The Olomana Hike, also known as the ‘Three Peaks Hike’ is on the east side of Oahu, Hawaii. It is one of the most challenging hikes on the island. It is pretty technical with lots of bouldering, rope sections and tree roots to navigate so your mind and body gets the workout!
Olomana Hike Oahu
The Olomana Hike out by Kailua is not one for the faint of heart. By this, we mean it will not only get your heart pumping from the steep incline, but it may also be racing from the crazy heights. Olomana Trail is a 7.1 km heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii, that features a great forest setting. The trail is commonly used for hiking and is therefore accessible year-round.
It is a strenuous hike with amazing views if you can make it to the top. Thus, it is not for those who are scared of heights! Hiking to the first peak, Mount Olomana, is about 1.5 miles up with steep drop-offs on both sides. It takes about an hour and a half to get to. There are some rock climbing elements towards the top. The top of the first peak offers 360-degree views. It is steep on the downhill slope towards the second peak.
The next peak is undoubtedly not that challenging, but it still has an excellent idea. The third peak, which is the last peak, should only be tried by experienced hikers in good shape and requires rope up!
The Olomana Trail is quite technical as compared to a usual hiking route. While the path is relatively easy to follow, you will encounter uneven terrain with continuous shuffling over tree roots and naturally formed stairs. Muddy embankments and slippery slopes require ropes at specific points to navigate. There is some basic bouldering on the way up to the first and second peaks where strings can be used, and there is some limited exposure. In average athletic condition, reaching the first and the second peak will be an exciting and challenging route.
Que. :- How long is Olomana three peaks hike?
Ans:- the hike’s total distance is 7.1 km out and back! The walk to the third peak and back should take about three hours or just two hours. It depends on you if you decide to turn around at the second peak.
Que. :- How long does it take to Hike Olomana?
Ans:- It takes about an hour or hour and a half to get to the top of the first peak. When we compare scaling the successive two heights, this portion of the hike is the easy part. Hiking to the top of the first peak is pretty straightforward. There is one marked trail that you follow to the top.
Olomana Hike Deaths
Hawaii, with its breathtaking vistas and raw natural beauty, is a hiking enthusiast’s playground. The trail is one of the most rewarding of all of the hikes! With its razor-sharp ridges and the ropes, the hikers trust with their lives. Hiking can be dangerous on this trail especially. There have been three deaths in the past four years, and all of them were experienced hikers attempting to reach the third peak. We recommend sticking to the first peak. Make sure you are comfortable with heights and steep rope-assisted rock climbing. Hikers must be realistic about their physical and mental capabilities if they plan to pursue all three peaks.
The most surprising death that happened in the Olomana Hike was of a 24-year-old man! Four years ago, the man fell hundreds of feet to his death at Olomana Hike. Firefighters had to comb through the trees for about two hours to find him! Finally, when he was found, it was a heavy canopy, i.e., an area with lots of trees.
It was a pretty steep fall that he suffered. Battalion Chief Damien Kahaulelio explained, ‘Air one conducted an aerial search, and we inserted a rescue person who found the man unconscious, not breathing, and no pulse.’ The medical examiner identified him as Nathan Stowell, and he said that Nathan died from several injuries to his head and torso. His manner of death has been classified as an accident.
In April 2011, a 44-year-old Ryan Suenaga, an experienced hiker, fell to his death. In January 2014, a 27-year-old off-duty Honolulu Fireman Mitchell Kai fell to his death in the same area where the previous end took place. In June 2015, a 52-year-old retired Navy man fell approx 200 feet to his death, making it the third casual death during those four years on Olomana. On April 1, 2018, a man was found 400 feet below the hiking trail. He was transferred by helicopter to a nearby park and pronounced dead.
These are some of the common deaths that have taken place in recent years! If you are an experienced hiker, then only we would suggest you go for the Olomana Hike. It is dangerous but also exciting for the people who love adventure.
Que. :- How early can you hike Olomana Trail?
Ans:- Olomana Trail is quite technical compared to a regular hiking route. As an average athlete, reaching the first and second peaks will be exciting and challenging but easily achievable. The journey from the second to the third peak is seldom left alone by many hikers due to the exposure on either side of the ridge! It takes almost an hour or hour and a half to get to the top of the first peak. The third peak takes 4-6 hours, depending on the fitness level and size of the group.
Que. :-Where to park for Olomana Hike?
Ans:- You should park in the Maunawili neighborhood just outside the golf course entrance on Auloa Road. There is generally street parking near the intersection. Once you have parked, walk down the road through Luana Hills.
Mount Olomana Hike
Mount Olomana, a short drive from Honolulu on the southeast corner of Oahu, is a spectacular three-peaked mountain that stands apart from the more prominent Koolau Ridge. Olomana is the name of the highest of the three peaks only, which is also the first peak along the Olomana Trail that links all three. The striking peak has been called “Oahu’s Matterhorn” by Stuart Ball in his book “The Hikers Guide to Oahu.” The first peak offers 360-degree views of the windward coast from Kailua to Makapuu, while the third peak offers challenging rock scrambling.
Que. :-How long does it take to Hike the first peak of Olomana?
Ans:- it takes about an hour and a half to get to the first peak of Olomana Trail. It is about 1.5 miles up with steep drop-offs on both sides. The top of the first peak offers 360-degree views.
Thus, this was an overall view of Olomana Hike. This is one of the most exciting hikes, and we suggest you try this hike!
