Things to do nearPuʻu ʻŌhiʻa Trailhead

Puʻu ʻŌhiʻa Trailhead sits on Tantalus Drive in the forested hills above Honolulu, within the broader Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve that protects the slopes of the Koʻolau Range. The area takes its name from the native ʻōhiʻa lehua, one of Hawaii's most ecologically important trees, whose red blossoms dot the canopy throughout the year.

The trail network here connects hikers to several routes ranging from gentle forest walks to more demanding ridge climbs. A popular option follows the Makiki Valley loop system, weaving through bamboo groves and past introduced tropicals alongside pockets of restored native vegetation. You can also reach the nearby ʻAihualama Trail, which descends toward Mānoa Valley through dense, atmospheric forest.

Elevation gains along these trails reward hikers with views stretching across Honolulu to the ocean, and on clear days the outline of neighboring ridges stands sharp against the sky. The forest itself is the main draw, offering birdsong, cool air, and a quietness rare for a trailhead so close to a major city.

For those wanting to extend the adventure, the Mānoa Falls Trail is a short drive away and pairs naturally with a morning at Puʻu ʻŌhiʻa. Few green spaces in Hawaii deliver this combination of accessibility and genuine wilderness feeling.