Mokuleia Access Road allows hikers and bikers to access the trails and accesses in the Waianae Mountain range by foot. There is no private vehicle access to the Waianae mountains from the Mokuleia side of the range. On foot or bike, you can access Mokuleia, Kealia, and Kuaokala Trails.

Descriptions for route, history, plants and birds were provided by Stuart Ball, author of The Hikers Guide to Oahu and other hiking books.

1. Stay on the trail.

2. Check the weather

3. Watch the time

4. Avoid undue risk

5. Read all posted signs

6. Respect other trail users

7. Pack out at least what you pack in.

Paved Road

Historically the Air Force has closed public access during RIMPAC in the month of July and on the anniversary of September 11. It is recommended that you call to check on the status of access in the event that the Air Force closes public access for security reasons. During these closures, you will not be able drive up the road through the Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station at The Kaena State Park section of the Mauka Kaena State Park or Keawaula. The KPSTS land line is (808)697-4311 to check on potential closures.

OVERNIGHT PARKING IS NOT ALLOWED AT OR AROUND THE AIR FORCE FACILITY. Campers may park overnight at the east trail head off of Kuaokala Road. Camping on this road is not allowed. If accessing via the Ka‘ena Point Tracking Station you will need a hiking permit. Stay on the trail. Pack out at least what you pack in. No open fires.

Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.

Downloadable resources are provided below

• Bicycle
• Pedestrain

Cattle ranching and other human activities through the years have destroyed much of the native dry-land forest, leaving introduced grasses, and forage and invasive vegetation.

Hunting may be in progress on or near this hiking trail. Hunting dogs may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt. Hikers must keep their dogs leashed at all times and remove dog waste while on this trail.

Always yield to hikers. Do not slide around corners or slide down the trail. Careless mountain biking damages the trail and causes erosion. If accidents are reported or damage to the trail is extreme, the trail may be closed to mountain bikers.

In the early 1960s the U.S. Army completed a paved road to the Wai`anae summit above Mokule`ia to construct and access a Nike-Hercules radar station there. The Nike-Hercules was a surface to air missile to defend O`ahu against a Soviet bomber attack. Manning the station was the Hawai`i Army National Guard, which tracked the target and then fired and guided the missile. With the development of the intercontinental ballistic missile, the station became obsolete and was decommissioned in 1970. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife now uses the abandoned site as a nursery for growing native plants.

In 1992 Na Ala Hele, the state trail program, opened the paved road for hikers and mountain bikers to access the Mokule`ia Trail and the Mokule`ia and Kuaokala Firebreak Road.

First try to click on the “Get Directions” icon at the top of this page. If you are taking TheBus, click on the "Transit" icon at the top of the search bar. You may need to change the starting address to your current location. Clicking on "TheBus" link provided below will also take you to TheBus website.

If driving, head ewa on H-1 and take the H-2 exit, heading towards Wahiawa and Haleiwa. As the freeway ends at Schofield Barracks, continue on Route 99 north, bypassing Wahiawa. When the road forks, continue on the left fork towards Waialua (which is still Wilikina Dr. but now becomes Rte. 803). At the flashing yellow light, continue straight on Farrington Highway (Rte. 930). Continue on Farrington Highway, through the rotary, through Mokuleia. The Mokuleia Access Road will be on your left. Look for a dense coconut palm grove, turn in. Park at the gate

(Note: This is a high theft area). Continue on foot or bike through the gates up the road. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife does not permit vehicular access on this road.

On foot proceed up the paved access road through two green gates. Walk through or go around two more green gates. On the right are ranch buildings and overgrown pasture with scattered monkeypod trees. The road begins to climb into a gulch and narrows to one lane after a fifth green gate. After crossing a wide streambed, swing right and then switchback left past a small green building. Switchback right and then cross over a ridge by another green building. Ascend gradually along the right side of the ridge. After going through a sixth green gate, reach a signed junction at the Mokule`ia Forest Reserve boundary. To the left is the Mokule`ia Trail, a dirt road leading through Peacock Flats campground. The paved road continues straight to a junction with the Mokule`ia and Kuaokala Firebreak Road.

Accessing this trail requires a day use or camping permit issued by Hawaii’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR). This permit must be printed in advance and in your possession at all times when on the trail. An additional copy must also be displayed on your vehicle dashboard when on the premises. Know before you go! Road or campground closures can happen. For current updates check call the KPSTS land line is (808) 697-4311. Trail users may obtain permits through the following methods:

Method 1: ON-LINE PERMIT SYSTEM - A permit may be quickly obtained via the online link provided below. Trail users who use this method will be charged a $2.50 service fee for the online transaction. The permit will be issued automatically after purchase.

https://trails.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,details,57933.html

Method 2: (Via Mail) - Trail users who may not wish to pay the online service fee may manually send in an application, free of purchase, to the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Oahu Branch. Please download and complete the form provided in the Resources section below (under Permit Application). Trail users may mail your application packet to:

DLNR/ DOFAW

2135 Makiki Heights Dr. Honolulu, HI 96822

Permits will be issued after the completed application has been reviewed and approved. This may take up to 5 business days.

Method 3 (Walk-In) - In response to COVID-19 Walk-in permitting is

currently not available.