Route: Printable Topographic Maps Kealia Trail switchbacks above Dillingham Airfield. At approximately 1 mile, the trail crests the cliff, becomes a dirt road and continues up the ridge. This road connects with the Kuaokala Access Road. This short trail offers great views of Waialua and Haleiwa towns and the north shore. There are also great views of Dillingham Airfield and the fixed-wing gliders as they soar overhead. This trail traverses a public hunting area - hikers should exercise caution. Wear bright colored clothing and be aware that you may encounter hunters who may be hunting off trail - stay on the trail.
Directions:
WARNING! Serious rock fall has occured on this trail. Please use caution when hiking this trail.
There are two ways to reach this trail.
1. From Farrington Highway, after passing Camp Mokuleia, turn left into the third entrance to Dillingham Airfield. Proceed straight ahead 0.4 mile, to parking near the airfield tower. From the parking area, head toward the mountain, crossing the access road you just came in on, and enter the gravel road. Go through the cable gate and continue left down the road, just past the broken-down airplane and building. When the road forks, stay right. The road will end at a fence lined with WWII bunkers. Proceed through the gate at the fence. The trail begins here.
2. By four wheel drive and DLNR permit: Drive towards Kaena Point on Farrington Highway until you reach Yokohama Bay. Turn right and check in with your permit at the security guard station for the Kaena Point Tracking Station. Continue up the road until you get to the intersection with the second guard shack on the left. Turn right at the stop sign and proceed past the Tracking Station. Once past the station, the road curves to the left and you will pass another intersection on the right. Adjacent to the next intersection is a large dirt parking area. Take the road on the right, heading downhill. Follow the arrow signs along the road, and turn left at an intersection marked Kealia Trail, with an arrow. Continue down this road to the Kealia Trailhead and park in the open area before the shelter. This route requires a four-wheel drive and a permit to gain access through the Kaena Point Tracking Station.
Downloadable Hiking Permit: permits
Trail Announcements: For Current Trail Warnings, Conditions, or Events Click Here
Trail Infomation: Windy, access to Peacock Flat via Kealia. Stay on the trail. Pack out at least what you pack in. No open fires.
Mountain Bikers: Always yield to hikers. Do not slide around corners or slide down the trail. Careless mountain biking damages the trail and causes erosion. If accidents are reported or damage to the trail is extreme, the trail may be closed to mountain bikers.Mountain Bikers riding on any forestry roads are advised to slow down and use caution around blind turns.
CAMPING IS NOT ALLOWED ON THIS TRAIL
HIKING PERMIT NOT REQUIRED FROM THE BOTTOM (see route #2.)
Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.
© Na Ala Hele: administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, under the division of Forestry and Wildlife.
