Aiea Loop Trail

4.8 miles 1,230ft elevation Loop Trail Moderate

If you're looking for a beautiful, shaded hike with great views, but without the crazy steep climbs, the Aiea Loop Trail is a solid choice. This 4.8-mile (7.7 km) loop takes you through a lush Hawaiian forest, offering glimpses of Pearl Harbor, the Koʻolau Mountains, and Honolulu along the way. It’s a peaceful, relatively easy hike with just enough elevation changes to keep things interesting without being exhausting. Why Hike Aiea Loop Trail? Lush Forest & Shade: Most of the trail is covered in towering trees and tropical plants, keeping it cool even on sunny days. Scenic Lookouts: Along the way, you’ll find viewpoints overlooking Hālawa Valley, Pearl Harbor, and even Diamond Head on a clear day. Breezy & Not Too Steep: The elevation gain is around 900 feet, but it’s gradual, making it a good hike for beginners or anyone looking for a casual adventure. Unique Hawaiian Flora: You’ll pass through a mix of eucalyptus, bamboo, and strawberry guava trees, plus massive banyan roots twisting across the trail. See the WWII Plane Wreck: About halfway through, you can spot the remains of a B-24 bomber that crashed in 1944. A cool (and eerie) historical find in the middle of the jungle.

Tips for Hiking Aiea Loop Trail

Wear Good Shoes: The trail can get muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip are a must.
Bring Bug Spray: The thick forest means mosquitoes love this place, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Start Early for Fewer Crowds: While it’s not as packed as Diamond Head, the parking lot fills up quickly on weekends. Best to start before 9 AM.
Watch for Tree Roots: There are a lot of exposed roots on the trail, so watch your step, especially on the downhill sections.
Skip It After Heavy Rain: The trail turns into a slippery, muddy mess if there’s been a recent storm. Check the weather before heading out.
Perfect for Trail Running: If you like running, this is a great spot for a trail run thanks to its gradual inclines and soft forest floor.

Thoughts from my Hike

There are bathrooms right at the trailhead which is nice. Several good views along the way. It was a little wet/muddy in some places, but in reality, that is to be expected for any of the trails in Hawaii. At one point, you cross a stream, but there is a rope to help you, in case the stream is running high and/or fast. Overall, I enjoyed this hike. Good hiking shoes are always a must, and removable spikes really help a lot. The hike ends at a large picnic area. Don't get confused. Look for the wooden steps near the bathrooms and then walk up the road a couple hundred feet back to the trailhead.