Are you an adventure enthusiast seeking the thrill of rock climbing in Hawaii? Look no further than Oahu, the heart of the Hawaiian Islands.
This tropical paradise not only offers stunning natural landscapes but also boasts some incredible indoor climbing gyms for climbers of all levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, Oahu has something to offer.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best climbing gyms in Honolulu, where you can challenge yourself, improve your skills, and have an adrenaline-pumping experience.
1. HiClimb – Rock Climbing and Yoga Studio
If you’re looking for the top indoor rock climbing gym in Honolulu, HiClimb should be your first stop. Located in the vibrant Kaka’ako district, HiClimb offers a 14,000 square foot facility that caters to climbers of all levels.
From bouldering on 14-16 feet walls to top-rope climbing, auto-belay, and lead climbing, this gym has it all. Additionally, they offer mobility classes to enhance your climbing performance.
HiClimb is known for its welcoming and responsive management. They value feedback and strive to create a vibrant climbing community. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll feel right at home in this gym.
As a first-timer or a Hawaiian resident, you can enjoy discounted rates for day passes or membership passes.
The gym is family-friendly, allowing children as young as 5 years old to climb under parental supervision. Convenient parking is available at the public pay-to-park parking garage next to the gym.
Entry fee: $38 (with gears)
Location: HiClimb
Operating Hours: 8 am – 11 pm daily
2. Oahu Bouldering Gym
For bouldering enthusiasts, Oahu Bouldering Gym is a must-visit spot. Formerly known as the Arch Project Climbing Center, this indoor climbing gym is located in an industrial warehouse next to Beer Lab. The gym attracts climbers of various skill levels, creating a diverse and exciting climbing community.
One unique feature of Oahu Bouldering Gym is that their indoor climbing routes are graded by color, making it easier to identify the difficulty level of each route. For example, yellow-colored holds represent the easiest routes. The gym also organizes fun events such as Cosmic Climbing, where climbers get to experience glow-in-the-dark holds.
To ensure safety, first-timers need to sign a safety waiver before arrival. Limited street parking is available on Uke’e Street, so it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Entry fee: $19
Location: Oahu Bouldering Gym
Operating Hours:
9 am – 9:30 pm (Mon – Fri)
10 am – 6:30 pm (Sat – Sun)
3. Big Island Climbing – Indoor Climbing Adventure
If you find yourself on the Big Island of Hawaii, make sure to visit Big Island Climbing in Hilo. This indoor climbing gym offers a unique experience with its 14-foot high walls and 700 square feet of bouldering area. But it doesn’t stop there; Big Island Climbing goes the extra mile by providing massage services to help climbers relax their muscles after a challenging climb. They also have a virtual reality space, offering a fun and immersive experience for climbers of all ages.
Big Island Climbing is known for its family-friendly and beginner-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a novice or an intermediate climber, you’ll find routes suited to your skill level. The gym even offers difficult routes graded up to V9 for more experienced climbers.
Located near the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo, Big Island Climbing is easily accessible. However, keep in mind that there are no shower rooms available, and only liquid chalk is allowed in the gym (which is available for purchase).
Entry fee: $15
Location: Big Island Climbing
Operating Hours: 12 pm to 9 pm daily
4. Volcanic Rock Gym
Volcanic Rock Gym, previously located in Waipio and Kaka’ako, has found its new home in Kailua, Oahu. After temporarily closing in March 2019, the gym reopened with fresh new holds and updated equipment on October 16, 2022. With an extensive climbing community supporting them, Volcanic Rock Gym is a popular choice for climbers seeking a challenging experience.
The gym features a 24-foot adjustable Lemur Wall that can be set to a 40-degree overhang, two Kilterboards, a Tension Board, and a Moonboard. Their 15-foot bouldering walls are regularly reset, with competition bouldering walls available as well. Volcanic Rock Gym caters to climbers who are up for the challenge of tackling difficult routes.
Entry fee: $25
Location: Volcanic Rock Gym
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 am to 10 pm, Weekends: 9 am to 6 pm
5. Ascension Community Climbing Gym
Located in Hilo, Ascension Community Climbing Gym is more than just an indoor climbing gym. It’s a community-driven space that offers a wide range of activities, including climbing, ninja warrior courses, and aerial silk. If you’re looking to challenge your upper body strength and conquer heights, this gym is the place to be.
Ascension Community Climbing Gym is known for its supportive and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a first-time climber or an experienced athlete, you’ll feel comfortable and welcome in this gym. It’s an excellent place to meet like-minded individuals and build lasting friendships within the climbing community.
6. Four Seasons Hualalai Resort
UPDATE: Climbing wall is permanently closed.
If you’re staying at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, you might be interested to know that they used to have a rock climbing wall. This climbing wall catered to families and groups, with instructors available to belay up to 8 people at a time. It provided routes for children aged 5 to 12 as well as more adventurous routes for those seeking a challenge. However, please note that the climbing wall at Four Seasons Hualalai Resort has been permanently closed.
Is There Climbing in Hawaii?
Yes, there is climbing in Hawaii. Oahu, in particular, offers both indoor and outdoor climbing opportunities. From the established climbing locations in Oahu to the beautiful crags scattered throughout the island, climbers can explore a variety of routes, including bouldering, sport climbing, and trad climbing. Oahu is considered the primary climbing location in Hawaii, attracting climbers from all over the world.
Where Can I Shop for Climbing Gear in Hawaii?
For all your climbing gear needs in Hawaii, Climb Aloha is the go-to shop. Located at the intersection of Kawaiahao Street and Ward Avenue in Kaka’ako, Honolulu, Climb Aloha offers a wide range of outdoor gear, including climbing equipment, mountaineering gear, and hiking essentials. They carry established brands such as Petzl, Mad Rock, Black Diamond, Camp, La Sportiva, and many more. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, Climb Aloha has you covered.
Conclusion
With its stunning natural beauty and a range of indoor climbing gyms, Oahu is a paradise for climbers. Whether you’re a beginner looking to try out climbing for the first time or an experienced climber seeking a new challenge, Oahu has something to offer. From the expansive facilities at HiClimb to the bouldering-focused Oahu Bouldering Gym, each gym has its own unique features and atmosphere. So, grab your gear, challenge yourself, and experience the thrill of indoor climbing in Oahu.
Mahalo!