Ka'au Crater Trail
An unmaintained, challenging jungle hike with waterfalls, scrambling, and stunning crater views. Prepare for mud!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less mud, better footing
Ka'au Crater Trail
Best Time
Less mud, better footing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An unmaintained, challenging jungle hike with waterfalls, scrambling, and stunning crater views. Prepare for mud!
"Wild trail! Mud and rocks were very slippery, it was a wet day... treacherous climbing."
🥾 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for grip on mud & rocks. Trail runners or sturdy hiking boots are a must.
💧 Carry Ample Water
72oz+ recommended. Consider a hydration pack for hands-free access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ka'au Crater Loop
Summit ridge
Circle the crater rim for panoramic views of Honolulu and the ocean. A true test of endurance!
Three Majestic Waterfalls
Lower trail
Climb alongside or behind these stunning cascades. The third waterfall offers a challenging rope climb.
Lush Rainforest Immersion
Lower trail
Trek through dense jungle, smelling ginger and awapuhi, with chances to spot native flora.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mud & Challenge
Trail Navigation & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for grip on mud & rocks. Trail runners or sturdy hiking boots are a must. +1
💧 Carry Ample Water
72oz+ recommended. Consider a hydration pack for hands-free access. +1
⚠️ Follow the Pipes
Avoid the stream; follow the water pipes for clearer trail markings.
🧤 Bring Gloves
Helpful for gripping ropes and scrambling sections.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for grip on mud & rocks. Trail runners or sturdy hiking boots are a must. +1
💧 Carry Ample Water
72oz+ recommended. Consider a hydration pack for hands-free access. +1
⚠️ Follow the Pipes
Avoid the stream; follow the water pipes for clearer trail markings.
🧤 Bring Gloves
Helpful for gripping ropes and scrambling sections.
👖 Consider Long Pants
Protects against scratches from dense vegetation.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Essential for navigating the humid, jungle environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ka'au Crater Trail is an intensely challenging, unmaintained hike that rewards adventurers with stunning waterfalls and panoramic crater views. Hikers consistently praise its raw beauty and rewarding nature, but caution strongly about the extreme mud, slippery conditions, and need for excellent physical fitness and proper gear. It's a true test of endurance for experienced hikers seeking an authentic Hawaiian jungle experience.
"5/14/2025
wild trail! mud and rocks were very slippery, it was a wet day (rained for about 10 minutes just before i started). kind of treacherous climbing the trail beside the 3rd waterfall all the way back and around the crater. the side trail for waterfall #3 is a slick muddy surface. At one point, i spent 10 minutes trying to get up a few steps because i kept sliding back down. plenty of class 2 scrambling, and probably occasionally some class 3. there were a few extra difficult spots for me to climb up from the top of the 3rd waterfall until the summit (short lady). That part is also just mud. The ridge return after the crater was more moderate until it joins back up with the main trail. My legs got all scraped up, i was quite muddy, and very wet. I still wouldn’t choose to wear pants though. Countless stream crossings and ropes. Really is a ‘hard’ level trail, requires some route finding, cautious footing, upper and lower body strength, mental fortitude. It’s got all the typical riskiness of a Hawaiian hike and then a lot more. Saw 7 other people. took me 8h 15 min. Used 2.5L water and ran out about 5 minutes before the trailhead. Saw 1 boar.. it ran away."
Melinda Luber
"There is difficult hiking and there there is Hawaii difficult. As soon as you enter the trail you’re facing giant boulders and river crossings. We planned on doing all 3 waterfalls plus the crater. Got to the second waterfall, went up via ropes but then halfway up we could not find more rope to climb. We tried without but the verticality of the trail and the mud just didn’t allow us to continue. The mud didn’t bother us as dirt but it did make things difficult and slow as we tried to not fall every few meters. What’s not great about the trail is that it doesn’t allow you to take in the scenery. You really have to stop and look around. While walking you really have to focus on your feet so you don’t make mistakes that could hurt you. I don’t recommend the hike to people who are not prepared with good shoes, lots of water, and don’t want to get dirty."
