Olomana

This is no joke hike, be prepared with some water, snacks and shoe with good grip. Don't rush and hurry especially after 1st peak. Most people can easily make to 1st peak after that it gets tricky. 3rd peak that is the killer. It might rain a little so just be prepared, things gets bad when it rains. It's great hike and awesome place to concure fear. Enjoy your time and view out there and please don't go alone.

It was challenging after rain. We lost our way a few times. Park your car at bus stop. But come back before 6pm otherwise they will give you a ticket. Get enough snack and water pls. If you wanna go all three peaks, go early. There are colored sings on the trees, just in case if you lost your way follow them. Be careful when you go through woods. We touched bee net, and we were beaten by bees badly😞. The view is amazing on the top.

This hike is offer so much! Do not miss it! The hike it's about three hours long (back-to-back). The first 3/4 segment of the trail is relatively easy, nothing extraordinarily. The last 1/4 is more challenging but I believe everyone can make it. The view from the top... oh my! I can't describe what is up there, you must check it out by yourself. Worth it. Trust me! (my girlfriend made it up in a short skirt... so c'mon guys!)

BEWARE OF THE 20 MINUTE WALK TO THE TRAIL. No parking near the trail and had to walk 20 minutes. If i had known that, woulda started it earlier and got out right before sunset. Also, make sure you bring a map. Trail easy to get lost on, on the way back down.

Not a hike for those afraid of heights. There is some scrambling, and a beautiful journey for those inclined. Check the weather for rain in advance of attempting.

wear lightweight running or tennis shoes and bring about 1.5L of water (or more if you want). the first peak is the tallest and has a great view. if you want to stop there, that's fine, but getting to the other two peaks isn't bad. you already did 90% of the work getting to the first peak. check out the others if you have time.

Rising 500 metres over the coastline, this chain of three jagged peaks is an integral part of the landscape on the windward side of Oahu. Olomana is a remnant of the Koʻolau caldera, the western section of which dominates the horizon towards Honolulu (see Nu’uanu Pali below). One look at Olomana and you’ll know that this is a hike not to be taken lightly, requiring a lot of scrambling and a stomach for heights. Ropes are provided to help you tackle the steeper ascents, but you’ll still need to pick your way up a few walls unaided. People have died or been seriously injured attempting the Three Peaks Trail, mostly between the second and third peaks, and it’s best to avoid these on particularly wet days. The trail is 4.4 miles long, but will feel much longer. Be sure to pause at the first peak where you’ll be rewarded with an awesome 360° panorama. Many hikers come this far and then return without attempting the steeper climbs further on.

Came for the 3 peaks this time. Great hike. The first time we just went to the 1st peak.

This is no joke hike, be prepared with some water, snacks and shoe with good grip. Don't rush and hurry especially after 1st peak. Most people can easily make to 1st peak after that it gets tricky. 3rd peak that is the killer. It might rain a little so just be prepared, things gets bad when it rains. It's great hike and awesome place to concure fear. Enjoy your time and view out there and please don't go alone.

It was challenging after rain. We lost our way a few times. Park your car at bus stop. But come back before 6pm otherwise they will give you a ticket. Get enough snack and water pls. If you wanna go all three peaks, go early. There are colored sings on the trees, just in case if you lost your way follow them. Be careful when you go through woods. We touched bee net, and we were beaten by bees badly😞. The view is amazing on the top.

This hike is offer so much! Do not miss it! The hike it's about three hours long (back-to-back). The first 3/4 segment of the trail is relatively easy, nothing extraordinarily. The last 1/4 is more challenging but I believe everyone can make it. The view from the top... oh my! I can't describe what is up there, you must check it out by yourself. Worth it. Trust me! (my girlfriend made it up in a short skirt... so c'mon guys!)

BEWARE OF THE 20 MINUTE WALK TO THE TRAIL. No parking near the trail and had to walk 20 minutes. If i had known that, woulda started it earlier and got out right before sunset. Also, make sure you bring a map. Trail easy to get lost on, on the way back down.

Not a hike for those afraid of heights. There is some scrambling, and a beautiful journey for those inclined. Check the weather for rain in advance of attempting.

wear lightweight running or tennis shoes and bring about 1.5L of water (or more if you want). the first peak is the tallest and has a great view. if you want to stop there, that's fine, but getting to the other two peaks isn't bad. you already did 90% of the work getting to the first peak. check out the others if you have time.

Rising 500 metres over the coastline, this chain of three jagged peaks is an integral part of the landscape on the windward side of Oahu. Olomana is a remnant of the Koʻolau caldera, the western section of which dominates the horizon towards Honolulu (see Nu’uanu Pali below). One look at Olomana and you’ll know that this is a hike not to be taken lightly, requiring a lot of scrambling and a stomach for heights. Ropes are provided to help you tackle the steeper ascents, but you’ll still need to pick your way up a few walls unaided. People have died or been seriously injured attempting the Three Peaks Trail, mostly between the second and third peaks, and it’s best to avoid these on particularly wet days. The trail is 4.4 miles long, but will feel much longer. Be sure to pause at the first peak where you’ll be rewarded with an awesome 360° panorama. Many hikers come this far and then return without attempting the steeper climbs further on.

Came for the 3 peaks this time. Great hike. The first time we just went to the 1st peak.

Tl:dr: the most technically challenging hike on the island, takes 5-6 hours round trip including stops on each of the 3 peaks to take pictures, rest etc. People talk about mortality on this trail, although I don't think it's as dangerous as people made it out to be if you exercise common sense. Who should do it: most people can make the 1st peak. Trail from 1st to 2nd becomes noticeably narrower but it's short and about the same level of difficulty as trail up the 1st peak. 2nd to 3rd peak was where the challenge is - lots of vertical rock climbing, path is narrow, and ropes aren't all in good conditions. If you don't have good upper body strength, have knee problems, or are afraid of heights, it's not a good idea to do the 3rd peak. If you don't have good endurance, it's just going to be a long day. Words of caution: try avoid going after a rainy day because the trail becomes very muddy. It started raining when I was coming down from the 3rd peak and the ground became slippery. Better to go with a friend if you can - there are only a few people hiking past the 2nd peak and in case you get injured, it's good to have someone with you to help. Preparation: pack enough water, gloves (protect your hands from climbing), long pants, and a light windbreaker (waterproof is ideal). You never know how the microclimate changes in the mountain. Throw on some hiking shoes too if you have them. You can get away with gym shoes as I did but extra grip comes in handy on a muddy day. Views: view is the best from the 1st peak. Past that is more for the adrenalin and experience. Parking: no official parking lot for the hike, park across the bridge on the side of the roads. It's a ~15 minute walk to the trailhead. Have fun out there!

