The Hawaiian Islands have a rich and complex history. This stems from the first Europeans visiting the islands in 1778 and the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795. Another significant moment was Hawaii’s admittance to the United States of America in 1959. And, while you will find historical landmarks all throughout the Aloha State, there's plenty of history hiding in the shadows too. This includes this little-known Aiea Loop Trail plane wreckage from World War II found near a popular hike on Oahu. So, if you're ready for a historic adventure, let's lace up our hiking boots and explore!

Nestled within the 384-acre Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area on Oahu is the 4.8-mile Aiea Loop Trail. This hike is a Hawaiian history lesson that leads hikers on a delightful journey through a verdant forest.

As one of the most unique hikes in Hawaii, the pleasant and mostly shady trail meanders through lush groves of lemon eucalyptus, Norfolk pines, and native koa and ohia trees along the ridge on the west side of Halawa Valley.

Along your way, you will also find sweeping views of Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, the H-3, and the Ko’olau Mountains. Don't forget to take a few photographs during your Hawaii history hike.

In addition to striking views and a phenomenal hike, you might discover some well-known ruins in Hawaii. The wreckage of a B-24J bomber near the trail is approximately ⅔ of your way through the trail. The plane crashed here in May 1944 and is often considered to be one of Hawaii’s most well-known crash sites.

Per Hawaiian history, on May 5, 1944, at 5:22 a.m. the B-24J Liberator Bomber took off from Hickam Field to Australia where it would be assigned to the 5th Air Force.

Just six miles away, the bomber failed to make a turn causing the B-24 to crash into Pu’u Uau ridge. Upon impact, the bomber caught fire and the entire 10-person crew was killed. Afterward, the crash site was located and the remains of the crew were recovered.

Decades passed, and in 1993 the site was rediscovered, though only four engines, right and left wing with wheels, tail turret, and various small parts remained were found. In 2008, 64 years after the crash, a memorial plaque was placed at the trailhead to the Aiea Loop Trail. Therefore, making this one of the most unique hikes in Hawaii.

While it is difficult to see the wreckage from the trail these days since a landslide pushed the wreckage further into the gulch, you can hike down the gulch to find what remains of these ruins in Hawaii.

Many hikers who don’t know better start at the trailhead near the designated parking lot, though it's suggested to tackle the trail backward, as you will be descending a set of switchbacks as you begin rather than ascending them as you finish your trek. Either way, the Aiea Loop Trail plane hike promises serenity, natural beauty, and a little slice of Hawaiian history.

Though the trail itself is fairly easy, it can be muddy if it has rained recently, and features an elevation gain of approximately 900 feet, some gradual uphill climbs, a set of switchbacks, and a stream crossing. The trail measures in at nearly 5 miles, and you should give yourself approximately three hours to enjoy your hike.

The Aiea Loop Trail plane is found within Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area in Oahu. If you had a chance to check out these ruins in Hawaii, feel free to share your experience in the following comment section.

And, if you'd like to discover other trails in The Aloha State leading to historical ruins and pieces of history, check out these unique hikes in Hawaii.