Kealia Hiking Guide
Background
Kealia is my traditional hike that I complete every trip to Oahu. It’s a great one for those who are used to mainland hiking (i.e. not the hawaiian ridgelines), families, pets, etc. Plus, it’s a different view as many of the famous hikes around the island are located on the East side.
Another great thing about this hike is it has many stopping points. If you just want to make it to the top of the mountain, there’s a nice picnic table you can rest at and then head down, however if you’d like to keep going for a longer hike you can reach an incredible view of a military valley you wouldn’t see otherwise. Once there, the trail has multiple connection points to others! So, this hike can really be as long or short as you want it to be. However, make sure to give yourself the appropriate amount of time to get back as the gate does close at 7pm.
–quick story about this hike–
One year out there a group of my family and friends did this hike and got lost! It took them so long to find their way back that when they finally made it out the gate was locked! Luckily they were able to call the guard to unlock the gate for them so they could finally go home! Luckily for you, cell phone reception has improved tremendously up there, so you should have no problem staying on the trail.
Kealia
To begin this hike head to Dillingham Air Field on the North Shore via Farrington Highway. There are two entrance gates, one for the sky diving and another towards the end of the Air Field. Pass the entrance leading to the skydiving, turn left into the second entrance at the end. Once you turn in continue east for a minute or two. On your left will be a parking lot and some plane hangars for the gliders, etc. park here.
If you turn too soon it’s okay, just continue west past the skydiving. I think occasionally parts of the road are blocked so you may or may not be able to make it the whole way to the parking lot.
If you need a bathroom, they are not pretty, however there are bathrooms located on the outside of the building east of the parking lot, on the side closest to the lot.
Cross the street, heading towards the mountain (or if you’re looking at the map above towards the Kealia Trail marker 😉 ). You should see an open area /pathway, follow this as it narrows. You will reach a fence/trail entrance with a sign that says “Kealia Trail”. From here to the picnic table the trail is very straightforward. The only way we have ever gotten lost is by trying to take shortcuts, so maybe don’t do that. I recommend starting as early as possible because this trail gets really hot, even by 9am. Last time we started at 7:30/8am and it was foggy, but by 9am it cleared up and we were thankful to have past the hottest/shadeless section. It made this hike so much nicer. Initially, you will start in the shade, by about halfway up the sun will hit you hard and shade will be limited. Getting up to the picnic table will take about 1-1.5 hours depending on your pace.
Once you’ve made it to the picnic table, the fun begins! If you are feeling exhausted at this point, you may want to turn around there. Continue walking up through the pines past the picnic area and start on the path/dirt road going up to the right. This will be your path for the rest of the time to the valley. You’ll come to a three-way intersection (which you may not even notice). Go right. I’ve been lost on the other path before, I don’t think it goes anywhere and it was not the easiest. If in doubt at any intersection on this hike, always choose the path that continues uphill.
The road is filled with lots of steep incline and even some decline (which I always hate on the way back). You will reach one rather steep section that if you make it all the way without stopping, bravo, seriously. It’s the neverending hill from hell. This is the worst one, but certainly not the last. You’ll reach another three-way split, go left this time again going uphill. I know what you’re thinking looking at this hill, and I know your legs are probably crying. I really wish I could tell you to go right instead!
You’ll reach a section with some grass on each side where you go up and then decline. Now you’re getting close! The last split can be easy to miss. I believe there is a trail sign now luckily so keep your eyes peeled for it. It doesn’t say Kealia though. You’ll be walking on a gentle slope when straight ahead you can continue on a flat path to the left or an inclining path to the right. Go right. In a few minutes you’ll reach a fence and gate. Go through the gate, to the left and then immediately to the right. You should now see the beautiful valley and west-side mountain range! This is a great area for a picnic.
