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Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 606 Google reviews · Running trail in Honolulu, Hawaii · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Steep reserve trail along a ridge through koa and guava forest & lush native vegetation.
What runners say about Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
“Didn’t get lucky with the weather, but I loved the experience with ropes, and occasional stunning views peeking through the clouds.”
“The hike is quite challenging and definitely not beginner friendly.”
This challenging hike is hidden behind a gated community. But don't let that deter you from attempting. Parking is limited and controlled by a gate guard when you first enter the neighborhood, so go early to beat the crowds and also guarantee parking at the trailhead.
One of the best hikes on the island. Parking is in a gated community and the guard at the gate house will provide you with a free parking permit (subject to availability). The hike itself is moderate for the most part for a somewhat fit person.
The trail starts easy and wide. About 40 minutes in, you encounter some stairs, and from there the path becomes quite steep. As you continue to ascend, the trail to the summit becomes very steep and narrow. The views while climbing are spectacular, but looking to the sides can be quite frightening.
We completed the hike in 3 hours on a rainy day. Obviously the rain didn't affect us too negatively, it just slowed us down a bit. The ropes there were very useful and safe, especially when descending. Don't forget to take a raincoat with you, the rain increases in intensity as you go up.
Trail conditions & character
“Didn’t get lucky with the weather, but I loved the experience with ropes, and occasional stunning views peeking through the clouds.”
“Had to crawl on hands and knees at one point over a bunch of roots, once I got to the top of the root there were stair that were like 22 inches tall.”
“About 40 minutes in, you encounter some stairs, and from there the path becomes quite steep.”
“Parking is limited and controlled by a gate guard when you first enter the neighborhood, so go early to beat the crowds and also guarantee parking at the trailhead.”
“There was a lady that took her dog all the way to the top but you could tell that dog has been on a lot of trails.”
Plan your run at Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecamping.ehawaii.gov
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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