We hiked the first peak with our kids (ages 9 and 8) who did not have proper shoes (no traction) and the hike was doable. No parking near the trail head. One has to park in the Maunawili neighborhood, outside of the golf course and then walk to the trail head, about half a mile. We hiked the trail two days after it rained so it was still little bit wet and slippery. One goes through various types of vegetations and we even saw wild boars. Several places toward the top have ropes which are helpful when climbing. It took us two hours to get to the top (took a lot of breaks and were slow) and one hour to get down. The last part of the hike is quite dangerous (vertical climb) and we didn't let our kids climb up. Overall, it was a very nice way to spend the day and push our kids' limits a bit. (We did this hike 12 years ago when we were living here and it was nice to come back with our children.)

AKA 3 Peaks, Located near Royal Hawaiian Golf Course in Kailua. Also near Castle Hospital. When you come on Kalanianaole Hwy you get off on Auloa Rd. The parking is straight ahead across from the bus stop. There is a sign saying "do not park on concrete" so you need to park on dirt and grass. I saw someone with a ticket. To do all 3 Peaks and get back it takes about 6 hours. Then you have to walk about 0.8 miles to get to the start of the hike (see photo). You walk along the road that runs parallel to the Hwy in Waimanalo direction and then turn towards the mountain and go past the gate. There is a warning sign saying the number of people who died. But as long as you are careful and it is not pouring rain, it's not too different from other hikes and climbs. First peak takes about 1.5 hours. There are some ropes on the way up but they are not tough or always necessary. There is a rope near the top of first peak which might be difficult for kids under 12 (see photo) There are good views from all 3 peaks (see photos). PRO TIP: use roots and thick branches to help going up and down. Then it takes about 30 mins to get from First peak to Second peak. Then it takes about 45-60 mins to get from Second peak to Third peak. Some one has a box at the top of Third peak where you can leave a sticker or paper to say you made it (see photo). Definitely bring some water and plan your day based on how many peaks and how long you will be there.

amazing hike! definitely wouldn't recommend for anyone not experienced in high elevation climbing - however it is an amazing workout and the view is amazing

I hiked this & many other trails on 09/12 during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YT. Prepare for rock scrambles towards the latter half of the hike to the 1st peak. There are ropes, if needed, on certain sections. I'm not a mountain climber but did not need to use these ropes. If you need visuals for these climbing sections, they're in my vlog. ;) This trail is challenging in a fun way, I can't wait to go back and hike the other 2 peaks. Great views of east O'ahu and the Ko'olau ridge at the summit.

I absolutely love this hike but it's very strenuous and dangerous at the top so I would not recommend going all the way to the top. It starts with a mellow walk to the rainforest, the 15-30 min in the forest and then up the mountain for an hour, really steep. At the top, there are some ropes that have been left by hikers and those do get replaced occasionally (I've done this hike many times) however it's dangerous because one can slip and fall and there's nothing to catch you. That is just the way to the first peak. There are three peaks all together but the view is the best from the 1st peak. 2nd and 2rd are too dangerous and I've only done those once. Be very careful, people have died on this hike.

I have so much to say about this hike! I loved it. It's now one of my all-time favorite hikes. It reminds me of my favorite hike in Oregon, Munra: https://www.yelp.com/biz/munra-point-trail-cascade-locks First of all, let's get a few disclaimers out of the way: Being in the mountains is inherently dangerous. Hiking is inherently dangerous. When tens of thousands of people do a hike, some will get injured, and some will die. The further you get from being on the couch watching Netflix, the more danger you add to your lifestyle. Some people are content to watch documentaries about nature, some people think getting up in nature's face is worth the risk. I was actively discouraged by locals from doing this hike after the rain. I was also actively discouraged from going to the third peak. I was also told it would take all day. I did this hike after 3 days of rain, all the way to the third peak and I found it pretty tame (I only had to grab a rope once on the way up, and once on the way down) and it ended up taking half a day. If you have experience with technical climbing on 5th class terrain and scrambling on 4th class terrain, you will likely think the same thing. If you don't know what either of those terms mean, you should probably heed the local advice and only go to the first peak and not do this hike after the rain. If you are an avid hiker, expect it to take you 3-5 hrs RT. I thought the hardest climbing was a 20ft section to get up to the first peak. I thought the hardest section of trail, BY FAR, was down-climbing from the 2nd peak to access the 3rd peak. Both sections are protected by ropes. If you can get to the first peak, you can easily get to the 2nd. The 3rd is significantly more difficult, but that's primarily because getting DOWN off the second peak is pretty steep. I inspected every rope anchor on the trail and...most of them were pretty good. Even the ones that looked crappy were backed up multiple times. Also, the ropes and anchors don't need to be all that great ("bomber" as we say in climbing) compared to climbing anchors, as they are only holding your body weight. The views up here are phenomenal. The best are from the 1st and 2nd peaks. The summit of the 3rd is pretty brushy and there aren't really 360 degree views like on the first two. What I will say is that the first half of this trail gets REALLY muddy after the rain. It's annoying. You'll probably fall, but you'll laugh about it. I went up before sunrise so I could have the peaks to myself, it was incredible. I may have sung a couple rounds of the Jurassic Park theme. Coming down, and seeing how woefully unprepared the people going up were (no water, crappy footwear, stumbling on easy terrain, out of shape)...I understand how people sometimes die up here. Protip: hit up Lanikai brewing on the way out, it's less than 2 miles from the trailhead! https://www.yelp.com/biz/lanikai-brewing-company-kailua-4

Great hike. Three peaks. For your convenience, they each increase in danger level, the third being a razorback trail with drops on both sides. Fortunately, the first peak is the highest so if you're in it for the view, you can satisfy yourself after only hiking the first peak. There is a bit of scrambling even on the first peak and more if you continue on to the second and third peaks, so be aware of that.

What a hike!!! When they say difficult, this hike was actually a challenge. It wasn't as physically draining as some other hikes but as you get to the top of peak 1, it gets a little tricky with steep climbs (with a rope) and the path gets a lot narrower. It was actually fun and different compared to other hikes that's just require walking. Just remember, what goes up, must come down. It's always a lot easier to climb up a steep set of rocks then it is to go down. Unfortunately we didn't go to the 2nd or 3rd peak. It was raining previously and the trails were a little moist throughout the hike. Slippery roots, wet rocks, and mud kind of scared us away from the more challenging peaks. This hike isn't for everyone. It's definitely do-able but there are some parts towards the top of peak 1 that you are climbing a near vertical wall and have to use your arm strength along with the rope to get up. P.s. I always like to check the ropes before trusting them.

One of my favorite hikes of all time! It is quite challenging at certain and not for the lighthearted at the top. The parts that you have to climb, there are ropes but they're muddy and sometimes not useful. The top of the first peak is amazing with 360 views but for those afraid of heights, can be scary Bc you can be from ridge to ridge. The hike there was also interesting with differ plant species and such. It can get veryyyyy muddy as it did for us, it rained the day before. Hiking shoes highly recommend but we saw some earth people going barefoot. Park outside the golf course entrance and walk through. There will be a sigh for the start of the hike on the left side. Mud starts there... be prepared!

A friend recommended the Olomana hike to us. I did not know what to expect and it definitely far exceeded expectations In both difficulty and enjoyment. There's a good amount of rock climbing and toward the second half of the hike as well as a super sketchy area at the top where the rope broke. If you are not careful or dressed improperly, you can definitely die on this hike. Know your limits. With that said, if you are careful and don't act recklessly, it's not too bad. Make sure you have good grip with your shoes and do Not come if it has rained in the last 2-3 days. The hike overall and views were fantastic!! we made it to the first peak and this will probably forever remain one of our favorite hikes.

What a burner!! I was initially hesitant to do this hike due to the mixed reviews and warnings of how dangerous it can be. We went without kids and I'm glad - the trail is pretty manageable until you reach the rock area. We parked off of maunawili rd as there's no parking closet to the entrance and lots of signs warning to not park there. The walk from the road tot he main entrance is about a mile - it's a good warmup for the legs before the uphill trek. The trail starts off pretty easy and continues to go uphill with the tree roots forming helpful steps along the way. Once we got to the rock area it wasn't too difficult to navigate- there are ropes to help and plenty of tree roots and indents in the rocks to help maneuver up the rock wall. As with most hikes, definitely go with someone as it makes it more enjoyable. We only planned and went to the first peak and it took us a little over 2 hrs to make it to the first peak. Going down was much faster and easier but still be mindful of foot placement and listen to your body. I wore long sleeves and tall socks but the hike was mostly shaded until you reach the top/ridge line. I did have a few mosquito bites probably due to hiking after a light rain the night before.

This is a quality hike. And by quality, I mean that it has mud, switchbacks, ascents, rope climbing, rock climbing, narrow sections, quality view, and the means to take my breath away. All Trails ranks this hike as hard and I think that is a pretty true rating. If you're in decent shape, can support your weight without your legs, and aren't afraid of heights, then this hike is for you. After parking your car on Maunawili Road (as recommended), you'll head towards the golf course. Just tell the guard you're doing the hike and you'll be on your way. The base of Olomana is damp and muddy, but you'll find yourself ascending up through switchbacks and it dries up. You're pretty much going straight up the side of Olomana at this point until you get to the ropes for the first peak. Now I'm not one to rely on ropes because you never know how strong they are, but in this case, I didn't have much of an option. Anyway, I hope the ropes support you. Most people stop at the first peak, which is totally fine. The views are outstanding. I can't get over the views from up there. But you can continue on. IMHO, only serious and experienced hikers should do the second and third peaks. There have been way to many deaths between the second and third peaks and these are experienced hikers. If you do decide to do the second and third peaks, make sure you have a hiking buddy and make sure that it's dry. Slippery conditions can make you fall and because it's so narrow, you're gonna fall a long way down. I however, do the second and third peaks. There is a lot more rock climbing. There are ropes but again, I never feel like I should trust the ropes because they could break. The narrowness of the trail at some parts are not for the faint of heart. If you think you can handle this, go for it! Otherwise just stick to the first peak. The view is similar anyway. Make sure you have lots of water for this hike. Some bars, eggs, or oranges are great too. And always hike out what you hike in. Take your trash with you home and dispose of it there rather than at the trailhead. Leave it so others can enjoy it too.

I'm not a regular hiker, so when my friends said let's hike Olomana I had no idea what I was in for. We went as a huge group of about 12. It was a nice day but we got started late, like almost noon. Because there was a lot of us, I would say I took us about 6 hours round trip. Quick pointers: 1. It's not your average hike. There are some narrow trail spots. Other parts where you need to climb ropes. Other spots might be windy. Come prepared. 2. If you're afraid of heights (like I am) you might want to really think twice about this. It requires a surety especially when you're climbing some of the ropes. You cannot be second guessing, it could be dangerous. I have a tendency for my legs to get shaky from certain heights and that's not something that would be ideal on this hike. I'll be honest, there was one point I could not go any further because of my fear of heights. I later found out from my friends I was only about 5 minutes from the top of the first peak. 3. Water and snacks are must. We only brought a small water bottle for each person (we were totally unprepared for this hike). Bring a couple water bottles and maybe some trail mix to keep your energy. 4. Don't do think hike if weather conditions are less than ideal. Like I mentioned certain spots ware windy. Certain parts of the trail are narrow. I would not recommend doing this hike even if it's been raining the day before, because of safety concerns.

Had a great time on the hike with some friends. Car got towed though, unfortunately. BE SUPER CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK, see the image I attached. You must park quite far from trailhead. Only did the first peak, was beautiful though. Would go back and do more some time, if I'm with a more adventurous group. TRY NOT TO GO WHEN IT RECENTLY RAINED AS WELL.

Arrived here at 5am to try and make it to the first peak for sunrise. If you plan on doing this be sure to bring headlamps as it gets dark under the trees on the trail (even with the moon out). *Do not park on the loop road leading up to the golf course you will get towed. You can park down the road right across or in front of the bus stop and walk in. This is my absolute favorite hike on Oahu as it involves some rock climbing and has the most spectacular view on the first peak. There are many areas where there are ropes, but we tried not to rely on them much as you do not know how stable they are or if they have been tampered with (could be someone's idea of a 'joke'). Always test them out and never put your full weight on them, just use as a support to be safe. Be sure to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty as it can get muddy even if it rains a little. Some clouds were passing through and it started raining on our way down but it was still manageable, just very slippery. I did this hike about 2 years ago and I made it to the top in about 45-1hour. But his time around it took much longer because I am out of shape. The distance is short but keep in mind you are climbing almost straight up so you will feel it in your legs! Mine definitely felt like jello on the way down haha. We did not go to the second or third peak because the rain was coming in and it can be very dangerous. Some people have lost their lives there. All in all this is NOT a hike to miss! Just mind your safety, the weather, and your footing.

Please make sure you walk past the guard house and up the paved road! There's a sign for the entrance. We made the mistake and walked into a trail before the entrance of the golf. It was scary and all these lawn mowers and litter. We have to come back as we spent most of our time trying to find the trail and it got extremely hot already.

Olomana trail is one of the nicest challenging trails on the island of Oahu. This trail is for advanced hikers who like a little rock climbing and higher elevation. To reach the third peak you go through many ups and downs using ropes. The views are unbelievable. You will see Kaneohe and Kailua in addition to KST ridges. Be careful especially during windy days. I would not recommend his hike for kids. The parking is easy to find on streets below Olomana peaks (Auloa Rd, etc.) Take plenty of water. There is no Starbucks at the top. And finally ..... have a lot of fun!

E-P-I-C. Straight up epic. You like those hikes that make you work your tush off for a view? Well this one got you covered. Hands down. Because if you're not sweating or panting even a little, then boooooyyy you better tell me your workout routine and I need to get on that ASAP. PARKING/ENTRANCE: Do not park on any of the golf course property. Watch for the signs as you will be towed. We parked on the grass nearby. We were warned by some fellow hikers to ensure all four tires were parked on the grass as she knew people have gotten tickets if your tires were even barely on the asphalt. Just a heads up. Then start heading up the paved road until you see the trail head sign on the left. You can't miss it. TRAIL: Here we goooooooo. If I told you it was easy peasy, I'd be lying. I second guessed my cardiovascular endurance. Prior to starting, I didn't think it'd be that challenging. Hammies, glutes, quads. Oh helllooooooo. You'll see an abandoned house. Make a left. Once you get to a fork with an old pipe in the ground, make a right. Up up up you go. The hike up to the first peak isn't all that scary and it's mostly shaded. At the very end though, you'll see a huge rock wall which you'll have to climb. Just be careful. You'll get to the top and be rewarded with such an AMAZING view! A lot of people will say that the first peak offers the best views. You'll see the other two peaks as well and it'll be tempting to continue on. In fact, somehow I got convinced to go to the second peak. Getting to the second peak really isn't all that bad in my opinion. And truthfully, you'll get there pretty quickly. In my opinion, the second peak offered the best views. There's less trees/bushes in the way of getting a perfect photo. Most people will disagree and say the first peak has the best views. Either way, you'll still get breathtaking views. Onto the third peak. The start of the descent down the second peak to the third is straight rock climbing. There's ropes to assist but we didn't use them all that much. Honestly, the sketchiest part gets toward the top of the third. There's ropes to assist but it's still pretty scary if you aren't careful. I can totally see how people have fallen off this. Also, there's a portion where there's a rope through a hole in a rock. You don't have to climb through the hole. You can go around! I learned the hard way and went through the hole...and that was probably the scariest part of the hike! TIPS: 1) DO NOT HIKE THIS WHEN RAINING OR WET. I promise you, you'll regret it. You'll have little grip on the rocks which really is what makes it easy. 2) Bring lots of water with you, even if you think you're only going to the first peak. Cause if you continue, you'll regret not bringing enough. 3) Put sunscreen on or you'll have horrible tan lines! 4) Don't hike this after leg day. You'll regret it. My legs were so fatigued since I had lifted legs two days before and then did a leg heavy Orangetheory Fitness workout the previous day. 5) Have fun!

Top 5 hikes, difficult, well worth it, be prepared Also known as the 3 Peaks Hike, and semi-difficult with easy potential to get injury if you aren't safe and careful. Each peak increases in difficulty. This hike is literally an all day thing. You could make peak 3 after about 3-4 hours. The trail can be muddy and you will want to be prepared with solid shoes with traction so you don't slip and hurt yourself. Also bring lots of water and food as well, you will find yourself exerting a lot of energy here. Note that on Peak 3, there is a thin rope that feels risky at best, so use at your own risk type of thing. Peak 2 and 3 have narrow areas as well, if you slip off either side, you will most likely die. We've done it a few times and once saw some japanese tourists get stuck and have to be air lifted out of the area, so when i say it has risky areas, they are there. If you are safe, unafraid of heights, and prepared itll be okay. Note on peak 3 there is only 1 way up and 1 way down. If someone from your group gets terrified on peak 3 and you are on top you will be stuck at the top, its that narrow. Overall what a great hike though. Strongly recommend if you are properly prepared, conditioned, and ready for a challenging hike.

An absolutely gorgeous hike with 360 degree views of the island. However, not for the faint of heart. If you have a fear of heights or are a poor rock climber or rope climber, you may want to reconsider this hike. You should be able to make it to the first peak no problem, but the other two peaks will be challenging. Olomana is highly weather dependent. I would not recommend this hike on a rainy or windy day. The path can get very muddy and a strong breeze can make certain parts of the trail sketchy. Not worth it. Wait for better weather conditions. If you are lucky enough to have good weather and have a decent level of athleticism, be sure to pack: Sunscreen - beyond the first peak there is virtually zero coverage from the sun Water - better to overpack this. My boyfriend and I shared about 56oz of water and I still managed to get a bad headache after the hike. Hat - sun protection Good shoes - when it's dry, the dirt is crumbly and it is hard to get a good grip. I went in trainers and slipped on a flat surface. Snacks - From start to finish, the hike took us 4 hours round trip. We kept a good pace and didn't take long breaks at each peak. If you're like me, you'll get hungry within 4 hours. Snacks are a must! Other things to note: Parking is a tough one. It's far from the entrance of the hike. The road that leads to the entrance belongs to the golf course and they have security that prevents you from parking there. If possible, it's best to have someone drop you off and pick you up. Overall, the hike was a great experience. I had always wanted to do Olomana and it was not as terrifying as I had thought it would be. I found Koko head crater to be more scary (though it was windy the day I went). Be careful when attempting this hike. If you play it safe and only do what you're able to, you'll be just fine. Happy Hiking!

I felt so accomplished after this hike. Absolutely incredible. This hike is a bit technical, especially if you plan to go beyond the first peak. Most of the hike is a steady climb, nothing too complicated. There's a bit of bouldering and rope usage near the end. I'm not an incredibly skilled hiker but was able to accomplish this hike by taking breaks and being mindful when I climbed. Will definitely go again. The biggest mistake I made during this hike was not bringing enough water. It was a hot day and my hiking partner and I were both nearly out of water by the time we reached the summit.

This hike is so much fun! My boyfriend and I had limited time so we actually only hiked to the first peak, but I'm already planning my return trip so I can conquer all three. That's how amazing it is! The trailhead can be a little tricky to find. If you use Google maps, they actually have the locations for "Parking Olomana Hiking Trail" and "Olomana Ridge Trailhead." You can park at that parking location or just a little down the street next to the bus stop. From there you have to walk about 20 minutes down Loop Rd to the actual trailhead. This actually leads to a golf course, but don't be deterred by the security people at the entrance- they're used to hikers walking down the road to the trailhead. Eventually you'll see a sign on the left leading you to the trail. Although we did not continue to the second and third peak, hiking to the first peak was a bit challenging on its own. It's a pretty steep climb and includes some ropes at the end where you have to scramble up over rocks. I don't think it's as dangerous as the second and third peaks, but you could easily hurt yourself if you're not careful. It also might not be the best idea if it's raining since you might slip on the rocks. All in all, it took us abut 2.5-3 hrs to the first peak and back. We took plenty of breaks though and spent close to 45 minutes at the top. When you do get to the top, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular 360 degree view of the island. Supposedly you get the best views at the top of the first peak, but if you're feeling a little adventurous, continue on to the others. Just be careful.

Note: I only hiked to the first peak. Quick Tips: Start at 8 or 8:30 at the latest on summer days. It gets hot quick around 10. Go with someone who has been there before or is good at impromptu rock climbing. Try to get rid of unnecessary weight (extra keys, DSLR cameras) Maybe bring glasses to help block the dirt from flying into your eyes. Don't wear long sleeves in the forest part. One 16.9 oz. bottle of water was enough for the most part assuming you head home right after. Not recommended for people with bad knees. Parking: As stated before, you can look up 770 Auloa Rd. (Street signs may say Auloa St.) From there you will follow Loop Rd. (as seen on google maps) Park next to the fences but not past the bridge as shown my pictures (police were monitoring parking today). Finding the Path: Walk up Loop Rd. to the guard shack for the Royal Hawaii Golf Club. The guard was really helpful today; letting us know that it may be muddy/slippery so you need to be careful especially at the top of the first peak where you need to climb. From the shack, you walk 1/3 miles up the road. You will see the Olomana Trail sign on your left. Trail to Peak 1: Most of the hike is actually dull until you get to the final 1/4 - 1/5. Follow the beaten path. Do not head down the loose red dirt trail when you get to the split. Take your time climbing up the rocks. Don't be afraid to use the rope. I was huge a punani heading back down. Caught the whole thing on my gopro. There is no kindergartner who can count up to the amount of times I said "F*CK" coming down that top boulder. No one's seeing that clip any time soon. O_O Luckily my friend went first so he could nav my feet for me. Hence, don't go alone. You'll need a second set of eyes to help you get down the parts with blind spots. Estimated time is about an hour going up unless you take big/quick steps. It takes longer to come down than to go up.

Hiked this 3 different times on my last climb others were there I got a good pic. Very scary at times especially going around the back side just before you make it to the top.

Probably the most intense hike I have ever done, this hike is hardcore and high impact. My joints were crying at the end! It was so beyond worth it! Did all three peaks up and back in 3.5 hours. I really wish people would be realistic with about their physical and mental capabilities. Please be honest with yourself and your hiking capacity because not doing so can put yourself and others in danger. I know so many people who do this hike for the photos and can't physically handle the hike and end up getting hurt or worse. I drank all my 3 liters of water but I also did Lanikai ridge for sunrise the same day. Anyway, We parked at the intersection right outside of the golf course since they made parking just inside a tow away zone. Headed to the first peak is where you gain all your elevation, so it's hard but easy because you are on solid ground and not at the top of the ridge. If you go to the first peak, the second is a breeze but the second descending and heading to the third is probably THE hardest part of the hike, just my personal opinion. Lots of ropes, climbing and sketchy rock climbing. I loved it though, if you don't enjoy that stuff I highly recommend skipping the third peak. The second peak has the best view in my opinion so it's not like you are missing out on a special view from the third peak. I ran out of water on the second peak headed back down. I took 3 liters and did a hike before hand so I'd say 3 liters is enough if you are just doing this hike, but you can never have too much water on a grueling hike like this one. I always take food, to me that's a no brained because I am constantly eating. This hike is hard and will drain your energy so bring snacks! Start early because it gets hot at the top and you don't want to be in a hurry when doing this hike. Take your time, be safe, be considerate and please malama aina.

Adventurous hike! I only went to the first peak, but it was so much fun! It took me about an hour and a half it I was doubling back because I wanted to get some good GoPro footage so you can probably manage it in an hour if you're in good shape. The hike starts out in a beautiful forest and is fairly easy most of the way. Eventually the trail opens up to beautiful views and a steeper incline. Maybe halfway up you'll start using rope to assist with the trek. Just before the peak there's a rock face that requires you hold on to a really thick rope with two hands. So much fun but be careful! If you're not paying attention and taking your time you can really hurt yourself and you do not want to get an injury and get stuck. The view at the top is super cool. One one side you'll see the ridge line of a mountain and on the other beautiful beaches.

Great hike! Loved it! Don't be scared by reviewers, it is a challenging hike, but it isn't that bad. The first peak, by far is the most difficult especially if you haven't been working out lately and have no or low endurance. Otherwise it's not that difficult. The second peak goes by very quickly and you are at the top rather fast. Getting down the second peak will take time since there is only one rope and you have to wait for others to get to a safe distance so you can come down without injury, to them or yourself. The third peak is fun with beautiful views and it's not hard at all. I saw a guy running down the mountain like a mountain goat .... totally a doable hike so don't be discouraged. One word of caution: PAY ATTENTION! One wrong step for those NOT paying attention could be the worst and last step you take. Carry a backpack and keep belongings in it. Don't be cute and take out your phone for pics or Facebook unless in a good spot to do so ..... you don't want to do this kind of stuff on this hike unless you want to hurt yourself. But if that's your thing, be my guest. All in all an amazing hike. Beautiful panoramic views. Absolutely breathtaking! So worth the hike in. The hike out is spectacular! Easy up, easy down. Be in shape, take your time, DONT RUSH, be alert, pay attention and you'll be fine. And most of all....HAVE FUN!! CAUSE ITS AWESOME!!!

I was looking for a short easy hike to do after noon Saturday. Knowing all the waterfall hikes would be crazy packed, I loaded my 12 and 14 year old dogs and a friend in to a car to explore the mountain I look at daily from my window. I'll break this down had I would have hoped to have found a review (basically, all I do is in multiple reviews if you put them together). Parking: when you first turn on to aumoe rd, just park. You cannot park in or near the golf course; you will get towed. Then walk down road to golf course, pass security guard, and find trailhead. Someone said 20 min walk. That's accurate if you walk slowly. Dogs: i brought mine. It was foolish. Without a harness and climbing gear, we were carrying them up a lot of rock scrambles. And we only did the first peak. Also, and luckily, my dogs are service dogs (well, one is and one is not). The guard asked if they were and said they had to be to pass. Water: it was hot out but there was ample shade and a breeze. But bring water Bc you'll probably want a few excuses to stop. I mostly brought mine for the dogs. Timing: to the first peak, carrying dogs over scrambles and stopping a few times Bc they are elderly, took us about 2 hours round trip. I'll definitely be coming back without them to do peak 2 and possibly 3. Conditions: the trail is well marked. A lot of the lower down portion is that hard packed red clay. So I wouldn't do this on a wet day. We got dirty, but mostly from carrying the dogs! The view from the first peak was incredible! I even saw my house!

Went up last weekend for the third time. Our large hiking group had some experienced hiker familiar with 2 and 3 so seven of us decided to make the quest for all three peaks. Next level of quest fulfilled! Peak one is now fairly easy -- well, yeah it is a steep uphill hike but not difficult or scary. At the top of number one we debated going further -- and off we went to number two. That's a quick 10 minute hike down, then up to the summit of two. Once there we debated again about number three since we'd already committed to doing another hike that afternoon in Kaneohe. Seven of us decided to forgo our Kaneohe commitment and headed down for number three. Wow, it IS super steep going down from the summit of two. But there's good ropes available and we had fantastic spotters both at the top and bottom to guide us. Once you're past that section it's mostly uphill. The puka is steep and from there to the summit of three is quite steep as well. Lots of bouldering and some more ropes. I thought past the puka was not too difficult but it IS steep and you must pay attention and ALWAYS have three points of contact and NEVER EVER put your full weight on ANY of the ropes. Despite the hot and humid afternoon (by that time), we summited number three and had the summit to ourselves for a while. Absolutely beautiful atop all three peaks. Pictures simply do not do justice for this fantastic hike! Going back was easier and more comfortable since we'd already gone up the peaks and had some familiarity. Still, pay attention and always keep three points of contact on the mountain. Going back up to the second peak was still steep but seemed easier than going down. Spent a few minutes at the top of number one again, then headed down. All in all, it took us about 5 hours round trip to complete all three peaks with about an hour (total) atop the peaks. If you are thinking/planning of doing all three peaks, make sure of good weather with ZERO precipitation, wear good hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and have hikers with you that have already done all three peaks. It's super helpful to have experienced guides from peak two to three. Enjoy.

Such a fun hike. Walk past the golf course security and you'll see a sign for the trailhead on the left. The trail is mostly shady, which is nice. It's pretty steep and after a bit you'll get to some rocks to climb. Followed by ropes to climb up ! It's well secured, but not for everyone because it gets a little narrow with drop offs at the top. Bring water !! Really beautiful view and very fun, feels like an obstacle course.

The one tip I can give you is BRING WATER! My friend and I brought only 2 plastic bottles for the both of us and we only made it to the first peak. This hike is really fun, my favorite part was actually climbing the rocks. The view is incredible and worth it. I almost gave up because I was so tired but this random couple going down told me that I'm almost there. Need to get back in shape to do all three peaks! Park by Auloa Road. There should be an area on the right side where you can park your cars. You have to walk in the golf course, past the security and you will see an entrance on the right. Don't mind the security, they will let you in to hike before 3pm.

You are no longer able to park inside the road that leads to the hiking entrance. You need to park outside, and make sure your not blocking the asphalt sidewalk or you will get ticketed. Like many other hikes, this one is popular is commonly overpopulated with hikers of various skill levels. With that said, you may be passing folks or folks may be passing you even during vertical ascents so be patient. I would rate the difficulty of this hike as 6-7/10 compared to other hikes of similar quality. The first peak ascends and will challenge your cardiorespiratory system and lower body endurance. The ladder part of peak one includes getting vertical (nothing like true mountain climbing) with ropes to assist. Peak 2 is short and certainly not quite as challenging. It provides a good segue into peak 3 in my opinion. Peak 3 is not quite as long as peak 1 and is not quite as challenging on your fitness. Peak 3 does get vertical and can be sketchy on many areas. If you are afraid of heights, make sure you are with someone or just don't do it. The views are best on peak 1 on my opinion. Round trip hike takes me under 3 hours if conditions allow. When I'm with someone such as my niece who is somewhat conditioned... it takes me 5-6 hours round trip.

It's really fun to hike here! Views are amazing! But not recommended for beginners especially it rained yesterday.

Definitely the scariest hike I've ever done. Make sure you park on Auloa street and walk over. You will have to pass by a guard and he'll wave to say hello! Walking to the trail will take an additional 30 mins. The hike to the first peak was the longest and hardest. Adjusting to the altitude will be challenging but after the first peak it's shorter but scarier. You'll be faced with more rock climbing and steep drops. The view is better from the first peak since you get to look out to the 3rd peak but the challenge of getting there was definitely worth it. I wouldn't recommend people to go on the second or third peak if you're scared of heights.

Halfway up the trail it levels out and u walk through a pine forest where the winds whip through and dries the ground beneath you. The long pines create a sort of whirring noise and it's a real surreal and special setting. This was a much needed and welcomed break from the mud we had just battled and the rock cliffs we were gonna tackle going up. This is not Disneyworld and if u lose your footing and fall there's no net and no one to sue. It was very rewarding but u have to keep in mind risks when doing this hike. We did two of the three peaks and getting to the second peak from the first was not hard at all.

