We Hiked the Tallest Peak on Oʻahu

For me, summiting hills or mountains, regardless of elevation, is worthy of celebration, especially now: I’ve just trekked 4,025 feet to the tallest peak on O‘ahu, and it wasn’t easy.  

Every year I aspire to complete an epic expedition in Hawai‘i and venture to places where few people have gone. Witnessing nearly untouched, endemic ecosystems provides an unrivaled experience and rare glimpses into the Islands’ natural history. From hiking the Kaupō Gap into Haleakalā National Park on Maui to gazing at the Nāpali Coast from the Awa‘awapuhi Trail in Kōke‘e State Park on Kaua‘i, these less-wandered hikes are some of the most difficult yet remarkable ones.  

This year my sights were set on hiking to the summit of Mount Ka‘ala.  

With a peak just above 4,000 feet, it’s the highest point on O‘ahu. The rugged slopes are part of the Wai‘anae Mountains, and carved into them are valleys including Nānākuli, Lualualei, Wai‘anae and Mākaha. Driving along the Leeward Coast, Mount Ka‘ala’s grandeur is striking.  

For some experienced hikers, 4,000 feet isn’t intimidating, but completing this 6.8-mile out-and-back trail is no small feat. It’s steep. 

View of the North Shore from Mt. Ka‘ala.
Photo: Noah Lang/noahlangphotography.com

After months—maybe even a year—of trying to decide when to hike Mount Ka‘ala, my friend Patrick and I finally picked a date. We had one week to prepare and it went by fast. Here’s my account:  

It’s the night before our hike and we’re each filling our backpacks with a sandwich, musubi and a few granola bars. We’re also storing 3 liters of water. It takes most hikers between four and six hours to complete this grueling trek and along the way there’s no water source for refilling.  

Our goal is to start hiking as soon as the sun is up enough to light the way. By dawn we’re driving past Ka‘ala Farms to the end of Wai‘anae Valley Road, where we embark on our expedition.  

During the first mile and a half, Patrick and I work our glute muscles plodding up a steep paved path, which leads hikers to a dirt trail.    

As we ascend toward the summit, the trees offer ample shade, but we also come across clearings with breathtaking views. The sun begins to peak above O‘ahu’s Leeward Side, casting a golden glow on the verdant mountains. It’s enchanting. 

Millions of years ago, volcanic activity produced this mountain range and over hundreds of thousands of years, wind and rain have sculpted its magnificent ridges. For centuries these fabled mountains have been the backdrop in ancient Hawaiian legends.   

After about 2 ½ miles, the trail becomes slippery and the incline steepens. A series of ropes provides essential support for nearly a mile, as we pull ourselves up slick slopes and over rugged boulders.   

Between all of that hoisting and scrambling, Patrick and I glance back to captivating views. To the south, the island is asleep, the Pacific beautifully still. Past the ridges to the north, we see slivers of Mākua Beach and Keawa‘ula Bay, also known as Yokohama Bay. As we continue our ascent, misty clouds drift in.   

For the next mile we continue to pull ourselves up ropes. And we’re still sliding in the mud: This hike is strenuous and not for the faint of heart or ill-equipped. It’s challenging and like any hike, it can be dangerous. While it doesn’t traverse ridges with hundred-foot drops, the high elevation and cloud cover make the trail and ropes slippery. Any misstep could lead to serious injury. We move carefully and methodically.  

After nearly three hours of hiking, we cross the gate into the Ka‘ala Natural Area Reserve, a misty native Hawaiian rainforest. Amid the lush foliage of native plants, I spot a bright red ‘ōhi‘a lehua.   

We’re among some of the rarest and most threatened species in the world. But in this sanctuary, these plants are thriving. The hapu‘u fern flourishes in high altitude areas that are constantly moist. Here, the lapalapa is an integral species of the cloud forest, creating the canopy with the ‘ōhi‘a lehua and other native trees.

Across the Ka‘ala Natural Area Reserve’s 1,100 acres, rare endemic Hawaiian plants and animals  
are protected.
Photo: Noah Lang/noahlangphotography.com

As we pass through a second gate within the reserve, we walk along a narrow boardwalk. Across the Ka‘ala Natural Area Reserve’s 1,100 acres, rare endemic Hawaiian plants and animals are protected. It’s critical to stay on the boardwalk to prevent harm to this fragile ecosystem.  

For three-quarters of a mile, Patrick and I trek on the boardwalk in silence, save for the sound of plants swaying in the breeze. It’s an ethereal journey through one of Hawai‘i’s three accessible montane wet forests.  

We cross another gate to exit the reserve and enter a fenced military facility. We’re standing on a northern section of the Wai‘anae Mountains, having just hiked 4,025 feet to O‘ahu’s highest peak.   

During the summer, I’ve been told you can see the North Shore from here, but today wispy clouds block the view. We’ve completed the trek to the summit in three hours—and as Patrick and I rest on the damp grass, waves of awe, accomplishment and relief wash over us.   

It takes us three more hours to return to the dirt parking lot where we started. During our descent, we scoot down mudslides and clench hard to the ropes. With burning calves, a few scrapes, and caked with mud, we’re eager to dive into the ocean.   

As we approach the parking lot, I look back to Mount Ka‘ala. This grand mountain was standing here long before us and will be here long after we’re gone. And as we look, we reflect on how people have impacted these Islands and the planet. While humans may continue to thrive on this Earth for many generations to come, the endemic trees and species we saw today might not be so lucky.   

To hike and travel in Hawai‘i provides explorers an opportunity to witness the Islands’ incredible natural history. It also allows us to ask critical questions on how we can all be better stewards as travelers and in our own communities. 

Tips for Hiking Mount Ka‘ala 

• Start early and prepare to hike for at least six hours.  
• Hike with a partner and bring a fully charged cell phone.  
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Regular running shoes are not recommended.  
• Bring at least 3 liters of water and pack snacks.  
• Gloves are useful as there are a lot of rough ropes.  
• Pick up any trash (even if it’s not yours) and leave no trace that you were there.  
• Do not leave valuables in your car. 

Born and raised on Maui, Grace Maeda is passionate about sharing stories featuring Hawai‘i’s extraordinary places and culture while encouraging mindful and responsible travel to the Islands. Grace is a regular contributor to HAWAI‘I Magazine. 

This story was originally published in our Spring 2024 issue. Buy a copy here.