Ohana Trail Switchbacks

The Ohana Trail offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, winding through a lush native forest with diverse singletrack. You'll navigate challenging switchbacks and enjoy flowy sections with berms, all while catching sporadic glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, the Olomana Peaks, and the Kailua and Waimanalo coastlines. The trail provides a balanced ride, combining technical features with enjoyable descents.

This 7.0-mile (11.3 km) route, with 892 feet (272 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete. While Komoot rates it as easy, the trail is generally considered intermediate due to its demanding switchbacks and undulating terrain. It's best suited for riders with moderate mountain biking skills and fitness.

Maintained by the Oahu Mountain Bike Ohana (OMBTO), the Ohana Trail is a well-regarded destination on Oahu. It can be busy on weekends, so consider a weekday ride for a more peaceful experience. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially after rain, as this can add to the challenge.

The Ohana Trail Switchbacks loop from Kailua High School delivers a vibrant mountain biking experience, winding through Oahu's lush native forest. You'll tackle a series of challenging switchbacks that climb the eastern slope of Olomana Mountain, eventually opening up to stunning "peak-a-boo" views of the Olomana Peaks, Kailua, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail then offers flowy, bermed sections and undulating terrain, making for an engaging ride that feels distinctly tropical.

Planning your ride on this 17.5-mile (28.2 km) loop, which features 2103 feet (641 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 34 minutes, is straightforward from Kailua High School. However, be aware that the trail can get very muddy and slippery after rain, so it's best to check conditions beforehand. This moderate route is shared with hikers and runners, so always be ready to yield and share the path.

Built and maintained by the Oahu Mountain Bike Ohana (OMTBO), this trail is a testament to community effort, offering a well-kept singletrack experience. While not overly technical, its intermediate rating comes from the challenging switchbacks and some steep descents, making it a rewarding ride for those with moderate mountain biking skills. It's a great way to experience the best mountain biking trails Kailua Oahu has to offer, combining a good workout with memorable Hawaiian vistas.