About this Event
Protecting the Kaiwi Coastline—from mauka to makai—is a generational community vision more than five decades in the making. In 2017, the community achieved a defining milestone: preserving the final 182 acres of mauka land and completing protection of one of Hawaiʻi’s most beautiful stretches of undeveloped coastline.
In 2018, the Kaiwi Coalition marked this historic community conservation victory with an inaugural hike for supporters. Join Kaiwi Explorations 2026 for a guided adventure across the property, where you’ll experience its natural and cultural treasures firsthand and discover the plans shaping its ongoing stewardship.
PARKING UPDATE: Parking this year will be courtesy of the Hawaii Kai Golf Course on the Kaiwi coast off Kalanianaʻole Highway, look for the Kaiwi Explorations sign at the entrance and parking arrows.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7TH - GUIDED HIKES
We are offering guided hikes on Saturday November 7th, with groups of 15 starting to hike at the below times.
- Moderate Hike Times: 6:30am, 6:45am, 7:30am, 8:30am
- Advanced Hike Times: 6:00am, 6:15am, 7:00am, 8:00am
Two types of guided hikes are offered on Saturday:
Moderate hike - This is a little more than 2 miles total and can take about 2 hours to complete. The trail is wide and runs along an old jeep road. The slope is moderate with an elevation gain of 400 feet. Native plants and cultural history will be highlighted on this path that leads to a nice viewpoint facing south, overlooking the golf course and the Wāwāmalu/Sandy Beach coastline.
Advanced hike - This roughly 2.5-3 hour hike continues past the endpoint of the ‘moderate hike’ to the Koʻolau summit ridge. This rugged path leads to the cliff above Makapuʻu and Sea Life Park with dramatic views along the Windward Oahu Coastline. The total elevation gain is 700 feet. The mauka end of this trail is very rocky and uneven with a few steep sections. This hike is suitable for more adventurous and experienced hikers.
*Note - Guided hike groups stay together, therefore hike times may vary depending on the speed of the group as a whole.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8TH - SELF GUIDED HIKES
We are offering self-guided hikes on Sunday November 8th, with groups of 20 starting to hike at the below times.
- 6:00am, 6:30am, 7:00am, 7:30am, 8:00am
With this option you can explore the advanced or moderate hike at your own pace as far as you're comfortable. Trail ambassadors will be stationed at key points along the trail and will be available to ensure hikers remain on route and provide information. All hikers must sign out and complete their hikes by 11:30am.
SPACE IS LIMITED. Each year we have a waitlist, so please be thoughtful about your availability when registering and only sign up if you are certain you can attend.
The area is very hot and dry. You will need a long sleeve shirt, long pants, hat for sun protection, good hiking boots or outdoor shoes (no slippers), and raingear if the weather calls for it. Be prepared for the heat, which builds up after 9 AM. Pack plenty of water (at least 2 quarts) and energy snacks. For early morning hikers, please bring a headlamp or flashlight. Children under 6 may find either hike challenging.
Pledge to be Present
Advanced-hike participants must not post photos or videos of the summit views above Makapuʻu on social media. Access to this private property is granted only for this event, and this restriction helps deter trespassing. Mahalo!
Opt-In to Receive Future Communications
You can opt-in to receive marketing emails at checkout. By checking the box, you agree to receive Kaiwi communications from Livable Maunalua Hui and important updates about Trust for Public Land's work and how you can help protect public land and create parks for people.
Registration will close on Friday November 6th.
Event venue & nearby stays
1298 Mokuhano St, 1298 Mokuhano Street, Honolulu, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.