Hiking the Kamehame Ridge Trail (Dead Man’s Catwalk) on Oʻahu
Distance: 2.6 miles / 4.2 km
Kamehame Ridge and Dead Man’s Catwalk is not open to the public.
However, the road still sees daily visitors, much of which I believe is local foot traffic.
Kamehame Ridge Trailhead Parking
Parking for Kamehame Ridge is located at the top of Kamehame Drive.
Google Maps Directions: Kamehame Ridge Trailhead
Hiking the Kamehame Ridge Trail
These photos were all taken in reverse order prior to knowing that Kamehame Ridge is located on private land.
Regardless of where we started, it was pretty obvious that Kamehame Ridge is a popular evening workout for a lot of people, and I think it’s ashamed that the road at a minimum can’t be open to hikers.
Directionally speaking, there isn’t too much to know prior to hiking Kamehame Ridge.
Second Fence
There’s a fairly easy trail up and around this fence on the right.
Stay straight up the road.
Third Fence
At the next fence, there’s a viewpoint off to the right, or the popular Dead Man’s Catwalk is further up the road.
There was more than one place to make our way through the fence.
They’re not very good with security here.
At the end of the road, the Dead Man’s Catwalk is on the far side of the fences around the towers.
Be careful.
The fence may be rusty, and making it to the viewpoint will expose you to the drops over the cliff.
Dead Man’s Catwalk
At least, this is where the infamous Dead Man’s Catwalk used to be.
However, in 2016, the catwalk was removed, which surprisingly stopped most traffic up Kamehame Ridge.
Regardless, the views are still incredible, and it’s amazing that more people don’t come for the views alone.
Allison’s Hidden Stairs
I can’t talk about Kamehame Ridge or Dead Man’s Catwalk without including the Allison Stairs.
Off on a little side trail are Allison’s Hidden Stairs, but perhaps I’ll keep the directions to this little local secret, secret.
Native Plants on Kamehame Ridge
Since Kamehame Ridge is such a low-elevation dry trail, most of the plants that you’ll find along the hike are invasive.
However, I noticed ʻUhaloa and ʻAʻaliʻi growing along the road.
To learn more about these and other native plants from around Hawaiʻi, read my post below.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