Such a fun challenging hike we only completed the first pek but will try again sometime The trail was well maintained and it wasn't as muddy as I would have imagined it to be The views were spectacular

Hawaii is a very unique hiking experience so it's probably best to wait two or three sunny days after a rain storm. Muddy trails don't mix well for a great hike, something I learned when I was a Scout. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/04/02/hiker-24-plunges-to-his-death-from-dangerous-hawaii-trail.html The article doesn't mention the weather prior had heavy rain fall so trail conditions were wet, slippery and super muddy on the day the fatal accident happen. O'ahu has other adventurous outdoor activities to do during your waiting period for major trails to dry out. Kayaking around Kailua, Ala Moana, Kaneohe Bay--Chinaman Hat, and Haleiwa. Pack a bento and take a stroll along Ala Moana Beach, North Shore beaches or Kailua Beach Park. Surf at Waikiki beach. Waves there normally great for beginners. Take a tour to Iolani Palance or Bishop Museum to enjoy a brief history of Hawai'i. Walk or bike Neil Blaisdell Park path. It's a nice view of Pearl Harbor water front. How about snorkeling? Check out Hanauma Bay on yelp for more information. Drive up Tantalus Dr for a panoramic view of Honolulu and Diamond Head. If your still itching a need to hike? Hike Diamond Head. Normally after a major rain storm it's pretty safe because the basalt (volcanic rocks) drains the water very quickly into the island. You might get lucky and meet someone famous.

This hike was perfect. It was definitely worth the view at the top. The hike was demanding, but It was worth the effort once I was at the top of the first peak. I recommend hiking to the second peak because it is very close and it is cool to hike to more than one peak!

Olomana, or Three Peaks, is a hiking trail that as its name suggests, goes up and between three mountain peaks. It is notorious for being one of Honolulu's most exhilarating and badass, but also dangerous hikes. I feel like everyone who successfully completes the hike loves it (as evidenced by all the 5-star Yelp reviews), while everyone else... well, they're probably dead. And that's not even an exaggeration. My group and I only hiked up to the first peak, which apparently has the best view and I THINK is probably the safest. I have read that most deaths/accidents occur between the 2nd and 3rd peaks, so if you're not a seasoned hiker, maybe just stick with the first one, and I think you'll still get a very satisfying experience. I found the trail to be a good balance - it was not too too challenging, but had enough going on to keep me on my toes so I was never bored. I actually really enjoyed the parts where you have to climb up giant rock faces holding on to ropes, because where else are you going to do something like that? Note that the ropes are not checked/maintained by the government or anyone else, so use at your own risk. I definitely definitely suggest checking the weather beforehand. My group had the misfortune of doing the hike on a rainy day, so not only did it make it more challenging, slippery, and muddy, but it was also cold and foggy at the top, so we didn't get to fully enjoy the view, although we still felt the feeling of accomplishment. But in general this is not the kind of hike you want to do in the rain - coming down the mountain when the trail is wet and slippery is fairly terrifying, and there's a 90% chance you'll slip in the mud at some point because all four of us did and it was disgusting. Besides the whole getting covered in mud part, I really enjoyed this hike and would definitely want to do it again and attempt all three peaks on a nice day! Great activity that's a little off the beaten track - super fun, great workout, and will allow you to get your adrenaline kick for the day.

Great hike. Lots of views and trail variety. It's a lot of stair, and no restroom. Be ready to pee behind some brush if you've to got to go.

Parking overview- park on maunawili rd. Make sure to be on the grass not asphalt otherwise you will get a ticket. Saw two cars get tickets $35 fine. Trail is awesome, 3 sections of rope climbing. Round trip about 3 hours of time. Easy to follow trail, left at the abandoned house and just keep going up. Have fun!

This is one of my favorites from my recent trip to Oahu. It's not a strenuous hike since it's pretty short. The reviews definitely make it seem pretty intimidating (which is a good thing because we were pretty prepared). We went early on a weekday (parked by 7 AM) and didn't see anyone else until we made our way down. A lot of this has been said before but I will reiterate since I saw a lot of unprepared people on the trail. You will need: - shoes with traction (it can get slippery with the exposed & smooth tree roots) - gloves (extra grip is great & the last rope is pretty thick. I recommend Mad Grips gloves) - Camelbak (so you don't have to carry your water in your hands & worry about scaling up/down rock faces) PARKING: There is no parking on Loop Road. They will tow your car or ticket you. We parked on Maunawili Road and were fine.

Worth it! Towards the upper part of the hike there's a bit of rock climbing involved which made it fun, but not for the faint of heart. The view is amazing!! Make sure to bring some snacks and also to make sure you take your trash back with you. Let's keep Hawaii beautiful, yeah?!

As I prepare to hike Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) I can only deem this hike as a precursor of what's to come. Olomana is a hike that hits all the body points. In addition to hiking, you will be rigorously climbing, lots of upper body strength involved, the whole nine yards. It. Is. Worth it. It is an incline hike all the way to the top. The beginning is shady and tropical-like and you climb up through trees until you begin hitting the rock climbing points. I can't remember the exact number of climbing sections but I'll say around 5 or 6 rock climbing parts assisted with a rope. Some are easy and some are moderate, but the last rock climb was the hardest as it goes vertically up. There are people going up and down this rock, one at a time so you have to wait your turn. If people are nice they'll help you navigate your feet placement so you don't slip and fall. After that last leg of climbing you have reached the first peak of three. It took us maybe 2.5 hours to go up to the first peak... And that's how far we went because the other two peaks are more dangerous and involve more expertise. I would try to accomplish all three the next time I come back. Despite beating up your body, this hike is definitely fun, challenging, and exciting! As we went down it began to rain and it as like running down a tropical forest. Parking: This is secluded in a golfing range so you will see a stream of cars a mile away from the security gate. Don't leave any valuables as I see people's cars have been broken into. Also once you start walking the path to start the trail, it's on the left side of the road. Could be easy to miss if you're not paying attention.

