The Unique Hike In Hawaii That Leads You To Plane Wreckage From 1944
The Hawaiian Islands are steeped in history, from the first Europeans visiting the islands in 1778 and the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795 to Hawaii’s admittance to the United States of America in 1959. While you will find historical landmarks across the Aloha State, there’s plenty of history hiding in the shadows, including this little-known plane wreckage from World War II found near a popular trail on Oahu. 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 which leads hikers on a delightful journey through a verdant forest.
The pleasant, 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!
In addition to striking views and a phenomenal hike, you might discover the wreckage of a B-24J bomber near the trail 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.
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.
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 the wreckage.
Many hikers who don’t know better start at the trailhead near the designated parking lot, though I personally suggest tackling 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 promises serenity, natural beauty, and a little slice of 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.
Aiea Loop is found within Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area at 99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr, Aiea, HI 96701. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Learn more about the Aiea Loop Trail here and find details about how to find the hidden plane wreckage found near the trail here.
To discover other Hawaii trails leading to pieces of history, click here.
Megan is a freelance journalist residing near Honolulu, Hawaii. She is obsessed with hiking, beach trips, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
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