Oahu’s Olomana Trail: Hang on Tight
At four-plus miles round-trip with 1,600 feet of elevation, Olomana Ridge is not a killer. But to scale the three razorback humps on this stand-alone ridge is a definite thriller. This is the view from atop the first peak.
The going is plain vanilla uphill mud stomping until reaching the approach to the first peak, when hands are required. Well-worn footholds and a tested safety rope make going up this initial hands-on section easier than it looks—though backing down is tricky. The second peak is doable for daredevils, but the third peak is downright dangerous, even for climbers with technical skills: some rocks and footholds are unstable and dangerous.
When the day is done, head for nearby Kailua Beach Park on Oahu’s Windward Coast to come down from the adventure. Oahu Trailblazer has details on pages 112-114. The trailhead is on private property at the Luana Hills Country Club, but hikers are allowed to walk in.