Adriana Y
"06/11/2025
This was a super challenging yet amazing hike! My mom and I hiked this trail together as our last day activity in Hawaii, and it was definitely a highlight! The trailhead is a little difficult to find, just look for the sign on the tree, and to park, you just have to find somewhere around the neighborhood. It rained pretty much the entire time we hiked, which made the trail a lot more difficult and muddy. It is unmaintained, which means that there will be a lot of bushwhacking through plants of all kinds, and you will most likely get extremely muddy. I would recommend to wear long pants, I wore some leggings that only covered half of my legs and I got really scratched up. At the third waterfall, there’s the option to either rope climb up the waterfall or go on a small, extremely unmaintained path next to it, which is the option that we chose. The trail that we chose is still extremely difficult, though! There was a lot of slipping and I almost fell down the trail at some point, but a log that was jutting out caught me in the small fall. The crater at the top is beautiful, and after seeing the crater, there is the option to either take the return trail back down the ridge, or go on the trail that will have you summit the peak and then hike the entire crater ridgeline. We personally chose to summit the peak and then hike the entire ridge, but I would only recommend that to extremely experienced hikers! Please be safe, it’s a very fun, but also very dangerous hike that people have to get rescued off of every month!! Bring lots of water and wear adequate shoes, even if it hasn’t rained, it will still be muddy! Overall, we hiked around 7.5 miles and it took us around 9 hours, so plan for all day if you’re doing the full thing!"
Madison Mannino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead can be tricky to find. Look for a sign on a tree. Parking is available on the surrounding neighborhood streets. Google Maps often directs you accurately to the start.
Parking is limited to about 6 spots on the street near the trailhead. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is advised.
Public transportation options are limited and would likely involve a significant walk from the nearest bus stop to the trailhead. Driving is the most convenient option.
No, this trail is extremely challenging and not suitable for casual hikers, young children, or those with mobility issues due to steep climbs, mud, and scrambling. +1
The most straightforward way is by car, taking approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services are also an option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ka'au Crater Trail is a public, unmaintained trail and does not require any tickets or admission fees.
As an unmaintained trail, there are no official operating hours. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No, the trail is largely unmaintained, though some hikers and stewards have added ropes and markings. Be prepared for natural conditions.
No permits are generally required for this hike, as it passes through areas managed by the Board of Water Supply but is accessible to the public.
Hiking at night is strongly discouraged due to the extreme difficulty, lack of maintenance, and potential for serious injury. Stick to daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The full loop can take anywhere from 4.5 to 9 hours, depending on your fitness level, pace, and how much you stop. Plan for an all-day adventure.
This is considered a very difficult hike. It involves steep climbs, extreme mud, slippery surfaces, scrambling, and route-finding. +1
Expect a mix of muddy rainforest trails, slippery rocks, stream crossings, and steep ascents/descents, including sections with ropes and scrambling.
Yes, there are three beautiful waterfalls along the trail. The third waterfall involves a challenging climb.
While marked with ribbons and ropes, the unmaintained nature means route-finding is crucial. Following the pipes is recommended to stay on track.
📸 📸 Photography
The three waterfalls are stunning subjects. The summit views of Honolulu and the ocean are also spectacular. Don't forget the lush rainforest details!
Yes, but be extremely cautious. The trail is very slippery and muddy, so secure your camera in a waterproof bag and use a strap.
A durable, weather-sealed camera with a wide-angle lens is ideal for landscapes. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient if kept protected.
Mornings can offer softer light, but be prepared for mist. Afternoons might offer clearer views, but the sun can be harsh. Golden hour is beautiful but requires careful timing.
Drone footage can capture the scale of the crater and surrounding landscape. However, be mindful of local regulations and potential wind conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Adventurous Pairs
+1🏃♀️ Trail Runners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenge of the Ka'au Crater Trail
Hikers often report getting scraped by vegetation and being covered in mud, a testament to the trail's wild nature. The ascent, particularly around the third waterfall, can be treacherous, with some sections described as occasionally reaching Class 3 climbing difficulty. The return journey along the ridge is generally more moderate but still requires careful footing. The entire experience is a full-body workout and a significant time commitment, often taking 5-9 hours to complete the loop.
Despite the challenges, the reward is immense. The trail offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Hawaii's raw natural beauty, from the vibrant rainforest to the dramatic waterfalls and the expansive crater views. It's an adventure that leaves a lasting impression, often described as one of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes on Oahu.
Navigating the Ka'au Crater Trail Safely
Be prepared for slippery conditions at all times, even if it hasn't rained recently. The constant humidity and jungle environment keep the ground moist. Good hiking shoes with excellent traction are non-negotiable. Many hikers also recommend bringing gloves for added grip on ropes and rocky ascents.
For those attempting the full loop, especially the crater ridgeline, it's recommended for extremely experienced hikers only.
The Ka'au Crater Trail Experience: Beyond the Hike
The trail truly has 'all the types of trail,' from jungle trekking to waterfall climbs and ridge scrambling. The waterfalls themselves are a major draw, with the third waterfall offering a particularly thrilling ascent via ropes.
While the trail is demanding, the natural beauty and the feeling of being deep in the wilderness are unparalleled. It's a chance to 'touch grass' and ground yourself amidst life's stresses, as one hiker put it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit