Pu'u Pia Trail

1.9 miles 721ft elevation Out & Back Trail Moderate

The Puʻu Pia Trail is a short, moderate rainforest hike in Mānoa Valley, offering lush jungle scenery, shaded pathways, and a rewarding ridge-top viewpoint overlooking Honolulu and the Koʻolau Mountains. This beginner-friendly hike is perfect for those looking for a peaceful nature escape without the intense elevation gain of more challenging ridge trails. The hike begins at the end of Alani Drive in Mānoa Valley. The initial path is well-maintained, leading through towering banyan trees and tropical ferns. Expect a gradual incline, making this a moderate but manageable hike. Mid-Hike: As you gain elevation, the jungle becomes thicker, with more exposed tree roots and occasional mud. Some sections have bamboo groves and native Hawaiian plants, making for a beautiful, shaded walk. The trail narrows slightly near the top, but it’s not dangerously steep. The ridge-top viewpoint offers scenic views of Mānoa Valley, the Honolulu skyline, and the Koʻolau Mountains. On clear days, you can see all the way to Diamond Head and Waikīkī. The summit is a great place to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. Descent & Return: The return follows the same trail back to the trailhead. The entire hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, depending on stops.

Tips for Hiking

Best Time: Morning or Late Afternoon.
Early Morning: Cooler temps, fewer hikers.
Midday: More humid, but shaded for most of the hike.
Late Afternoon: Beautiful golden lighting, but ensure you finish before dark.
Avoid hiking after heavy rain: Trail becomes very muddy and slippery.
Parking: Street parking available near the trailhead on Alani Drive. Be respectful of residents, do not block driveways.
Wear proper hiking shoes: Muddy sections & exposed roots.
Bring bug spray: Mosquitos are common in the jungle.
Carry water: No water sources along the trail
Use trekking poles if needed: Helpful for muddy descents.
Pack a snack: The summit is a great place to rest and enjoy the view.

Thoughts from my Hike

This was a short and easy hike located near Manoa, The majority of this trail is shaded in the woods and I ran into some muddy areas along the way. There were a lot of roots, from small to large on the trail. It's was fairly simple to follow the route as you ascend to a lookout point of Honolulu and the Ko'olau Range.