The closed road to Mount Ka'ala, the highest peak of Oahu

The closed road to Mount Ka'ala, the highest peak of Oahu

Usa, north-america

Length

12.39 km

Elevation

1,231 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got the scoop on reaching the highest point on Oahu: Mount Ka'ala!

Perched way up in the Waianae Range, this peak hits an elevation of 4,038 feet. Seriously, you're practically floating above the island. Speaking of the island, you'll find it in the middle of the Pacific, way out in Honolulu County.

Now, here's the deal: you can't just drive your own car to the very top. The US Army has a radar station up there (Schofield Barracks) and security is tight. But trust me, the views on the way are worth it.

Mount Kaala Road, built back in the 40s, is paved but STEEP. We're talking a 7.7-mile climb from Farrington Highway with a whopping 14 hairpin turns! Get ready for an average gradient of almost 10% as you gain 4,020 feet in elevation. And be prepared for rapidly changing weather and heavy mist!

Where is it?

The closed road to Mount Ka'ala, the highest peak of Oahu is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.8064, -99.7429

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
12.39 km
Max Elevation
1,231 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
37.8064, -99.7429

Related Roads in north-america

What town is Black Mountain in Kentucky?moderate

What town is Black Mountain in Kentucky?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna bag the highest point in Kentucky? Head to Harlan County and set your GPS for Black Mountain! This beast tops out at 4,145 feet, and trust me, the views are worth the drive. You'll be winding along Kentucky Route 160, a fully paved, rollercoaster of a road that stretches almost 20 miles from Cumberland, KY, to Appalachia, VA. Think curves, think elevation, and definitely think twice in winter – it gets icy! Once you hit the state line at the crest, the real fun begins. Black Mountain Ridge Road, a 1.7-mile gravel stretch, takes you to the actual summit. It's a bit rough, but don't let that scare you. Up top, you'll find radio towers, a spooky old fire lookout, and epic panoramic views. Just below the peak, you'll even spot an FAA radar. This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a Kentucky adventure you won't forget!

Loop Road of Everglades in Florida: watch out for alligatorseasy

Loop Road of Everglades in Florida: watch out for alligators

🇺🇸 Usa

Everglades National Park's Loop Road: Get ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the heart of Florida! This hidden gem, also known as County Road 94 or Big Cypress Loop Road, begins and ends along US Hwy 41. Just 40 miles from Miami, it's an easily accessible escape. Clocking in at 24 miles, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The eastern 7 miles are paved, leading to the Loop Road Environmental Education Center (perfect for a picnic!). After that, it's all gravel and dirt – raw and real. During the summer wet season (May-October), be warned: parts of the road can be underwater! High-clearance vehicles are recommended, but in dry weather, most cars can manage with a little patience and slow speeds. Watch out for potholes! The rugged appearance hints at abandoned development dreams, adding a layer of intrigue to the journey. Located within the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, this is a slow-paced exploration. Plan for at least 1.5 hours, but trust me, you'll want to take longer. Traffic is minimal, so prepare to cruise at 20mph or less. The Loop Road snakes through Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade counties, showcasing a diverse range of habitats. South of the Tamiami Trail, it provides access to the national preserve's more remote areas. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially alligators – they're everywhere! This road puts you right in the heart of the action, averaging just 18 inches above the surrounding waterscape. Stop at the culverts and bridges, listen, and look closely – you never know what you'll spot. Legend has it that Al Capone had a hunting lodge here, but don't expect any gangster sightings today!

The narrow Quepos Bridge in Costa Ricaextreme

The narrow Quepos Bridge in Costa Rica

🌍 Costa Rica

Known as ‘The Bridge of Death’ and ‘Oh My God bridge’, this extremely narrow bridge is located on the road from Jaco to Quepos on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. Cars can travel only in one direction. It barely looks like it could hold a bicycle, let alone a 30 tons lorry. But trucks cross this deathtrap on a regular basis. The bridge built with wood planks looks like it could crumble at any moment, but apparently large trucks drive over it and people survive. The loose slats of the roadway clank loudly while the bridge shakes under the weight of all the vehicles. Nicknamed as Puente Paquita, this bridge was built by the "Bananera Company" in the years 1930-40 for the train that moved the bananas to the port of Quepos.Pic: Panzerknacker Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Lewis Mountainmoderate

Lewis Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Lewis Mountain in Colorado's La Plata County! This peak punches way up there at 11,722 feet! The route to the top, snaking through San Juan National Forest, is Foresthill Road, also known as Tahoe National Forest Road #88. Don't let the "forest road" title fool you. Expect gravel, rocks, and a generally bumpy, tippy ride. Seriously, this ain't a joyride; one wrong move could be a big problem. Heads up: the road conditions are always a surprise. Winter has a long residency up there, so mid-summer might be your only safe bet. Scope out the road ahead before committing—things can get hairy fast. A 4x4 is non-negotiable. You'll need some serious driving skills, patience for days, and a good tolerance for heights. Keep your eyes peeled for places to pull over because you WILL meet other vehicles in awkward spots. But hey, the views are totally worth the challenge, right?