Ala Wai Canal – Mount Olympus Summit loop from Waikīkī
Ala Wai Canal – Mount Olympus Summit loop from Waikīkī
2.8
(9)
94
hikers
Ala Wai Canal – Mount Olympus Summit loop from Waikīkī
06:48
21.9km
750m
Hiking
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Round Top Forest Reserve
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
30 m
Waikiki Beach Pier
Highlight • Beach
954 m
Ala Wai Canal
Highlight • River
6.55 km
Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area Car Park
Highlight • Parking
Tip by
7.11 km
Downtown Honolulu Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
8.54 km
Diamond Head Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
8.84 km
Intersection of Waʻahila Ridge Trail & Kolowalu Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
10.8 km
Mount Olympus Summit
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
14.2 km
Ka'au Crater Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
21.9 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.69 km
6.24 km
4.23 km
2.78 km
Surfaces
7.73 km
7.71 km
4.60 km
1.10 km
796 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (700 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Thursday 30 July
32°C
24°C
21 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly ambitious day out that combines urban exploration with a serious mountain challenge, the Ala Wai Canal – Mount Olympus Summit loop from Waikīkī delivers. This is a difficult 13.6-mile (21.8 km) hiking route with a substantial 2463 feet (751 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 6 hours and 46 minutes to complete. It's best suited for experienced hikers ready for a full-day adventure that bridges two very different sides of Oahu.
What to expect on Ala Wai Canal – Mount Olympus Summit loop from Waikīkī
What makes this route unique is its dramatic contrast. You'll begin with a flat, urban stroll along the Ala Wai Canal, enjoying waterside views and the backdrop of the Hawaiian mountains. This easy section is a popular spot for paddlers and offers a vibrant city perspective. However, the character of the hike shifts dramatically as you transition to the Mount Olympus section. Here, you'll tackle a strenuous ridge hike, often involving steep scrambles, narrow sections, and even ropes for assistance, especially if it's muddy. The reward for this demanding effort is spectacular 360-degree panoramic views from the summit, looking out over downtown Honolulu, Manoa Valley, and Diamond Head Crater. This trail is definitely for confident hikers who enjoy a physical challenge and diverse scenery.
Planning your visit
While the Ala Wai Canal portion is easily accessible from Waikīkī, reaching the Mount Olympus trailhead requires a short drive. It's important to understand that this 'loop' is more of a conceptual combination of two distinct experiences rather than a continuous walking loop from Waikīkī. Plan for transportation to the Wa'ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, which is about 15 minutes from Waikīkī by car. Mornings typically offer the best chance for clear, cloud-free summit views, so an early start is recommended for the mountain section.
Trail details
- Distance: 13.6 miles (21.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 2463 feet (751 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 6 hours and 46 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free