Olomana Hiking Guide
Background
Olomana, aka three peaks, is a very popular hike on Oahu. Most only hike to first peak and there’s no shame in that. Personally I have only been a tad past second peak, so that’s where this guide will end. Unless you are an experienced hiker I recommend you do the same. There have been 4 deaths on this hike and 2 miraculous survivals to date. All falls occur when climbing from second to third peak. So, you’ve been warned.
Olomana (aka Three Peaks)
You used to be able to park a bit closer to the trail head, but since Olomana is so popular there are now a bunch of no parking signs there. Once you turn onto Auloa Rd from Kalaniana’ole Hwy do NOT make an immediate left towards the golf course (and trailhead). Instead continue straight (south). From this moment on you should see lots of street parking and cars parked on the side on the road. Be cautious of where you park considering break-ins do occur on occasion, so don’t park in an area with shattered glass (remnants of car windows).
Once you’ve parked your journey begins! Now walk down the immediate left, labeled loop rd, past the entrance to the golf course. There is a guard there, just wave and be polite. From the guard it’s about a half a mile walk to the trailhead. You’ll see the sign for the trailhead on the left-hand side of the road and enter into the forest. This section can be quite muddy and slippery. You’ll pass an abandoned structure.
Eventually you’ll get to a red dirt path intersection, make a right here. You may not notice it, but just in case you do. Now you’ll be going in and out of the forest. It will turn into pines. Did I mention this hike gains elevation FAST?! You’ll also notice the trail start to narrow.
About halfway to first peak you will come to your first rope and mild rock climb. Keep in mind as approaching these sections, always look for the best route. Make sure to look around to the side, a section you may not see initially. Most of the time we found side paths to be easier. From here it turns into lots of rope sections and lots of rock climbing intertwined with pine sections and forest.
Now the fun begins. If you’ve hated the rock climbing portions so far you will not be stoked about what’s next. Boulder climbing. Yep there is a massive boulder you must climb to reach the first peak. Honestly this section freaks me out everytime. The boulder climbing isn’t that bad, there are two ropes and because so many people have climbed it, it’s more friendly than it used to be. Once you get on top of the boulder… that’s when I start to get some vertigo. The first time I did this hike (alone), I had to stop there because I couldn’t move after looking around. This time I had my friend with me so I had a bit more courage and knew what I was up against. Once you’re at the top the trail is super narrow rock (with straight drop-offs on both sides). The view is killer, but for anyone afraid of heights don’t look down here. Look at the path and only the path until you feel stable. The path is just on the other side of this rock section so you can make it!! From there first peak is right around the corner.
The view at first peak is absolutely incredible! There is a reason this hike is so popular after all.
To get to second peak you’ll first climb down. The trail becomes more rock climbing from here. The ropes are also not as great as the ones to first peak and I’ve heard they get worse from second to third. Just take your time. Once you get past the rocky portion you’ll go to a more foresty section which isn’t a bad place to catch your breath and sanity. The worst section is climbing up to second peak. The trail seems to suggest going right, however this section looked slippery to me so I voted to go left up the slanted rock staircase. My friend agreed after going that way it was much easier than the dirt pathway that could lead to a slip and fall. There is a rope there but it’s not great and definitely not long enough. Second peak is nice because it’s less crowded than first. It’s also a cool area to explore and take photos of third peak.
If you decide to complete all three peaks best of luck to you! Make sure to take your time and, seriously, if at any point you feel uncomfortable, turn around so Olomana doesn’t claim another life. Have fun and enjoy this beautiful hike!
