, and I was wiped by the end of it. I like a safe stroll, and I was a little sick- so take my advice with a grain of salt.
There were places I got a little dizzy from the heights, you really have to pay close attention to avoid falling off the ridge, the path gets very, very narrow in some spots.
For what its worth, my husband and his brother loved the trail. -
Review from Scott K.
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Located at the top of Aiea Heights Drive.....just keep going up until the road ends....this is one of the best beginners trails to start on.
Parking is at the top of the hill where you will find clean bathrooms and lunch areas.
From what the signs read, its about 4.5 miles long on a relatively easier trail. i would honestly say that it is kid friendly but just keep in mind that the distance. If you think your kids might be grumbling.....expect to hear it for 2 hours =)
The loop trail does provide for some views of the ocean and Halawa valley but majority I would say is just peaceful trees. Ive done this loop by myself sometimes to just get away to think. You can have 2 hours of just thought. -
Review from Scott H.
Honolulu, HI
7/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great workout trail. Not too long, not too short. No big elevation gains, nothing to really get all geared up for.
It can get really muddy and that will make the trail much more difficult.
If you get adventurous, take the Aiea Ridge spur trail and take in one of the best views on the island from the told of the Koolau. -
Review from Angelo A.
Waipahu, HI
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was the first hike I've done in a while so I wanted to try something new that wasn't too difficult.
I went on a sunny afternoon, but most of the trail was still damp and muddy. After having slipped and (almost) fallen a few times, I decided it was best to just step into the puddles instead of dying trying to maneuver around the wet ground. Maybe I'm not very graceful on my feet but I can't recommend this trail for little kids. It would take some serious choreography to avoid any slippage and not getting all muddy by the end.
It feels much longer than 4.5 miles, took me 2.5 hours to complete, and the partial views along the way just weren't as picturesque as I'd imagined. I started to wonder when the trail would end, it was that unexciting for me. Honestly the view of the harbor driving back down Aiea Heights Drive was more scenic. -
Review from Fred M.
You can't get lost in this hike!
Located in Aiea, to get here you have to drive up on Aiea Heights Drive till you bump into the state park sign and keep going and follow the signs pointing to Aiea Loop Trail.
Here are a list of things for the newbies reading this need to know.
- Be prepared to get dirty! Parts of the path are little muddy especially in the shaded area where the sun can't dry it up. I try to avoid stepping in the really wet muddy area but it got to a point where you have no choice but to submerge your foot.
- Its only 4.5 miles. Doesn't sound like a long trip but going up and down, hop scotching over tree roots, jumping over or ducking under trees and did I mention the mud earlier.
- Get a walking stick. You don't know if you need it until you wish you had it. This can be a big help when you start loosing your balance and come near falling into the mud or you just need to give yourself that extra hump to get up or to aid yourself coming down.
- Its nice to have a camera. There isn't that much to see out here but the view of Pearl Harbor and H3 freeway are pretty awesome to see up from a mountain view point.
- Food en-route. There are guava trees growing on the side of the trail if your hungry for a little snack feel free to grab some.
- Do you have a dog? This place is great to take your dog out for a hike.
Overall this hike is good, great for beginners and you get a good work out.
Yelp 365 Challenge - #008/365 -
Review from Darcie C.
Honolulu, HI
2/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
The hike is beautiful when dry.
The people on the trail are nice. Hikers are not afraid to say "hello."
Good for kids, too! -
Review from Kelly J.
3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hiking after a long hiatus! Felt good to get some sweating done.
When we first got to the park, we ran around the pavement loop, only to realize, that was probably not the trail. To get to the trail, drive up past the first initial parking lot and park in the first parking lot you see (or anywhere close to that lot). One of the entrances to the trail is off to the left of the picnic area near this parking lot.
To access the other entrance, continue past this picnic area and park at the first parking lot you see with restrooms and a drinking fountain. This lot should be near the top of the pavement loop. There should be a trail that is marked with two posts with a chain between the two.
