This weekend we decided to explore an interior island trail. With a total distance at about 4 miles, Aiea Loop Trail offers a nice workout but feels a bit more relaxed. The trail is both kid and dog-friendly and you’ll enjoy lush tropical jungle, gorgeous mountains and even some peek-a-boo ocean views.
The trail offers an abundance of shade but it can get a bit muddy in some areas. It would not be ideal to hike this trail if it’s recently seen heavy rainfall. Still be prepared with sunscreen and add in a bit of bug spray if you wanna be safe. The trail is a part of Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area so there are facilities and even campsites you can rent. It’s an easy drive up a paved road straight to the trailhead.
We lucked out with a gorgeous day, perfect temperature with magical sunbeams breaking through the canopy. We started about 8:30AM, I always like to hike early if possible and of course coordinate a lunch out after 🙂
Some areas of the trail have a mess of roots to work your way though. Keeps the landscape very interesting! And then there are some sneaky ocean peek-a-boo views here and there. Just to remind you you’re on an island.
About 3/4 of the way around the loop you’ll encounter an amazing view of the Ko‘olau Mountains and H3 (1 of 3 main highways on Oahu). This is a good place to take a break before you finish the final portion of the loop.
You’ll finish the loop down by the campsites and if you parked closer to the trailhead, you’ll enjoy one last climb back to your car 😉 All-in-all a great way to spend a morning. Aloha!
You like? Pin me!
Want more Hawaii hikes? Check out these.
48 Comments
Support Local: Hawaii State Farm Fair | Aloha Lovely
July 18, 2017 at 6:02 AM[…] Hawaii Hikes: Aiea Loop Trail […]
Stacey
June 28, 2017 at 5:18 AMThis looks amazing, love the photos and makes me want to be there!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 28, 2017 at 5:49 AMThanks Stacey!
Christine
June 26, 2017 at 2:17 PMThis looks beautiful! We live in New Zealand where there are a ton of hikes but we haven’t done any for quite some time.
julie@alohalovely.com
June 26, 2017 at 2:30 PMThanks Christine! New Zealand is definitely on my list to visit. Aloha!
Kate
June 26, 2017 at 12:36 PMThis looks amazing! Cant wait for our next trip to HI!
Erica Penner
June 26, 2017 at 9:58 AMYou took such beautiful pictures!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 26, 2017 at 12:21 PMThanks so much Erica!
Melissa
June 26, 2017 at 9:55 AMThis trail looks incredible! I hope to make it to Hawaii at some point and will have to add this to the list.
julie@alohalovely.com
June 26, 2017 at 12:20 PMDefinitely! It’s a great option, good for kids too!
Nadine Cathleen
June 9, 2017 at 5:39 AMHawaii is one of the most amazing places in the world. It is so incredibly beautiful omg! I have started going through my videos from Maui and aaaah I want to go back! Your photos are so pretty too! Hawaii, I love you!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 10, 2017 at 6:24 AMThanks so much Nadine. I’m obsessed with living here!
Harmony, Momma To Go
June 8, 2017 at 4:01 PMThis looks like a great family hike! I always like to start early too! Less hot as well!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 8, 2017 at 8:38 PMExactly! Then you still have the rest of the day as well.
Mary
June 8, 2017 at 7:56 AMOne of my favorite parts about hiking in Hawaii, was seeing the locals hike in flip flops. I couldn’t believe it! Did you run into anyone hiking in sandles? This looks like a gorgeous location, and I can’t wait to go back and try this hike myself!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 8, 2017 at 8:37 PMOh ya, I see that all the time!! See people barefoot too! Aloha 🙂
Victoria with One Sharp Mama
June 8, 2017 at 6:31 AMJulie! I love your posts. I think I might have actually went on this hike! It’s been years since I’ve been to Hawaii, but, I’m pretty sure this might have been it. These pictures are breath taking.
I wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for The Blogger Recognition Award. I wanted everybody to know who you are and how great you are! To check out the award, check my post at http://www.onesharpmama.com/2017/06/08/blogger-recognition-award/
Keep doing what you’re doing! I’m living vicariously through your adventures 🙂
julie@alohalovely.com
June 8, 2017 at 7:02 AMWow! That is so amazing! I will go check out your post. Thank you so much!
