Location and surroundings
Ka‘ala is in the Waianae Range on Oahu, in Hawaii, United States, and administratively in Honolulu County. It is the highest mountain in Oahu and the high point of the Waianae Range. The summit area sits above a rugged western mountain landscape with steep ridges, narrow valleys, and thick plant cover lower down.
In the wider island setting, Ka‘ala is the dominant summit of the range and a clear landmark for the northwestern part of Oahu. The mountain’s upper plateau is broad rather than pointed, which fits its volcanic origin and long erosion history.
Neighbouring peaks
Ka‘ala is surrounded by lower peaks and passes in the Waianae Range. The nearest are:
- Kamaohanui — 1,024 m, 1.1 km NE
- Pu‘ukalena — 1,068 m, 2.3 km SE
- Kōleali‘ili‘i — 380 m, 3.1 km S
- Puu Pane — 768 m, 3.2 km E
- Pu‘ukawiwi — 899 m, 3.2 km SW
- Kaupakuhale — 477 m, 3.6 km N
- Pu‘ukūmakali‘i — 878 m, 3.7 km SE
- Pu‘uiki — 347 m, 4.0 km NE
These neighbours are all lower than Ka‘ala, and several sit only a few kilometres away, showing how sharply the range rises around the summit block.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest nearby peaks are Pu‘ukaua at 940 m, 8.7 km SE; Palikea at 938 m, 11.2 km SE; Pu‘uhapapa at 879 m, 5.9 km SE; Puu Pauao at 811 m, 23.4 km E; Pu‘ukea‘au at 801 m, 6.6 km W; and Pu‘ukēpau‘ula at 800 m, 5.0 km SW. From the summit area, these peaks define the main skyline of the Waianae Range and the island’s western uplands.
Because Ka‘ala is the highest point on Oahu, the outlook from the top is broad for the island, with the surrounding ridges dropping away in many directions.
The range
Ka‘ala belongs to the Waianae Range, which is the highest mountain range on Oahu. The range’s high point is Ka‘ala itself, and the range contains 32 named peaks. Ka‘ala ranks as the highest of those 32 named peaks.
The Waianae Range is part of the island chain hierarchy Polynesia > Hawaiian Islands > Oahu > Waianae Range. It is an island range rather than a cross-border chain, so its setting is entirely within the United States.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data for 2001–2020, adjusted to summit elevation. At the summit, the warmest month is July at about 20 °C, and the coldest is February at about 16 °C. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 750 mm, with the wettest month in March at about 95 mm and the driest in June at about 35 mm.
The summit stays above freezing in every month, but the mountain can still be wet, cloudy, and slippery. In this part of Hawaii, hikers should expect sudden showers, muddy trail sections, and strong sun exposure when the clouds break.
Best time to visit
Because the summit stays above freezing all year, Ka‘ala can be climbed in any season, but the drier months are usually more comfortable for hiking. The climate figures point to a wetter late winter and spring, with the driest period around early summer. Even then, the trail can remain muddy after rain.
For a safer outing, choose a day with stable weather and start early. In the tropics, cloud build-up, rain showers, and slick ground are often more important than temperature when planning a climb at this height.
Nature and wildlife
Ka‘ala rises in a tropical island mountain setting, so the lower slopes are typically covered by dense vegetation, while the upper areas are more open, wet, and wind-exposed. Erosion has left a broad summit plateau rather than a sharp peak, and the mountain’s habitats change quickly with elevation and rainfall.
The area is known for birdwatching as well as hiking. Visitors should expect a mix of forest, wet ground, and muddy sections, with wildlife typical of Hawaiian uplands and the surrounding island environment.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Ka‘ala, a certified guide is not usually essential for experienced hikers, but it can be useful if you want help with route-finding, wet terrain, or local conditions. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies working in the mountains of the United States include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides. Guided trips usually depend on the length of the outing, group size, and whether special equipment or extra days are needed.
Safety and preparation
Ka‘ala’s steep, muddy, and sometimes narrow terrain calls for good footwear, rain protection, and enough water for a full day. The summit area is exposed to weather changes, and the lower trail can become slippery after rain. Because the mountain is in a remote upland setting, hikers should be prepared to turn back if conditions worsen.
For emergencies in the United States, the mountain rescue number is 911. Dispatchers can alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or another local agency.
History and name
Ka‘ala is an eroded shield volcano formed by the Hawaiian hotspot. Its age is about 3.9 million years. Over time, the Pacific Plate carried it northwest, leaving the mountain as part of the older volcanic chain that makes up the Hawaiian Islands and the broader Hawaiian-Emperor volcanic belt.
The name appears in several forms, including Ka‘ala, Kaala, Mount Ka‘ala, and Mauna Kaala. The summit is also known for an FAA tracking station, which is closed to the public and guarded by the US Army.
Interesting facts
Ka‘ala is the highest of the 32 named peaks in the Waianae Range. It is also the high point of the range itself and the highest mountain on Oahu. The nearest higher peak mentioned in the wider island chain is far beyond Oahu, which underlines Ka‘ala’s isolation as the island’s top summit.
The summit area includes a viewpoint and a visible white domed tracking station. OpenStreetMap also shows many communication masts within 10 km, with the nearest about 570 m west of the top.
FAQ
How high is Ka‘ala? Ka‘ala rises to 1,229 m above sea level.
Where is Ka‘ala? It is on Oahu in Hawaii, United States, within Honolulu County and the Waianae Range.
Is Ka‘ala the highest mountain in Oahu? Yes. It is the highest mountain in Oahu and the high point of the Waianae Range.
What peaks are closest to Ka‘ala? The nearest are Kamaohanui to the northeast, Pu‘ukalena to the southeast, and Pu‘ukawiwi to the southwest.
Is there water on the way to Ka‘ala? Plan to carry your own water. The mountain route is in a wet tropical setting, but the trail can still be long, muddy, and exposed, so about 1.5–3 litres for a day is sensible depending on heat and effort.
Are there huts on Ka‘ala? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How does mobile phone coverage look on Ka‘ala? There are 40 mapped communication masts within 10 km, and the nearest is about 570 m west of the summit. On an open top with masts in sight, a signal is likely, but it often fails in deep valleys and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.