The trail was relatively dry when we went. Lots of people taking their dogs on this hike! The trail is very shaded so we didn't worry much about the sun. I forgot to DEET myself and the bugs had a field day with my legs. There are a couple points in the hike where HUGE fallen trees blocked the trail. Just be careful when climbing around some of them. The trail gets thin sometimes around these points. That and the amounts of roots in the trail and I can see my clutzy self tripping and falling off the edge at certain points! Just pay attention.
The loop trail took about 1 hr 40 mins for this 4.5 mi hike. You get GREAT views of the H-3 and beyond. Would definitely recommend bringing your camera. and DEET.
Have a great hike!Listed in: Hawaii Hikes
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Review from Chelsea A.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2011
This trail is a good beginner hike, it rarely has any inclines - or at least steep ones, and it's relatively very mild. I've hiked this trail so many times growing up that it got old really fast. There are far better hikes on O`ahu if you're passed a beginner's stage.
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Review from Winton S.
Honolulu, HI
12/17/2011
Aiea Loop Trail is a fun beginners trail...I recommend starting at the bottom so that you do not have to walk up the drive when you are done (it is steep for the uninitiated). Beware starting too late in the evening...their are wild pigs in the area that come up from the valley around sunset and they can be aggressive (do not approach) Wear comfortable shoes that will give your ankles support as the trail is uneven and can be muddy (especially during the winter months). It is a favorite trail for dog lovers.
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Review from Dave F.
8/12/2011 190 Check-ins Here
I absolutely love it here at the park. I walk the dog here just about everyday and it's really a great workout. Sometimes we walk the entire paved road and several times we even came across pigs. We bring guavas sometimes and leave them for the pigs to eat. There's such nice scenery here and it's so peaceful... The only setback would be the rain, but you have to expect that way up here!! Beautiful...
Listed in: Fun & Recreation
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Review from A A.
Kaneohe, HI
Updated - 9/8/2011 9 photos
TIP: Do the trail backwards - It's better this way.
I have been on this trail several times now... and I just love it. It now takes me about 2 hours (I'm now in better shape than I was) to go thru the trail at a steady yet somewhat leisurely pace (taking time to stop and admire the surrounding beauty - and smell some flowers along the way). The last time I went I saw 4 wild pigs! I just want to share one more tip - that I have finally figured out. If you drive all the way to the top and start your hike at the official beginning - when you get to the end of the trail - you have to walk up a steep hill (which is no fun after you just hiked 4 miles and are feeling a bit tired). So the thing to do is start the trail where it ends and do the trail backwards - then at the end you walk down the steep hill to your car instead of up it. To start the trail at the end - drive almost all the way up to the top and park your car by all the picnic tables (all the picnic tables are down and off to the right - there are like 10 tables down there and a bathroom building - you can't miss it). Walk down to the picnic tables and go towards the bathroom... the trail head (or end - whatever) is right near there - there is a trail sign. Happy Hiking!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/26/2010
For Starters... just the drive up to the park is cool. You just keep going up and up higher and… Read more »
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Review from Consuela P.
Honolulu, HI
8/30/2010 1 photo
I have to go back and try this trail again when it's not as wet, muddy and slippery! All of that made the hike a bit more challenging and a true workout for me. We paced ourselves and felt bad yet thankful to our friend as she stayed with us and we separated from the big group ahead of us.
Almost towards the end of the trail, we noticed several strawberry guava trees with ripped fruits. It was a nice treat to pick and munch on them as we walked!
When I wasn't looking down while walking the muddy and wet trail, I tried to enjoy the trees, nature and made a point (when it was safe) to stop for a photo break on the picturesque trail. -
Review from Kaliko P.
6/23/2010 20 photos
Historial spoiler alert - this review is not only about the trail but of the Heiau.
Aiea Loop Trail has so much history to offer that I couldn't possibly cover it here on YELP without putting people to sleep and without hitting the character limit in YELP.
