Mount Olympus ('Awa'awaloa): 2 Routes to a Beautiful Oahu Summit
- Stephen Warner
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Ridge hiking Oʻahu’s Koʻolau Range can be a grueling experience. It often involves steep scrambles, razor-thin ridges, overgrown trails, and miles of terrain. But Mount Olympus offers a more manageable gateway into that world. It still packs a punch, but in a condensed, approachable form that's sure to leave you feeling accomplished.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Wa'ahila Ridge / Kolowalu |
Distance | Kolowalu: 4.8 miles / 7.7 km (out and back) Wa'ahila: 5.2 miles / 8.4 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 2-4 hours |
Elevation gain | Kolowalu: 2,200 ft / 670 m Wa'ahila: 1,800 ft / 550 m |
Highest point | 2,486 ft / 758 m (Olympus / 'Awa'awaloa) |
Permits / fees | None |
Parking | Kolowalu: Shoulder Wa'ahila: Paved lot |
Toilets? | Kolowalu: No Wa'ahila: Yes |
Dog friendly? | No (steep scrambles and exposed ridges) |
Know before you go
Expect a few steep scrambles and narrow ridgelines, especially near the summit. Par for the course for Ko'olau ridge hiking but some hikers may find it unnerving.
The trail often gets muddy. There's a reason those ridges are so lush and green. While still doable in muddy conditions, it will make those scrambles more treacherous.
Summit views can be socked in by clouds. Typically mornings are your best bet for a cloud free summit.
Other trails nearby
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 500 ft (150 m) gain
Details: A short, forested trail ending at a lookout with a partial view of the Koʻolaus.
Kolowalu Trail
After finding some street parking, you can head to the trailhead, which is tucked between houses at the end of Alani Drive. If you aren't used to Hawaiʻi trailheads, it might feel a bit off—but don’t worry, it’s perfectly legit. The trail starts off gently beneath a lush green canopy.
Soon, you’ll reach a trail junction. Turn right to begin the real ascent up Kolowalu
This section climbs steadily with well-paced switchbacks. You’ll gain a good chunk of elevation here and get that heart pumping.
There’s one nice lookout along the way, offering a straight shot view of downtown Honolulu. This is my favorite section of Kolowalu.
Just over a mile later, you’ll hit the junction that leads to the summit ridge.
Wa'ahila Trail
From the Waʻahila side, the trail feels a bit more like a traditional trailhead, with a paved parking lot, bathrooms, and robust signage. It starts off similarly shaded, but the towering Cooke Pines here add a mesmerizing touch.
Compared to Kolowalu, this route has more ups and downs, with steeper inclines...
....steepe...and sharper descents...
... And even some "skinny" sections.
Even so, I actually find the Waʻahila approach slightly easier overall. It has less elevation gain and a more gradual build-up. Now it's time for the unmaintained section to the summit.
Junction to summit
Once on the unmaintained ridge, the challenge escalates quickly. You'll face steep, rope-assisted climbs. These can be especially tricky if the trail is muddy.
Soon you’ll hit a flat stretch of ridge, perfect for a breather and a chance to soak in those iconic views of Diamond Head and Honolulu.
Because that is what lies ahead of us. That eroded section of ridge marks the final climb and is the toughest part of the hike.
Here’s that scramble. If dry, you likely won’t need the rope, but in wet conditions… prepare for a few slips. Thankfully, it’s not exposed. The main risk is your pride (and a muddy butt).
A downward view of that ascent.
And just like that, you’ve reached the summit! Kind of. Mount Olympus doesn’t really have a prominent peak, it’s more of a long, undulating ridge. My advice? Wander along and find your own perfect perch.
Ahead lies the iconic Three Peaks on the windward side, one of my all-time favorite hikes.
To the east, catch a glimpse of Kaʻau Crater, a wild Koʻolau ridge adventure with waterfall climbs and more.
And looking north, the sweeping spine of the Koʻolau Summit Trail (KST) unfurls toward the North Shore. It’s a view that never gets old.
SS Reflections
After exploring countless Koʻolau ridge hikes over the years, a few always make the short list for repeats. Mount Olympus is one of them.
It’s that perfect combo: a reasonable drive, just enough challenge to feel earned, and those classic 360° Oʻahu views. A satisfying, moderate-length adventure that keeps pulling me back.
Other helpful resources
Where we went next's post about this trail