Bailey
June 7, 2017 at 8:51 PMThis is one of my favorite hikes on Oahu! It hold so many memories as it was the first hike I did here.
julie@alohalovely.com
June 8, 2017 at 5:39 AMThat’s awesome! I love the many different terrains of the island.
Nicole Banuelos
June 7, 2017 at 6:54 PMWhat a beautiful place! I wish I was here now!
Anna
June 7, 2017 at 5:51 PMThis looks stunning. I want to go there one day.
D at Be you and thrive
June 7, 2017 at 7:14 AMI looove hiking new places! What a sight! We head back to Hawaii end of July and I look forward to more! Great post!
xo~D
Be You and Thrive
julie@alohalovely.com
June 7, 2017 at 7:56 PMThanks so much!!
Melissa
June 7, 2017 at 1:27 AMThese photos are gorgeous! What an incredible place to hike. I hope to make it there someday!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 7, 2017 at 7:56 PMThanks Melissa!
Elise Cohen Ho
June 6, 2017 at 4:43 PMI was thinking about this and I really do want to go 🙂
julie@alohalovely.com
June 7, 2017 at 7:56 PMYou absolutely should Elise!
Jasmine Eclipse
June 6, 2017 at 3:35 PMI love this post so much, because it helped me feel less homesick! I’m originally from Maui, but moved 2 years ago to chase my love. Now I live in Canada, and I love it because I’m with my boyfriend, BUT I do miss my island home. I’m visiting for the first time in 2 years, in a few months and I’m so excited!!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 7, 2017 at 7:55 PMI can only imagine how much you miss it here! I hope you have an amazing time when you visit!!
Rachel R Ritlop
June 6, 2017 at 1:54 AMahh! I want to do this! Looks beautiful
the adventurer
June 5, 2017 at 9:39 PMsuch a beautiful hike! I will have to add it to my list next time I’m in Oahu =o)
https://dreamofadventures.com/
Nancy at Miles For Family
June 5, 2017 at 5:32 PMLooks like a gorgeous hike! I wish I lived there.
julie@alohalovely.com
June 5, 2017 at 9:18 PMThanks for reading Nancy, I definitely don’t take living here for granted.
Jessica Lam
June 5, 2017 at 4:46 PMThis trail looks so gorgeous – I’d love to come here someday! Hawaii is on my bucket list!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 5, 2017 at 9:17 PMThanks Jessica! I hope you make it here someday 🙂
Stephanie
June 5, 2017 at 12:16 PMI desperate want to visit Hawaii! I love your blog and insta. Provides me so much inspiration for when I do finally get there.
julie@alohalovely.com
June 5, 2017 at 9:17 PMThank you so much! Let me know when you make it out here and we can hike 🙂
Stacey
June 5, 2017 at 12:11 PMOMG what gorgeous views! I’m dying to visit Hawaii, my husband would love to hike all these trails!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 5, 2017 at 9:16 PMThere are so many options here too. Thanks for reading!
Caitlin
June 5, 2017 at 6:52 AMabsolutely stunning! This is going on my bucket list!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 5, 2017 at 9:15 PMThanks Caitlin, Aloha!
Daneen
June 5, 2017 at 5:58 AMHiking trails in Hawaii is on my bucket list! I’ve pinned this to my travel board to revisit later. Looks like it was a great time 🙂
julie@alohalovely.com
June 5, 2017 at 6:00 AMThanks Daneen!
Casey the College Celiac
June 5, 2017 at 5:56 AMTalk about gorgeous views! I love hiking, especially first thing in the moment. No better start to the day than a quiet hour or two in nature…
julie@alohalovely.com
June 5, 2017 at 6:00 AMAbsolutely. My main motivator is the reward of a great lunch 😉
krista
June 5, 2017 at 5:45 AMyour photos are great! ill have to add this to my bucket list! great post, thanks for writing it!
julie@alohalovely.com
June 5, 2017 at 5:59 AMThanks so much Krista!