Many people know Aiea Loop Trail as just a trail, but the Keaiwa Heiau has been overlooked time and time again. Maybe it deserves it own review as one of Hawaii's best preserved Heiaus to date. Heiaus are Hawaiian temple ruins. According to Wikipedia:
"A heiau is a Hawaiian temple. Many types of heiau existed, including heiau to treat the sick (heiau hola), offer first fruits, offer first catch, start rain, stop rain, increase the population, ensure health of the nation, achieve success in distant voyaging, reach peace, and achieve success in war (luakini). Only the luakini was dedicated through human sacrifice.[1]
Heiau were made in different architectural styles depending upon their purpose and location. At the official end of Hawaiian religion in 1819, many were deliberately destroyed, while others were allowed to fall into disrepair. Some structures have been fully restored today"
As far as I know, the Keaiwa Heiau at the foot of the Aiea Loop trail is a Heiau Ho'ola, or a healing heiau. I dont know of many sacrificial heiaus except for the one on the Big Island.
I find Aiea Loop Trail fascinating in that you have old ancient historical Hawaiian ruins next to a trail that runs along the H3 freeway (the most expensive US freeway built to date at $1.3 billion dollars and the most controversial, since it desecrated many Hawaiian ruins and burial sites) and a WWII US plane downed in the vegetation that still remains to this day.
One side of the trail sits the ancient heiau, the other side, the ultra-modern freeway. In between are a three levels of parking (lower, middle and upper). Most of the overnight campers are on the middle ground area, where we started our hike. It was a nice 4.5 mile hike but a bit muddy and eroded in sections.
I was not able to see the WWII plane on this hike; come to think of it, I only saw it partially covered in vegetation as a child and once again as an adult mountain biking on the trail many years ago.
There was also an unfortunate event on this trail several years ago, where an 11-yr old girl was found dead on the trail, apparently a victim of foul play. We saw the memorial along the trail head but out of respect I did not take a picture of the make-shift memorial of plastic flowers and Christmas tinsel wrapped around the trunk of a tree.
Plan on a throng of children, groups, trail runners, dog owners, hikers and mom and pops on this trail during the weekend. Come early if you want to avoid the crowd....and it gets really crowded after 9 AM on weekends.
Easy hike overall with some eroded trail parts and tree limbs across the path. Lots of parking, lots of toilets and water fountains outside of the trail heads. A local favorite! -
Review from Aloha H.
Waipahu, HI
7/23/2011
Fun 4.8 mile muddy hike (3 hr hike).Tip: Do not wear nice shoes. You will definitely end the trail with mud splatters behind your legs and mud covering your shoes. There are two benches throughout the trail with nice views. I don't think you need sunscreen. There are alot of trees, so its breezy. The ending of the trail will workout your legs. Lots of parking and shaded picnic areas.
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Review from Gloria S.
Honolulu, HI
Updated - 5/9/2010 4 Check-ins Here
This is a great beginner trail! My friends and I took their kids here (8 & 10 year old girls ), they made it through the 4 1/2 mile trail just fine. Some complaints of being tired in the beginning, but as we got to the upper section they were fine.
I must warn you though that there are areas where you will see drop offs into the valley, so if you do take kids, PLEASE PLEASE be careful, they must be supervised at all times, and I would recommend that one adult stays in front of them and the other behind them.
If it rained do expect to see mud, I recommend a walking stick (2 for $24 @ Walmart) and shoes with good traction it really helps...
Eric A.'s Review mentions wild pigs, we did not see any this time around thankfully! But you should be aware.
As we made our way through the hike, I kept trying to look for the air plane remnants but was not able to find it. We saw 7 other hikers along the trail and they too were not able to spot the plane.
On the trail you will find 2 benches one is located about 25 minutes into the hike if you start from the top (by the bathrooms), the other is located at the peak area (about an hour and a half into the trail if you start from either the bottom or top of the trail). You can use these as your markers to give you an idea of where your at along the trail.
It was a great experience for the kids and a good workout for us adults!
