Moanalua Ridge Trail – Kamananui Valley Trail loop from Tripler Army Medical Center
Moanalua Ridge Trail – Kamananui Valley Trail loop from Tripler Army Medical Center
2.9
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hikers
Moanalua Ridge Trail – Kamananui Valley Trail loop from Tripler Army Medical Center
05:36
16.3km
760m
Hiking
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Honolulu Forest Reserve
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
8.10 km
View from Pu'ukeahiakahoe (Stairway to Heaven)
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
8.26 km
Moanalua Ridge Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Tip by
13.7 km
Kamananui Valley Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The early part of the road is interesting in and of itself, though, thanks to interpretive signs that point out natural history and relics.
Tip by
16.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.8 km
1.46 km
Surfaces
14.8 km
1.39 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Friday 3 July
30°C
24°C
26 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly challenging and rewarding hike on O'ahu, the Moanalua Ridge Trail – Kamananui Valley Trail loop from Tripler Army Medical Center is a difficult 10.2-mile (16.3 km) hiking route with 2498 feet (761 metres) of climbing, typically taking 5 hours and 35 minutes. This route is for adventurous hikers who want to earn panoramic views and see the infamous Haiku Stairs from a legal vantage point.
What to expect on Moanalua Ridge Trail – Kamananui Valley Trail loop from Tripler Army Medical Center
The journey begins gently through the Kamananui Valley, where you'll follow an old carriage road past historical sites like petroglyphs at Pohakukaluahine and old cobblestone bridges. This section is lush and relatively flat, but don't let it fool you. As you transition to the Moanalua Middle Ridge, the trail becomes dramatically steeper and more challenging, with narrow, exposed ridgelines and sections requiring scrambles over exposed tree roots. Expect muddy and slippery conditions, especially after rain, and be prepared for significant elevation gain. This part of the trail is best suited for hikers with very good fitness and a steady foot, as sharp drop-offs and strong winds can be factors. Your reward for this effort will be increasingly expansive valley views, culminating in 360-degree panoramas from the Ko'olau Summit Trail, where you can even glimpse the iconic Haiku Stairs.
Planning your visit
Planning your visit requires careful consideration. The overall loop is considered difficult to strenuous, so an early start is highly recommended to allow ample time for the full 5 hours and 35 minutes. Accessing the trail from Tripler Army Medical Center provides a unique entry point. Be aware that the Moanalua Middle Ridge can be extremely muddy and slippery, especially after rain, and some sections are very narrow with sharp drop-offs. While ropes may be present to assist, relying on them entirely is cautioned.
Trail details
- Distance: 10.2 miles (16.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 2498 feet (761 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 35 minutes
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