Kealia Trail

2.6 miles 1100ft elevation Out & Back Trail Hard

The Keālia Trail is a scenic ridge hike on Oahu’s North Shore, offering incredible views of Mokulēʻia, Waialua, and the Pacific Ocean. This moderate-to-strenuous hike is known for its series of switchbacks, remote location, and breathtaking coastal panoramas. It's an excellent choice for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful, rewarding climb. The trailhead is located next to Dillingham Airfield in Mokulēʻia. The first section is steep, with multiple switchbacks carved into the hillside. No shade on the lower part of the trail, so expect full sun exposure. Mid-Hike: As you ascend, you’ll get stunning views of the North Shore coastline, Dillingham Airfield, and Mokulēʻia Beach. The higher you go, the better the views, great for photography! Some sections have rocky terrain, so watch your footing. The Keālia Trail officially ends at a flat open area where you can rest and enjoy the view. Some hikers continue onto the Kuaokala Trail (another 4-5 miles round trip) for even more stunning mountain and coastal views. Descent & Return The switchbacks make the descent easier, but the loose dirt can be slippery, take your time. The entire hike takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours round trip, depending on your pace.

Tips for Hiking

Best Time: Early Morning or Late Afternoon.
Early Morning: Cooler temps, fewer people.
Midday: Extremely hot, no shade on the lower switchbacks.
Late Afternoon: Great lighting, leave enough time to descend before dark.
Avoid hiking after heavy rain: The trail can become muddy and slippery.
Parking: Park at Dillingham Airfield, near the Keālia Trail sign. Gates may close at certain times, so check current access hours before hiking.
Trailhead Location: Starts at the end of Dillingham Airfield, on Farrington Highway. Look for the Keālia Trail sign and yellow gate marking the entrance.
Wear sturdy hiking boots: Some loose gravel and steep sections.
Bring at least 2 liters of water: No water sources on the trail.
Use sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential.
Pack a snack: The summit is a great place to rest and enjoy the view.
Continue to Kuaokala Trail: If you're up for a longer trek with more panoramic ridge views.

Thoughts from my Hike

This was a nice hike with some good views along the way, as most of the trail is out in the open and faces the ocean. It's located high above Kaneohe Bay on ten beautiful acres of trees, flowers, birds and solitude. Not a lot of cover from the sun until the very end, but there is a tree or two in spots along the way that you can get out of the sun and feel the ocean air breeze to cool you off a little. It is mostly a steady incline all the way with 18 switchbacks to ease the upward trek.