Deinfluencing You From Hiking Olomana 3 Peaks
Last Updated on December 1, 2025 by Charlotte
Olomana used to be one of my favorite challenging hikes on Oʻahu. But after my most recent return in 2025, I can’t recommend it in good conscience anymore, not for most people, and definitely not for the average Hawaii visitor. Over the past decade, I’ve hiked the Olomana Trail at least seven times. I first completed all three peaks back in 2014, and I’ve revisited the trail many times since for the panoramic views over the coastline. Today, this trail isn’t what it used to be. I was shocked to see how much the terrain has eroded dramatically in the last few years. There are more scrambling sections than ever. The ridgelines are thinner and more exposed than ever, like a knife’s edge.
During our most recent hike, we passed three separate people on the trail crying out of fear. One man had frozen at a narrow point along the spine, which is a rocky scramble just before the summit of Peak 1. It took a group effort and nearly 30 minutes to help him descend. Not only did I feel bad for these hikers who were having a traumatizing experience, this also created a dangerous sort of traffic jam, where the already narrow trail became congested with people trying to descend and ascend. All of this is happening while AllTrails reviews continue to call the hike “not that bad.”
It is that bad. Or at least, it is for an average kind of hiker.
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Who Should Not Hike Olomana
Olomana is not a hike you should do to get outside your comfort zone and push your limits.
It is not a good choice for you if:
- You’re afraid of heights
- You’ve never scrambled or used ropes before
- You’re wearing tennis shoes, Crocs, or hiking boots that are too bulky for narrow footholds
- You’re carrying a 25L+ backpack (it can throw off your balance in dangerous ways)
- You’re just trying to get a good photo for Instagram
This isn’t a stair-stepper workout. It’s a trail that can and has killed people. The sign warning about deaths at the trailhead is real. Do you see the entry from 2018? That was my friend’s former boss. But most people walk right past this sign, because we all assume that it won’t be us adding a new line to this list.
Who Is This Trail Actually For?
This trail is best suited for people who already have experience with technical and exposed ridge hiking. If you’re wondering whether you’re in that group, here are some indicators:
- You’ve completed prior hikes involving rock scrambling and exposure
- You’re confident navigating narrow ridgelines without relying on ropes
- You train regularly in trail running, hiking, or bouldering, and have excellent balance and strength
- You’re equipped with lightweight, secure gear like a trail running vest and grippy shoes
- You understand the risks of ridge hiking in Hawai’i and know how to assess weather and terrain conditions
This trail isn’t for people trying to test their limits for the first time. It’s for people who already know their limits, and how to stay within them.
If you’re not sure whether this is you, it probably isn’t.
Some Things You Should Know Before Hiking Olomana
If you’re a seasoned trail runner, climber, or mountaineer with solid experience on exposed terrain, you may genuinely enjoy this hike. That being said, if you’re a first timer visiting Olomana, here a few things you should know before you visit.
The Ropes Are Not Your Safety Net
Some of the more exposed bouldering sections have ropes, but they’re not installed or maintained by any official agency. They could be ten years old. They could be tied to a loose root. Don’t rely on them. If you wouldn’t feel confident making a move without a rope, don’t make that move. Period.
Weather Makes This Trail Exponentially More Dangerous
Do not attempt this trail in the rain or shortly after it rains. Many sections have eroded into muddy chutes that you have to scramble up or down. In dry weather, that’s sketchy. In mud, it’s a slip-and-slide off a cliff. I hike with a Garmin Epix that can send SOS and track my location even without cell service. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of the most important pieces of gear I own. If you’re even considering Olomana, you might want to consider something like it.
The Trail Isn’t Lying to You (But the Internet Might Be)
AllTrails reviews and blog posts often make this trail sound manageable, or even easy! I’ve seen people rate it 5 stars and mention someone falling 20 feet off a ridge in the same sentence. That’s not a flex, that’s a crisis. Tourists often survive Olomana through sheer luck, not through skill, or preparation. Locals actually tend to be more cautious, because we hike these ridges often and know how fast things can go wrong. My partner and I have both slid off less dangerous trails before. That kind of experience makes you respectful. Not reckless.
Ranking How Olomana Compares to Other Hikes By Hiking Difficulty
Here’s how I would rate the difficulty of Olomana compared to other popular hikes I’ve done:
| Hike | Location | My Danger Score (1 = not bad to 10 = scary) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makapuʻu Lighthouse | Oʻahu | 1 | Paved and relatively safe for all. |
| Lanikai Pillbox | Oʻahu | 2 | Short, dusty, but not too dangerous. |
| Kuliʻouʻou Ridge | Oʻahu | 2–3 | Steep but ridge is wide. |
| Skyline Trail Mt. Rainier | WA | 2–3 | Scenic, no exposure. |
| Colchuck Lake | WA | 3 | Steep but little fall risk. |
| Oeschinensee Loop | Switzerland | 3–4 | Uphill but secure. |
| Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpīʻai Falls | Kauaʻi | 4 | Muddy but not exposed. |
| Awaʻawapuhi Trail | Kauaʻi | 4 | Big views, safe footing. |
| High Peaks | NY | 4–5 | Some scrambling, mostly wooded. |
| Kaʺu Crater (loop) | Oʻahu | 6–7 | Rope-assisted waterfalls + ridge. |
| Puʻu O Kona | Oʻahu | 7 | Long, narrow, brushy ridge, loose soil and rocks. |
| Olomana Peaks 1 & 2 | Oʻahu | 8 | Steep, ropey, very exposed. |
| Olomana Peak 3 | Oʻahu | 9–10 | Muddy, unstable, not worth it. |
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to get outside your comfort zone, do it somewhere that doesn’t involve a 300-foot drop. Olomana is not a rite of passage. It’s a high-risk ridge hike best left to the well-prepared. There are dozens of amazing hikes on Oʻahu that offer stunning views without the same degree of risk. Be smart. Be safe. Choose the trail that lets you go home at the end of the day. And lastly, please leave your Crocs at home.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute safety advice or an endorsement to attempt the Olomana Trail. Hiking is inherently risky, and the Olomana Trail in particular has resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. Readers are solely responsible for their own decisions, preparedness, and safety. If in doubt, choose a safer trail.
Still Not Sure if Olomana Is Right for You?
I know how confusing it can be when reviews and blog posts say one thing, but your gut says another. If you’re on the fence or have specific questions about the trail, feel free to leave a comment or question. I’ll do my best to help shine some light on this trail.
