The Unique Hike In Hawaii That Leads You To Plane Wreckage From 1944
By Megan Shute|Updated on August 09, 2022(Originally published August 04, 2022)
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands have a rich and complex history. This stems from the first Europeans visiting the islands in 1778 and the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795. Another significant moment was Hawaii’s admittance to the United States of America in 1959. And, while you will find historical landmarks all throughout the Aloha State, there’s plenty of history hiding in the shadows too. This includes this little-known Aiea Loop Trail plane wreckage from World War II found near a popular hike on Oahu. So, if you’re ready for a historic adventure, let’s lace up our hiking boots and explore!
Nestled within the 384-acre Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area on Oahu is the 4.8-mile Aiea Loop Trail. This hike is a Hawaiian history lesson that leads hikers on a delightful journey through a verdant forest.
As one of the most unique hikes in Hawaii, the pleasant and mostly shady trail meanders through lush groves of lemon eucalyptus, Norfolk pines, and native koa and ohia trees along the ridge on the west side of Halawa Valley.
Along your way, you will also find sweeping views of Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, the H-3, and the Ko’olau Mountains. Don't forget to take a few photographs during your Hawaii history hike.
In addition to striking views and a phenomenal hike, you might discover some well-known ruins in Hawaii. The wreckage of a B-24J bomber near the trail is approximately ⅔ of your way through the trail. The plane crashed here in May 1944 and is often considered to be one of Hawaii’s most well-known crash sites.
Per Hawaiian history, on May 5, 1944, at 5:22 a.m. the B-24J Liberator Bomber took off from Hickam Field to Australia where it would be assigned to the 5th Air Force.
Just six miles away, the bomber failed to make a turn causing the B-24 to crash into Pu’u Uau ridge. Upon impact, the bomber caught fire and the entire 10-person crew was killed. Afterward, the crash site was located and the remains of the crew were recovered.
Decades passed, and in 1993 the site was rediscovered, though only four engines, right and left wing with wheels, tail turret, and various small parts remained were found. In 2008, 64 years after the crash, a memorial plaque was placed at the trailhead to the Aiea Loop Trail. Therefore, making this one of the most unique hikes in Hawaii.
While it is difficult to see the wreckage from the trail these days since a landslide pushed the wreckage further into the gulch, you can hike down the gulch to find what remains of these ruins in Hawaii.
Many hikers who don’t know better start at the trailhead near the designated parking lot, though it's suggested to tackle the trail backward, as you will be descending a set of switchbacks as you begin rather than ascending them as you finish your trek. Either way, the Aiea Loop Trail plane hike promises serenity, natural beauty, and a little slice of Hawaiian history.
Though the trail itself is fairly easy, it can be muddy if it has rained recently, and features an elevation gain of approximately 900 feet, some gradual uphill climbs, a set of switchbacks, and a stream crossing. The trail measures in at nearly 5 miles, and you should give yourself approximately three hours to enjoy your hike.
The Aiea Loop Trail plane is found within Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area in Oahu. If you had a chance to check out these ruins in Hawaii, feel free to share your experience in the following comment section.
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What are the best hikes with a view in Hawaii?
Aside from being unique, the hike through the Aiea Loop Trail plane wreckage is one of the most historic and scenic in Hawaii. And while you can find beauty in pretty much every corner you turn when you're in Hawaii, there are some hikes worth checking out that will leave you speechless. For instance, these short hikes on the various islands include opportunities to see majestic landscapes that include waterfalls, trails that go through forests, and opportunities to check out the wildlife. You’ll also find hikes with ruins in Hawaiithat will equally impress you too!
Where can I hike to a cave in Hawaii?
If you'd like to explore more ruins in Hawaii after you've hiked the Aiea Loop Trail, how about heading to a cave or two? These unique hikes in Hawaii will lead you to some of the most interesting caves on the islands. This includes caves off of beaches, caves through lava tubes, and caves found on traditional hiking trails.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Hawaii?
Since there are so many scenic waterfalls in Hawaii, it could be hard deciding which ones to check out. However, you can easily combine your love of waterfalls with some of the manyunique hikes in Hawaiiduring an outing with your family. When you do, feel free to also hit the trails leading to these diversewaterfalls in Hawaii that come in different sizes and have varying water pressures, As you’ll see, although their landscapes are unique, they’ll all equally stunning.
