Peacock Flats

Geography

Peacock Flats is accessible only to four-wheel drive vehicles. It is popular with many of the off-roading clubs on the island and offers both easy and challenging trails over rocks and steep, deeply rutted trails. The condition of the trails vary greatly with the weather. When wet, the trails are slippery, very treacherous, and almost impassable, however, when dry they can be almost tame.

Some trails, such as Jeep Eater, Fender Biter, and Initiator, have been known to cause severe damage and/or rollovers, so drivers should be sure of being equipped to make field repairs. Very few vehicles come out of Peacock Flats without some sort of damage, so mental preparation is critical. Peacock Flats offers breathtaking views of Oahu's North Shore, beautiful landscapes, and a new respect for the ruggedness of the Hawaiian mountains.

At the top of the main trail is a camping area (visitors intending to camp must notate that on their permit) supplied with picnic tables and an outhouse. Please note that hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders share these trails.

Access

To get into the Flats requires going through the gate at the Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station right across from Yokohama Bay (also known as Keawaʻula Bay). This is a U.S. Air Force installation so visitors must get a permit for their vehicle from the State DLNR.

Safety

It is inadvisable to wheel at the Flats alone. Always travel with a group and ensure that you have, at least, a basic first aid kit. Cell phones rarely get reception to call for help, so a CB radio can be useful. At a minimum, drivers should let someone outside know where they'll be and when they will be back.