Best Run Routes on Oahu: Aloha Aina Park Run

Basic Information

• Name: Aloha Aina Park Run
• Distance: 2.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: None (sea level)
• Difficulty: Easy (paved)

Aloha Aina Park Run Route Map

Narrative

For people who live on or have access to the Hickam Field section of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the paved path through Aloha Aina Park makes for a great jogging trail.  The recommended run route begins by first parking behind the Historic Hickam Officer’s Club building:

Here is a picture of the parking lot behind the Officer’s Club:

From the parking lot then walk over to the monument known as the “Missing Man Formation” which has four sculptures of F-22’s on display:

The F-22 fighter is one of America’s most hi-tech aircraft and they are stationed at Hickam Field and can often be seen flying around the island:

The plaque below the memorial explains the tradition of the Missing Man Formation:

Also from the missing man formation the view of the entrance into Pearl Harbor can be seen:

From the Missing Man Formation there is a paved path that follows the shore line:

This path is the how people get around the Aloha Aina Park that hugs the shoreline between the base housing area and the entrance canal into Pearl Harbor:

Here is a picture of the large on base homes that line the trail:

Jogging down the trail at times makes me feel like I am not even on a military installation, but signs like this remind me that I am:

Along the path are great views of the entrance canal into Pearl Harbor:

Very often when jogging this path I have seen various US Navy ships entering and exiting the harbor such as this submarine:

Besides the views of the water the trail is also lined with colorful flowers and trees:

Here is a picture of one of my favorite tree’s on Hawaii the African Tulip Tree:

Some of the plants along the trail have markers explaining what they are, but they are in need of serious repair:

The path also offers nice views of the Waianae Range hovering over western Oahu:

Along the path a memorial marker has been placed in memory of Major Brian P. Tice who I am assuming passed away in 1997:

Here is another much bigger marker along the trail in honor of the US Air Force’s various Medal of Honor recipients:

The trail through Aloha Aina Park ends at the Pearl Harbor side of the base:

However, instead of ending the jog at the barrier I recommend running by the adjacent Hickam Elementary School over to Freedom Tower:

There is a road that runs around Freedom Tower that provides view of this major landmark on Hickam Field:

Freedom Tower may look like a lighthouse, but it is actually an old 171 foot water tower built in 1938.  For those with little kids like I have, I bring them on a run with me and then let them play at the park afterwards:

Conclusion

Aloha Aina Park is nice short run route for those looking for an easy jog in the morning and some nice waterfront views.  The trail is popular, but not crowded like other jogging trails in Honolulu.