THE ARCH
Bouldering West Oahu
The Arch is a located on the island’s west side, and this place is as breathtaking as it is challenging. True to its name, The Arch is a natural lava rock formation that has been hollowed out by the ocean over time, creating a massive, overhung structure perfect for climbing.
Even if you’re not climbing, The Arch is a sick place to just hang out. The way the rock curves frames the coastline and mountains like a natural picture frame. Plus, the salty ocean breeze/ sound of waves crashing, make it an ideal spot to hang, even if you’re just watching climbers work their projects.
Getting to The Arch is pretty straightforward. The hike isn’t super short, but it’s entirely flat and runs right along the ocean, so it’s an easy, scenic stroll. You’ll be walking on a mix of sand and rocky terrain, with the ocean constantly to your side. Finding The Arch is even easier because it’s literally right next to the trail, and the trail itself is actually part of the top-out! You can’t miss it.
Climbing at The Arch is pretty sick. First off, you’ll need a ton of crash pads because the landing zone is rough. The ground is made up of massive, uneven boulders that shift underfoot, making both climbing and just moving around sketchy. Every time I come here with friends, we always say that spotting the climber or just navigating the base is more dangerous than actually climbing. The floor isn’t just unstable; it also slopes toward the ocean, so if you take a tumble, you might find yourself slowly rolling towards the water. At the arch, having spotters who know what they’re doing is crucial. Since the landing is so uneven, spotters need to be extra attentive, constantly adjusting the pads and staying ready to guide a falling climber onto a safe spot.
The climbs here are HARD, but that’s part of the appeal. It makes you wanting to come back because you just want to figure out that one move or send the entire route. Plus, the easy hike makes it super accessible, so there’s no excuse not to return. The arch is known for its powerful overhangs, and if you’re not used to climbing on sharp volcanic rock, be prepared for painful skin after.
One of the coolest things about climbing here is the atmosphere. Since the crag is literally on the shoreline, you get the constant sound of crashing waves, which puts you in a really meditative state. The combination of a physical challenge and mental focus makes climbing at here a truly unique experience.
The Arch’s oceanfront location is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s an epic backdrop, but on the other, the tide can completely shut down the site. If the tide is high, waves will completely submerge the rock, or at the very least, leave it wet with mist. It won’t be soaked, but it’ll be just damp enough to make climbing here even harder than it is. Checking apps like Surfline before heading out is a must if you don’t want to be disappointed.
One of my favorite memories from The Arch was on a recent trip with friends when we found a coconut that had washed up on shore. Naturally, we decided our warm-up would be breaking it open barehanded. Once we got a crack going, two of us sat facing each other, pressed our feet together, and full-crimped the coconut to pull in opposite directions. We cracked it open, drank the water, and snacked on the coconut meat throughout our session. The best part? It turned out to be a solid warm-up for our fingers, and now we joke about bringing a coconut every time we climb there.
Each climb here is unique, but they all have one thing in common: the lava rock is sharp. After a full session, your hands will be raw, no matter how tough your skin is.
Since The Arch is on the west side, you’ll get a front-row seat to jaw dropping sunsets. The sun sinks directly over the ocean, casting an unreal glow over the mountains and coastline. Whether you watch it from the crag itself or on the hike back, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a climbing session. The hike out is stunning to view, as the sky shifts through shades of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting off the water. It’s one of those moments that makes you feel insanely lucky to be here, experiencing nature in such an epic way.
