Hauula Loa Hike Report: Traversing the Koolau Crest & Upper Castle Trail
A comprehensive trail report on completing the Hauula Loa loop on Oahu. Covers the Hauula Uka ascent, ridge navigation overlooking Kaipapau Gulch, upper Castle Trail junction, and the Papali Uka descent.
Hike Overview & Trailhead Start
On August 15, 2002, a group of four hikers—Ed Gilman, Steve Poor, Scott Villiger, and Dayle Turner—set out at 9:00 AM to tackle the challenging loop known as Hauʻula Loa on the windward side of Oʻahu.
Starting near Kamehameha Highway by Hauʻula Homestead Road, the trek began along the Hauula Loop Trail. Twenty minutes in, the route veered off onto the HTMC Hauula Uka Trail, initiating a steady uphill climb toward the ridge crest.
Hauula Uka to "Three Ribbon Hill"
An hour into the hike, the group reached the top of the Uka loop for a brief rest. Along the climb, native botanical highlights were noted, including a hoʻawa plant—notable as one of the few native Hawaiian plants with a nut.
Heading mauka along the ridge toward the Koʻolau summit, the terrain became increasingly rugged, featuring sheer 400-to-500-foot vertical drops straight down into Kaipapaʻu Gulch.
After negotiating a series of large knolls over faint or nonexistent trails, the team reached an open clearing dubbed "Three Ribbon Hill," offering the first unobstructed view where the ridge connects with the upper Castle Trail near the Koʻolau summit.
Ridge Traverse & Upper Castle Trail Junction
From Three Ribbon Hill, the route called for steep descents and razor-ridge navigation. Traversing along the windward-facing edge helped avoid dense vegetation, though it required staying on the exposed ridgeline.
Key highlights along the traverse included:
- Maʻakua & Kaipapaʻu Views: Panoramic overlooks looking straight down Maʻakua Gulch and across to massive landslide scars in Kaipapaʻu.
- Rolling Topography: A transition into low, rolling hills near the summit region before reaching the trail junction.
- Upper Castle Junction: Reached at 1:30 PM at an elevation of approximately 2,600 feet (~10 minutes from the Koʻolau Summit Trail / KST).
Descent via Papali Uka & Dike Ridge
Following recent clearing work by Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club (HTMC) volunteers, the group descended the upper Castle Trail, making a quick side trip to a stream waterfall before reaching the Papali Uka Trail junction.
The return loop continued down the Nipple Trail (Waiahilahila Ridge), turning onto the Punaiki Ridge Trail (Dike Ridge) to bypass the rocky dikes, followed by a short gulch crossover back to the Papali Loop and the trailhead check-in station.
Hike Stats & Fast Facts
- Total Duration: 8.5 Hours (~7 hours active moving time)
- Peak Elevation: ~2,600 feet
- Location: Hauʻula, Windward Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
- Key Landmarks: Hauʻula Loop, Hauʻula Uka, Kaipapaʻu Gulch, Three Ribbon Hill, Upper Castle Trail, Papali Uka, Waiahilahila Ridge
- Club Affiliation: Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club (HTMC)
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