The iphone worked. if you have the 3Gs the compass worked well and I was able to show the girls how the coordinates on the following map (http://oahuhiking.com/...) worked along side the compass application! Guess, I should have used the Compass app to find the plane since I had the coordinates, but i put it away since I did not want to get distracted and accidentally roll down the valley... nope that would not be good!
Finally, if you start later in the day, note with kids, it took us 3 hours to get through the whole trail.Listed in: Great Easy Hiking Trails
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/15/2010
My thoughts and suggestions in summary:
1.) Opens at 7am closes at 7:45pm!
2.) Great for mountain… Read more »
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Review from Emily R.
Honolulu, HI
8/18/2011
Nice, fairly easy hike. Great for kids and dogs! As most other yelpers mentioned, it can get pretty muddy and slippery, but that is true of many hiking trails in Hawaii. I would definitely recommend this hike to other people looking for a nice, not too strenuous hike within easy driving distance of Honolulu.
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Review from Belmar S.
Honolulu, HI
5/18/2010
This is the third hike i ever did in my life. Well, not counting the ones when I was a little boy but chyea this is my third official hike. I woke up with a morning voice and my housemate Ben asked me if I wanted to go hiking with an ex-housemate of ours. With my frog-like voice I said "SHOOOOOTS"
So, already being committed to go on the hike I go on http://Yelp.com to search for what I was getting myself into. I was looking for the words "Easy" and BINGO... I found it. It was like music to my ears seeing that 8 and 10 year olds could do it.
Brushed my teeth, packed my backpack with water, a sandwich and a banana and we were off to Aiea Loop trail.
We drove pass a He'e'au (Idk if I spelt that correctly), followed the snake like road, and parked at the top of the hill. Walked on the path and I gotta say the hike was pretty damn easy. I hiked Koko head and man I was bitching and bitching about that damn hike. Although the hike was easy there were certain parts that was like "WHOA" because it was pretty much a trail on the side of a cliff. Like all the other people who reviewed this trail.... Please, Please, PLEASE! BE CAREFUL!
So yeah the hike is easy, it does get a little dangerous. You're able to see views of the H3 and Pearl Harbor so It's a good hike. You can bring a bunch of friends over to do the hike and have a little picnic when you're done. Oh yeah... the hardest part of the hike was walking to the top of the hill where our cars were parked but other than that, I'd definitely do this hike again. -
Review from Kyle M.
San Diego, CA
Great trail for a run with mild grades to keep you huffin' and puffin'. Watch out for some gnarly root patches along the entire trail that could definitely put a hurting on your ankles.
Along the trail there's an enormous tree that has fallen over into a bit of a valley. If you look hard enough you'll be able to see what's left of a crashed airplane. I was told that it was a downed Corsair fighter from WWII, however with all the damage to it by time, a big ol' tree, and probably people very little is distinguishable but an entire wheel and tire assembly farther down into that valley.
I posted a few pictures of it, and it's fairly interesting. -
Review from Tiffany A.
Honolulu, HI
8/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Ok I'm going to go with 4 stars because it was one hell of a challenge. Those muddy spots were my weaknesses (I'm a prissy... love to be clean and hate to get my shoes dirty). But overall, it was fairly easy. Nice, calming hike that clears your mind and energizes your soul. What I really found interesting was the fact that the trail takes you into the valley near enough to see the Tunnels on the H3 freeway. That's definitely something! So now every time I drive on H3 toward Kaneohe, I look to my left into the forest and wonder where exactly I stood when I saw this part of the freeway.
Quick tip: at two points in the trail it seems like forks in the road. My advice is to stick to the right hand trails. We ran into a hiker going in the opposite direction, and we asked him how far more and he preceded to joke that we were not on the Aiea Loop Trail anymore and that we were on the Halawa one. Really wanted to sock him in the eye. Will take you about 2 hours or so. -
Review from Stan M.
Mililani, HI
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
The hike here is fantastic. There is another trail for more advanced hikers. always shaded, good hike for beginners. anytime you hike make sure you let someone know where you are going!!! this is a great place for a picnic as well.
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Review from eric a.
