Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge | hik3beasthawaii

Quote

"If you can't fly, then run.

If you can't run, then walk.

If you can't walk, then crawl.

But whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."

Updated: August 26, 2019

Disclaimer: If this hike is not a part of the Na Ala Hele "State Maintained" Trails, it may be illegal or dangerous to hike, so do not attempt or HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Hik3beasthawaii is not responsible for any injuries, fines, violations you may incur. This website is solely to showcase the beauty that nature has to offer on the island of Hawaii. *****

Location: Hiking above Hanauma Bay rim and down to a natural rock arch!

Type: Ridge hike

Hike Difficulty: Intermediate

Total Time: 2 to 3 hours

Distance: ~4 miles

Elevation:

Things to Consider

Kid friendly: no
Pet Friendly: no
This hike goes above Hanauma Bay and down a steep hill to get to the rock arch.
The hike can get really hot, with little to no shade. Bring sunscreen!
There are two paths to the arch, a steep way and the long way. We chose the steep way.
The rocks on the ground can be crumbly and slippery at times so bring shoes with good grip.
The rock bridge is "CRACKING" on the bottom. Please be careful if you plan on taking pictures on the bridge.
There is no way back up if you fall into the ocean there! The current will pull you out to sea. Be cautious!
The waves crash over the bridge during high tide, which makes for a cool picture but not cool if you get thrown into the ocean.

Your hiking backpack

Sun Screen
1 to 2 Liters of water
Snacks/lunch
GoPro/camera

Directions

Take Kalanianaole Hwy towards Hawaii Kai. Just before the Hanauma Bay parking, there is a small neighborhood. Take a right and park here on Nawiliwili St next to the highway. We walked up the hill and took a right past the gate to the start of the trail. You can also park at Hanauma Bay and walk up.

Our Journey

This is a fun hike down to a natural hidden rock bridge! Many people do the loop trail, but not too many people know that there is a rock bridge down at the bottom. You can bring your dogs and kids if you are just doing the loop, but if you are hiking down to the bridge it is steep and dangerous. We walked up from Nawiliwili St to the Hanauma Bay entrance. Instead of walking back down to the parking, look to your right and you will see a gate with a paved road. This is the start of the Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike! The walk up can be tiring due to the steep incline. Just before the trail starts turning towards the left, you will see a steep path down the side of the mountain. This is the trail leading to the rock bridge. There is another way down if you continue on the paved road and follow it looping left. Just before it starts to loop back around to the right, you will see another path going down. This path isn't as steep as the first one. We took this route the very first time we did this hike because the other route looks very intimidating. However, it isn't as bad as it looks and it will take you half the time to get there. Once you're on the other side of the bay, the rocks look like they're out of this world. You just follow the ridges down and pretty much make your own path. Keep going down until you get to the bottom and the rock bridge will be on your right. Be careful taking pictures here because the bridge has a crack on the bottom. Sooner or later, the bridge will break and you wouldn't want to be the one taking a selfie on it when it does. It took us about an hour and a half to get to the bridge with plenty of breaks and pictures. Check out our journey to the bridge!