Lualualei Lookout Trail is a 4.2-mile hike with 1,866-foot elevation gain on Oahu's west side in Waianae. This trail offers a variation in terrains: from small streams and waterfall crossings to bamboo forests, kukui nut and coffee bean trees, and beautiful views of Lualualei and Waianae valleys. The lookout trail is considered a part of a more extensive series of trails called the Waianae Ramble.
Getting There
The trail is located in Waianae and parking is available at Waianae Kai/Mt. Ka’ala’s trailhead.(Be sure to remove any valuable items from your car and do not leave anything visible on your seats as there have been previous reports of vehicle break-ins at several of the west side hiking trails.)
Lualualei Lookout Hiking Adventure and Detailed Directions
This trail has several parts, and it is helpful to follow the trail in four sections and pay attention to specific trail markers. Our hiking group referred to detailed directions found on All Trails to help guide our hike. Below are helpful directions with photos to assist on your adventure!
Section 1:
After parking, you will enter past the main gate on a paved road and look for a small trail opening on your right with a dirt path heading downwards (approximately 20 paces). There will be a dead tree on your left marked with yellow, blue, and white bottle caps. Follow this dirt path down through overgrown grass, and soon the path will join up with a wider jeep trail with a gate on the far right. Go left at this trail and continue on this path as it will slowly ascend. As the jeep trail begins to narrow, continue through the tall grass and pass an old irrigation pipe. You will soon come to a junction where the jeep trail veers left and is marked by a tree with blue markers; do not follow the road to the left; instead, go past the tree and down into another section of tall grass. Continue along this path through a shaded trail of guava trees until you come to the Kanewai ditch with flowing water. Cross the ditch and located the tree marked with blue and yellow paint. Take a right turn following the yellow painted arrows; this is considered the east portion of the Waianae Ramble.
Section 2:
Continue on the second section of this trail through a mixture of kukui, strawberry guava, coffee bean, and yellow passion fruit trees. You will continue to slowly ascend through the trees, and you will eventually cross several dry streams, often dry. This section of the trail will end at a junction marked by a yellow-painted arrow on a large mango tree. This tree is called the "Jury Tree", you will take a right turn here.
Section 3:
Follow the trail through more kukui nut and coffee bean trees. The trail will soon become steeper as you approach the base of a rock cliff. Once at the base of the cliff, turn right, and continue to climb along the rock wall. Soon you will pop out at the ridge crest and be presented with stunning views of Lualualei Vally and the Kolekole Pass.
Section 4:
Once on the ridge, head left to view both Waianae and Lualualei Valleys. You do not have to climb too far before both sides of the ridge are exposed. Be sure to use caution as the ridgeline is narrow. Enjoy a snack and some water at the top, and then head back down the way you came!
The Lualualei Lookout Trail is certainly a less-traveled hike and one of the west sides more hidden gems! If you have time to grab a bite to eat after your hike, The Beach House by 604 right on Pokai Bay is a great nearby place to enjoy delicious food with amazing views!
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