Honolulu, HI
12/7/2009 1 photo
I'm glad that a lot of people like this trail way more than I do. I've been coming this state park for many many years now, as it's only up a ways from where I live. So in essence, as a hiker, this is my home trail...even if it's my least favorite.
Yesterday the most interesting thing happened to me. I usually drive up here after washing my car to clean the remaining areas (interior, rims, etc) outdoors. As I was wiping down my tires, I hear a rustling on the trail. I got apprehensive as it was getting louder, esp since it didn't sound like human feet trampling around the brush.
From the trail head (not the main one at the top, one a ways down) out comes a boar, then a few moments later, two piglets. My initial reaction was to dig out, being I've been chased on different trails twice in this same situation. Instead, I slowly put down my spray and cloth, went into the car and turned on my cell camcorder to tape the footage you see here. Why I'm whispering, don't ask:
http://www.youtube.com...
Though my first sighting, I've always known there were feral pigs at the top of Aiea Heights. I also doubt anyone would've believed this story if I didn't document it. People, just a warning to be careful when hiking Oahu trails. If your not an experienced hunter or professional tree climber like me, get the hell out of there if you ever see boar piglets in the woods. If you get too close, their mom WILL chase you!
All I can say is that after the ordeal, I still continued to clean my car in the open. I was constantly looking over my shoulder with a sense of dread, just in case that damn pig was up to something sneaky. One can only imagine getting bum-rushed from behind, the same way Bigfoot snuffs those pranksters in those beef jerky commercials. -
Review from Philip M.
Santa Rosa, CA
5/13/2011
the hiking is awesome but there have been many car break ins.
My rental car was broken into by a professional smash and grab and police was no help at all.
wish there was more security or a uniform presence patrolling the car lots. so beware of leaving valuable stuff in the car.
but Aiea loop trail is super gorgeous. -
Review from Gilbert A.
Minneapolis, MN
9/23/2008
The 'Aiea Loop Trail, which marks one of the most accessible entrances to the mighty Ko'olau Mountains, is actually composed of three major features that make this place worth visiting.
Kea'iwa Hei'au: An old, sacred Hawaiian ground that was used for healing. The stone platforms--set in the original pattern by the ancients--sit silently near the gates of the park. Passing the hei'au, especially at dusk, gives you the chills. Here, the spirits of ancestors still roam.
Park/Camp Grounds: Sheltered bench areas are found at different sites throughout the forested park. Used frequently by 'Aiea families for picnics and gatherings. Some patrons claim to hear the faint thumping of pahu hula (dance drums), coming from somewhere in the park.
Loop Trail: A pleasant, walker-friendly trail that takes you through 4.8 miles of the lovely Ko'olau Mountains. Native trees stand imposingly, like ancient warrior-guards, and along the path eucalyptus trees and berry bushes kiss the air with a calming fragrance.
Leaving the Park: I've always imagined the long drive down from the park summit like a descent from the sky and a return to earth. On the way, I gaze at the panoramic view of the militarized zone (i.e., Pearl Harbor) at the foot of the valley, and the bustling activity and movement of 'Aiea Town.
And then I turn my head back towards the summit, as if to bid farewell to nature.Listed in: Green Acres, A-Town
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Review from Lorna M.
Honolulu, HI
It was an awesome hiking here today. Although it was muddy, we manage to have a good time and got our exercise on too. Today we got to see a couple wild boars, and pick some wild fruits from the trail. I love coming here. :)
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Review from Shannon B.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2008 2 photos
The park is a destination in itself, the Kea'iwa Heiau is pretty fascinating and the park has great areas to enjoy the views if hiking isn't your thing.
The trail isn't too hard, but can be pretty difficult after a rain.The mud is nasty and even if it hasn't rained the red dirt and dust will stain anything white, be prepared. Part of the trail is lined with guava, which is a perk! It is well worth the trip. -
Review from Jade R.
