Hike:

Olomana Peak (4.25 mi., 1,575 ft.

To appreciate what you’re in for, take a look at Olomana Ridge from Highway 72 as you drive from Waimanalo toward Kailua. The scalloped thin ridge is a poster child for Oahu hikes, and has been featured in national press, such as New York Times, and others. Be Aware: Olomana is your normal, steep, hands-on hike until the last 20 feet, when a climb is required. Vertigo may set in after that. The second peak is doable for daredevils, but the third peak is dangerous, even for technical climbers. Remember, Olomana is the eroded lip of a volcano that began about 10,000 feet higher eons ago. Some rocks are as stable as peanuts stuck in chocolate.

Begin the Olomana Peak hike by walking the road past the hiker-friendly security guard station, and, about .5-mile later, look to the left for the trailhead. (A sign will say that continuing on the road is prohibited.) The trail starts innocently enough, by crossing a lush stream under a dome of banyans and other trees. You’ll climb gradually to the left and then hook right, beginning the ascent of the ridge at a stand of ironwoods growing from red dirt. From here is a view mauka of the pali, as well as the shark fin that is Olomana Peak. The trail gets steeper and narrows—big surprise—as you continue up the rooty, rocky spine, and you may zip up sections that will give pause for thought on the way down. Limbs of dwarf trees offer a helping hand, and a flat section provides a breather, just below the last push to the top.

Be sure to test the rope that dangles from the 20-foot-high rock pile that stands between you and the big view from Olomana Peak. Take your time going up, visualizing how you will soon back down. After this brief jungle gym, you top out on the outcrop and get a view toward the middle peak, called Pakui. The far end of the ridge is anchored by Ahiki. A few hikers make for a crowd on top of Olomana, just a narrow ledge. Intrepid hikers can use ropes and caution to make it to Pakui, but only experienced daredevils should go for Ahiki.

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