ʻAiea Loop Trail Bird Tour (Oʻahu)

The ʻAiea Loop Trail is enchanting and popular, offering views of the Waiʻanae Range, Hālawa Valley, and the southern coast of Oʻahu. The trail is a five-mile loop with 900 feet elevation gain. There are muddy and slippery spots, so be prepared. Most birders will have no problem with the trail’s terrain and gentle pace.

It is one of the best trails on O‘ahu where it is possible to see ʻelepaio and ‘amakihi. Plants include ‘ohi‘a lehua, koa, ‘olapa, ‘ie‘ie, ‘iliahi, and Lemon eucalyptus. It is a lovely walk and you will hear birds, although the high canopy makes viewing quite challenging.

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM

Parking: Free at the ʻAiea Loop trailhead. Park your car in a marked stall. (See red marked area on map image below.)
Meeting point: ʻAiea Loop trailhead. The trailhead is off the park road at the upper eastern end of the park marked by parking lots, picnic pavilions and restrooms.

Please wear closed-toed shoes with good traction, bring a raincoat, snack, and plenty of water. 

To register for this bird walk email Colleen Soares, at csoares48@gmail.com with your name and phone number, and the names of participants.

On your drive to ʻAiea Loop Trail you will pass through the Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area, home to a sacred temple that was a traditional medicinal or healing heiau, known as a heiau ho‘ola. The heiau is worth a stop to read about the area and get a feel for how special this place is. At this site, the kahuna (priest, expert) specializing in healing diagnosed and treated various illnesses and injuries. The kahuna also trained haumana (students) in the practice of la‘au lapa‘au, medicinal healing using plants, fasting, and prayers. Many of the plants and herbs were collected from the forest while others were planted around the heiau. Here is a brochure you may print that describes the area: Keaīwa Heiau Brochure.