9/8/2009 2 photos
Aiea Loop Trail is a 4.5 mile hike. I've done it twice. The first time, there was a bunch of us. So basically, it took us almost 3.5 hours. HAHA. that was due to the "smoke" breaks that was oh so needed. It was a chill trail. I think the "hard-core" part of this hike was hiking THE DEADLY HILL back to the parking lot. We were smart this second time around.
We actually hiked this trail today. Smart thing is we parked at the lower hill in which once we are complete with the trail...we can go straight to the car instead of again hiking THE DEADLY TRAIL. THE DEADLY TRAIL was hiked at the beginning to get to the start. it took us 2.5 hours.
Best part is the view of H3 and of course acting like a "Lady VS. WILD kinda action of having to climb over HUGE tree barks. :)
I recommend this hike...and a GREASY lunch afterwards. ... i had a LARGE Whopper Jr. from Burger King. way to get most of the work out huh. -
Review from g s.
Honolulu, HI
11/20/2008 5 Check-ins Here
I love this trail. I Like the idea of getting away from everything so close to town. Then again every trail is really close by town. But this trail is really a nice for beginners. You can walk, run, skip...no, don't skip, NO skipping! :-) I even saw once a guy riding a unicycle on the path, passing me twice. And making my way down the path there was a bench to sit and relax for a while as well as soak in the view or take some great sunset photos.
There are bathrooms near by so you don't have to squat in the trees. The park areas have tables and nice open areas to play. I just love it because its just a nice walk. -
Review from Tamara P.
Aliso Viejo, CA
7/7/2008 1 photo
This is a wonderful beginner's trail located atop the Aiea Heights subdivision. It is a loop trail that runs along the ridges overlooking Central Oahu with breathtaking views of Halawa Valley and Pearl Harbor. Other than a few spots where you catch the sounds of the cars whizzing below on the H-3 freeway, you are mostly accompanied by birds chirping, rustling leaves, and occasional whiffs of fresh eucalyptus.
This was a good hike and not strenuous at all. This is a great hike to enjoy a good workout. I will definitely return!
Ambiance: *****
Value: *****Listed in: Fun expeditions!
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Review from Chuck F.
Miami, FL
6/11/2011 1 photo
Putting foot to dirt was a welcome change from walking on concrete. The trail is pretty clear, but does split a few times. There are signs to tell you which way to go, but they are farther down the trail (instead of at the fork). There are a bunch of nice views, along with a couple views of the H-3.
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Review from Mark G.
Kapolei, HI
11/16/2008
Aiea Loop Trail is a lovely place to visit. The park is well kept. There are no overflowing trash containers, there is a minimal amount of tagging, the picnic tables and other amenities are in reasonable shape. The bathrooms are kept pretty well and are clean.
The trail itself is nice because it is a loop. One can start on either the bottom entrance or the top entrance. I always find myself starting at the top but it only makes a minor difference which way you take.
One thing that was added since the last long time ago visit is a couple of benches strategically located at two very nice viewing vistas. I thought it was great to be able to just sit on a bench in the woods and look from Aiea to Mt. Kaala or down on to H3, whichever stirs your soup.
The trail is about 5 miles so if you are a Kenyan you'll finish it in 25 minutes but I took about 2 1/2 hours. Not terribly muddy even after some rain.
Overall, well kept, easy trail that has a good length with a few nice vistas that is easy to access. -
Review from Stacie P.
Honolulu, HI
9/11/2011
I love to go hiking and think it's a great way to see parts of Hawaii that one doesn't normally see every day. However, I don't go all that often primarily because I don't think many of my friends enjoy it as much as I do...that is until now. Since I've become a Zumba fanatic, I've found some great friends and people who really enjoy being active and, amongst other things, hiking, so now I'm trying to plan to hike at least once a month.
This past weekend, a group of us from Zumba, as well as other friends, got together to do the Aiea Loop Trail. Although I suggested the hike, I have to admit that I wasn't all that excited about it because it's not one of my favorites simply because 1) I don't think it has much to offer in terms of scenery and majestic views, 2) what is available to look at is pretty much the same throughout the hike and 3) there's no waterfall. However, I will admit that after doing the hike this past weekend I've come to appreciate it more but not the mud!
