Mount Olomana Trail ("Three Peaks"): A Thrilling and Stunning Oahu Scramble
- Stephen Warner
- Nov 25, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
The mountain known as Three Peaks—Olomana, Pakuʻi, and Ahiki—is one of the most iconic landmarks on Oʻahu’s windward side. And while it’s possible to summit all three, it’s no walk in the park. This trail often feels more like a climb than a hike, with steep scrambles, rope-assisted sections, and razor-thin ridgelines. Whether you go for just the first peak or tackle all three, this is a hike you’ll never forget.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Olomana Trail |
Distance | 4.5 miles / 7.5 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 3-5 hours |
Elevation gain | 1,650 ft / 500 m |
Highest point | 1,400 ft / 420 m (Olomana, first peak) |
Permits / fees | No |
Parking | Side of Auloa Road do not park on Loop Road |
Toilets? | No |
Dog friendly? | No (steep scrambles, narrow ridges) |
Know before you go
This trail is dangerous. The climbs are steep, exposed, and often alongside sheer drop-offs. While most of the route is Class 3 scrambling, some sections verge into Class 4, with ropes provided (but not guaranteed to be in great shape). A fall in the wrong spot could be fatal (At least 6 people have died on this trail since 2011).
Most hikers turn around at Peak 1. The first peak offers sweeping views and plenty of excitement. Peak 2 is underwhelming, with no real views, while Peak 3 is where the true adrenaline kicks in. If you're not 100% confident in scrambling and downclimbing with exposure, Peak 1 is a great place to call it.
The Trail
After parking on Auloa Road, begin your walk along Loop Road. Up ahead you’ll see Olomana, the challenge you’re about to take on. (Reminder: don’t park on the Loop Road near the golf course. You will get towed.)
After awkwardly strolling past the golf course security shack (don’t worry, unlike other notorious hikes, it’s totally legal to hike this trail), you’ll see a sign on the left side of the road marking the trailhead.
The first part is mellow. It is a dirt trail winding through the trees. About half a mile in, you’ll hit a junction. Go right to head uphill.
At first, the path stays fairly tame.
But that changes quickly. Soon the real climbing begins. Scrambling becomes the norm, and ropes start appearing along the trail. These can help, but don’t trust them with your full weight. They’re not actively maintained and conditions vary.
Eventually, you’ll reach one of the most intense sections of the first peak—a steep, rope-assisted vertical climb. It’s definitely a “test your nerves” moment.
Keep moving slow and steady, and you’ll soon push through the last bit of climbing before hitting the summit.
Welcome to Peak One: Olomana—the highest of the three. The views from here are phenomenal. You’ll get sweeping vistas up the windward coast and along the rugged Koʻolau ridges. Ahead, you’ll see Peak 2 (Pakuʻi) on the left and Peak 3 (Ahiki) on the right.
From Olomana, the trip to Pakuʻi is short. It's only ~10 minutes with minor scrambling. Nothing too intense. But heading to Ahiki is a whole different story…
This is where things get real. I remember the first time I saw the start of the descent to Ahiki it felt like dropping into a double black diamond ski run. You can’t see the bottom, just this steep drop-off straight ahead. I call this the first clench moment, because, well, certain muscles get real tense.
Looking back up, you can see how steep that descent really is. I always end up relying on the ropes a little more than I want to in this section. Move slowly, distribute your weight, and focus.
After it levels out, you’ll hit Clench Moment #2—a narrow ridge around a rock outcrop with a sharp drop to your left. There are ropes, but the exposure is legit.
Make it through that and you’re rewarded with the keyhole—a cool rock formation and great spot for a breather or photo.
But right after the keyhole comes Clench Moment #3—a vertical rope climb with exposure on both sides. This part feels sketchy even on the way up. But descending it later? That’s where things get spicy.
A bit more scrambling, and you’ll arrive at Peak 3: Ahiki. Your heart will likely be pounding—partly from the physical effort, partly from the adrenaline. Take a moment, take in the view, and breathe. You did it.
Now? Time to do it all in reverse. Yep, every rope, scramble, and clench moment… again. Isn’t this hike awesome?
SS Reflections
The first time I did this trail, I was scared s**tless. Descending that ridge after the second peak, I genuinely thought I might fall. Every step felt like life-or-death.
But I didn’t fall. I made it to the third peak. And I felt alive. I had conquered my fear and I was excited for the way back. That day, something clicked.
I’ve done this hike many times since, and it's become my favorite on Oʻahu. Yes, the views are spectacular. But what made this trail special was how it helped me confront those inner voices. The ones that say “this is too risky” or “you should turn back.” Each time I quieted them, I found a rhythm, a kind of flow. And that feeling? That’s what kept me coming back.
Other Helpful Resources
Summitpost's writeup about the more technical aspects of this climb