Great hike! One of my top 5 on island. We went on a dry day and I wouldn't want to do it on a wet day at all! I used the google maps and just plugged in parking Olomana Trail and it leads you to exactly where you need to park. Don't park on loop road near the golf course. Follow down the road back where you parked around loop road through the golf course security shack and down the road a ways there is a white Olomana trailhead sigh. Follow the hike up through the woods, up up up some rock scrambles and bouldering with drops on all sides for the most part. Pay attention and take you time. We went to peak 2. We watched a group of guys go to peak 3. Bring plenty of water.

"You shall not live"...words of Palila Legend: Ahuapua, the King of Oahu was in fear of Olomana, who was a mighty man, famous for his great strength and height, standing some thirty feet plus. Olomana was the ruler/warrior of the windward side of Oahu. He declared it kapu from Makapu'u point to Ka'oio. This infuriated Ahuapua, but the king never ventured here for fear of Olomana. It must be tough being king? So, what to do? King Ahuapua sent message to Kaua'i and received the blessed warrior Palila... Present: Kyle: "You off Friday?" Me: "You know I am." Kyle: "Let's do Olomana." When I first moved to Oahu, I remember coming out of the second Pali tunnel with my then girlfriend, hitting the hair-pin turn and seeing Olomana's awesome presence and saying: "I'm gonna climb that!" We both laughed. Many years later, here I am. Kyle: "Let's do sunrise?" Me: "I've seen the sun come up before." Kyle: "Not from there!" 4:40am, I set in my car, in front of his house...waiting. Finally he comes out. Kyle: "..." Me: "Man, it's gonna be sloppy," (Having rained the night before). Kyle: "Yeah, I thought about that, you still game?" Me: "Hell yeah." I'll not tell you to not do this hike. I'll encourage you. This is no walk in the park hike, you will sweat buckets, you might gasp for breath, you might even lose confidence along the way and want to turn back. There are a couple of points where you might even say, "God, don't let me die here!"...you can do it. Up and down with thirty to forty minutes spent at the top...2 hours and thirty-five minutes. I have to many pics to post. The entrance is located just inside Luana Hills Golf Course. Take the back wall behind the guard shack and you'll see the path on the left over a finely trimmed hedge. You can park back up the road just before a small bridge on either the left or right side. Put all valuables in your trunk. Standard hiking gear needed, plus gloves, there are three sets of ropes. Head lamps if you come for sunrise. Legend: Palila having landed on Nuuanu cliff, spied Olomana standing at Ka'elepulu. Pulled by his magic Lei-o-Mano (Hawaiian war club) he landed on Olomana's shoulder: Olomana: "Where are you from, you most conceited boy? For my shoulder has never been stepped on by anybody, and here you have gone and done it." Palila: "I am from the kapued temple; from Alanapo in Humuula, Kaua'i. My name is Palila and I am a soldier." When Olomana heard this he was afraid and begged Palila that he be saved. Palila, however, refused saying..."You shall not live." Palila, in the vigorous battle of the club, slew Olomana by cutting him in half. Mount Olomana (divided hill) represents the severed body of Olomana. At the last, there is a five minute upward rock climb. Go straight up, as there is a false path leading to the right...don't follow this: Kyle: "I'm going on up to catch the sunrise." Me: "Fool, see that cloud cover? Ain't gonna be no sunrise." He went on and after a brief pause ;), I ventured (past the point where I should have started to climb) along the path. The trailhead began to narrow, and became a sliver of mud with a fifty foot drop along a shear rock wall: Me: "God, please, don't let me die today." I turned back and found the right way. On top, a halo rainbow appeared in the clouds covering Pail. I...am blessed. Today, I was Palila. Tomorrow, you can be. Mount Olomana is comprised of three different peaks, the first (and highest) being Olomana, the second is Paku'i and the last being Ahiki...the trail continues along to Ahiki, but I have yet to sample these...Yet. Aloha (The story of Palila/Olomana, and more can be found in Abraham Fornander's "Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities"...for the record).

I nearly died. Okay, not really, but it's totally possible hiking Olomana. It's happened twice within the last year. But don't let that deter you! I spent days reading everyone's reviews to prepare myself, but I don't think that's possible unless you've already done it. But let me just get this out of the way: THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR THE WEAK My sister and I are amateur hikers and it took us about 2 hours to get up and an hour to get back down. It was not an easy hike. Because the overall incline is pretty steep, I actually had to take more than a few breaks to catch my breath. We went in September when it was occasionally raining, and there was also a lot of mud. So much, that my boots were covered in a thick layer and Wendy W.'s converse sneakers were destroyed at the end. There will be steep rock and rope climbing, so if you're afraid of heights or falling, then this might not be the best hike for you. We actually got about 4/5 up and went back down because the rest was all rope climbing, and Wendy W. had no experience and we didn't feel like it was the smartest situation to put two small Asian girls in. Especially since we went on a weekday, and we were pretty much alone up there. There are three peaks and from the three small groups that passed us, they only hiked up to the first peak and came back down. From what I've read, the hike to the second and third peaks are the easiest, but most dangerous. WHAT TO BRING 1. Insect repellent: we brought a can and sprayed ourselves a total of six times over the course of three hours. I still got bit 13 times. 2. A small towel: you WILL be drenched since it will be humid. 3. Water: I brought 1.5L with me and drank about 1L. My sister was okay with 16 oz. 4. Boots: you can probably get away with wearing sneakers or flip flops, but there's just way too much mud and you will slip if your shoes don't have enough grip. I slipped and fell twice coming back down. 5. Baby wipes: just because I felt so gross after from sweating and falling in mud repeatedly, I really regretted not bringing these. 6. Sunscreen: we got darker hiking here than laying out on the beach. I wouldn't mind going back up with better gear or a local who's familiar with the hike, since the views are amazing and you probably can't get them anywhere else.

Parking: Park before the no parking sign/before the bridge, which is just before the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club. Trust me, it'll all make sense when you get there. We also confirmed with a cop that it was okay to park there. After you park, walk towards the golf club. Pass the guard and gate, just wave at them. They already know where you're going. After the guard it is about 1/4 mile up the paved road on your left. There is a sign for the trail. See my pictures. The trail wasn't necessarily marked but it was very clear which way we should go. Follow it up and enjoy the views! We found it easy to get to the first peak and the views were amazing. I was with someone that has a fear of heights so we didn't make it to the second and third peaks but I've read and heard from friends that have done the hike before that the best views are from the first peak anyway :) Tips: Wear comfortable sneakers that you won't mind getting muddy and dirty. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen. Watch out for bees and other weird bugs.