I, like another reviewer, have found that it behooves anyone to park in the first of the 2 upper lots that way when you finish the hike you don't have to trek up the steep road back to the car. However, I tend to park in the first lot, hike up the steep road and start the trail from it's official beginning that way when I finish I end at the picnic site and my car is right there; I've never actually thought to start the hike backwards, which makes more sense. However, this time when I went there wasn't any parking in the first lot (or so I thought. Apparently I didn't see the other lot that was off to the side) and ended up parking at the top.
On this day we started out at the "official" beginning. Our group of 8 started out at a good pace but quickly separated into 2 groups because 1) a friend of mine that I had invited wasn't at the same "zumba" speed as the rest of the group and I felt I should stay back and hang with her and 2) the mud. Before going out, another friend of mine I had invited warned me about the mud but I didn't recall the trail being as muddy as it was considering it's located in Central Oahu, which tends to be dry, and not on the Windward side, which tends to get more rain. Anyway, the beginning of the trail had several muddy sections that we had to traverse in an effort to avoid getting wet, dirty and sinking into mud-like quick sand. There was a lot of squish, squish, squishing sounds that could be heard until we got to dryer land, at which point the hiking became easy. The trail offers wide and flat areas to walk through with the occasional tree that had to be traversed due to the fact that it was lying across the path. It's not until the end of the hike that you begin to get a 2nd workout since there is an ascent/climb out of the gulch; on this particular day it was hot and humid so I was a sweatin'.
Once out, though, you enter a nice grassy area with picnic tables where you can rest and have lunch and enjoy being outdoors. We, on the other hand, had plans to get some shave ice so we quickly continued on from the end of the trail and back up to our cars, tackling the steep road. Some of us took the added workout slowly and walked while my 12 year old niece ran ahead and then lost steam leading her to crawl on all 4s to the top and, even laying out in the middle of the road to rest.
It was a good day for hiking so when nature calls, take a hike! -
Review from kelly k.
Honolulu, HI
9/2/2010
i went on this hike when i was in intermediate, and then i recently went on this hike with my aunty and uncle's church group. the main thing i remember from both times: this is a muddy a-- hike!!!
aside from the muddiness, and depending on which path you take and how far you go, there are some really nice views. it really is a fairly easy hike, so anyone and everyone can do it. it's more of a nature-y one so be prepared to see lots of trees and other plant life. there also some great views of the H-3 (there's also a path that leads to the H-3 from one of the resting points!). another interesting you may want to look at is the little valley where a plane crashed. there are some left over pieces but i think in the past, people have stolen some other pieces of the plane.
just remember: prepare for muddiness! and don't forget your camera! happy hiking :)Listed in: healthy and happy :)
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Review from Sky S.
Aiea, HI
9/6/2009
Easy 4 and a half miles.
I love to park a car by the exit(?) then go up the hill. (I call it "killer hill!")
Then start a trail.
That way, you don't have to go up the steep hill in the end.
I love this trail because you get a best view of this island.
Diamond head, Kaneohe, Ewa, H-3, Airport, Pearl harbor and Koolau Mountains.
Most of trail is in shade so no sweat.
Also, it's up high so no mosquitoes!! That's the best part! -
Review from pat m.
Kaneohe, HI
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
can someone remind me to practice what I preach!!! LOL! did this trail one morning when I was supposed to go out to kaena pt. forgot about all the rain the night before... MUDDY!! SLIPPERY!! i was also looking for an offshoot trail and went sideways and wrapped a tree with my stomach, but saved my phone! :) i would do this one again.. when it hasnt rained for a while... unlikely in aiea heights!!
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Review from Eugene G.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2008
A hike I remember from childhood (I'd been going since I learned how to grab my dads head tightly while he ran, then again with the bro) with plenty of fruit growing slightly off the path. Nothings changed, with the exception of the fairly recent unfortunate event ( http://starbulletin.co... ).
Good for older children who are up to the challenge, unless you don't mind carrying your little one.
