Kaelia Trail

You should have no trouble finding the trail, as there are many signs

Kaelia Trail zigzags up the mountains that run behind Dillingham Airfield. This trail starts out very beginning and goes into a more immediate trail further up. It is doable with kids. We took our 2, 5, and 6 year olds and they did great. The two year old even walked the entire first mile before asking to be carried. 

This trail was not my favorite as there is a lot of work and very little payoff, but seeing as we intend to hike every trail that this island has to offer, I am glad we did it. It was right over 4 miles round trip for us, but there are plenty of turning points that I will talk about in a minute, if you do not want to hike that far. 

Once you get to Dillingham Airfield you will see signs for the trail. Continue around the airfield (watching for low flying aircraft)  until you see the trail head. You will have to park in the lot across from the head and not where the trail begins. Parking is free. 

The trail starts out in a clearing with a dirt path. You will see signs marking the trail as well as signs indicating that you should stay on the trail and keep out of certain areas and out of the brush. It is important to always head warnings such as these.

Beginning of the trail

Warning signs

Once you begin your trek up you will notice that the ground, although quite rocky, is still rather smooth and very manage with the gradual incline. 

As you follow the path you will start to literally zigzag up the face of the mountain going through mostly woods. At this point you will not be have a clear vista, but instead you will see many neat boulders and rock formations. It seemed like every few steps we saw another rock that we wanted to photograph. 

You continue on the path, going one direction and then another for a least the first .5 to .75 miles. the you emerge from the woods. It's at this point that you start to get a view of the airfield and further down the island. 

Emerging from the woods

The best view that you will get is still a bit further up the trail. My advice is that you continue on, even if its not too much further. 

You will continue to see more amazing rocks, but the trail does start to become more rugged with areas where you will have to climb up rocks. If you get to this point and have taken in the view, this would be a great place to turn back. The view doesn't change as you go up and once you reach the top you will not be able to get a view out anywhere. I would suggest continuing only if you understand that this spot is the best it gets. Sorry to say. 

Vista from about halfway up

This rock, which looks sort of like a dog or lion from this angle marks a good turning around point.

My husband thinks he is king of the rock

If you do decide to continue on, there is a picnic table at the end of the trail that is great for taking a break or having lunch, if you were crazy enough to haul a cooler up. :) Just kidding. About the crazy part, anyways. 

Picnic Spot

You will signs indicating the you are at the end of the trail. You are able to continue on a ways if you still have energy. The terrain at this point is very smooth, but there are several spots that are pretty steep. My kids wanted to turn back at this point, but we kept going trying to find a great photo-taking spot from the top. To no avail, I must add. We did, however, come to a old water tower, which was pretty cool. 

Old Water Tower

The water tower was very interesting. If had writings from people who had came before, even one from the 1960's. Its amazing to think about people standing in that same spot all those years ago. 

This was the turn around point for us. Of course the trek down was much quicker. Once we got to the bottom and looked up at the mountain we had just climbed it didn't see that big anymore. :)

Not so big anymore....

Happy Hiking! :)