Blunt warning at Olomana Trail seems to be saving lives; push for similar signs at other hikes

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Olomana trial is one of Oahu’s most popular hikes. It’s also one of the deadliest. But a blunt message posted at the trailhead two years ago appears to be saving lives. Now, there’s a push to put similar signs at other hikes.

Posted steps away from the entrance of Olomana trail, there are a pair of signs with a candid message — and it’s catching the attention of hikers.

“Yeah, we seen it right away,” said Peyton Niskanen.

One of the signs states, “Six people have fallen to their death after hiking past the first peak.” Below that is a list of dates and specific points on the trail those hikers lost their lives.

Niskanen told HNN Investigates it was his first time on the trail, “It was amazing. One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done.”

HNN Investigates

But reaching those majestic views comes with a risk — especially if you hike beyond the first peak.

“It was really, like, narrow. Some of the ridges. It was really steep drops on both sides,” Niskanen said.

“You step three inches in one direction, that’s a fatal fall,” said Honolulu Emergency Services Director Jim Ireland.

Since the $300 signage went up almost two years ago, the Honolulu Fire Department confirms there’s been no fatalities, and only one fall.

Now, Ireland is pushing for more of the tailor-made signs to be placed at the base of other Oahu trails.

“If we take Maunawili Trail, which is right down the road, we’ve had a number of falls there for people who have tried to scale the waterfall,” Ireland said.

He said he’d also like to see warnings placed at the base of Diamond Head and Koko Head trails — two hikes where first responders are constantly being called for rescues.

“Maybe something along the lines, if you’re not comfortable walking two miles or jogging a mile, this trail might be too hard for you,” Ireland said.

He hopes the blunt messaging will get people to think.

“You can never prevent all injuries and fatalities,” Ireland said. “But at least if they have that information, they can make a good decision for themselves, their friends or their family.”

Niskanen thinks the signs are a good idea too.

“A hike (Olomana) that dangerous. Awareness is always good,” he said. “Whereas if someone didn’t know what they’re getting into, then it could lead to possibly more incidents.”

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