Hauula Loop Trail

Trailhead

Description: If Hauula Ridge is a giant arm extending from the Koolau spine, this loop trail meanders the "fingers" of its lower extremity. Three fingers and their related gulches make up this lower (makai) section of Hauula Ridge: Kawaipapa, Hanaimoa, and Waipilopilo. Specifically, this trail hikes the latter two and skirts the lower edge of Kaipapau Gulch - a large, beautiful valley to the north of Hauula Ridge. This trail is well-constructed and gentle on the foot. While the trail's high-point is slightly over 800 feet, the climb is drawn out over more than a mile. You could get a bit sweaty, but the cool, shady pine forest with views of Hauula town and the sweet sounds of the ocean surf, more than make up for it. What to Expect: The trail first crosses the mouth of Hanaimoa Gulch and begins a gentle ascent along the north ridge of that gulch. The trail, graded into the small hillside, eventually reaches an unmarked, but obvious, "T"-intersection: the loop trail's fork. Both choices switchback to the top of the ridge, descend slightly and cross Waipilopilo Gulch, then climb to the top of the next finger ridge. This finger ridge stands above the large Kaipapau Gulch - which is wider toward the valley's headwaters. Taking the right side (counterclockwise) is perhaps best choice because you spend that time climbing through a wonderful, shady pine forest and you'll have views of the wonderful Kaipapau Gulch in front of you. Thus, you'll save the more sunny and less interesting section for the downhill/return leg. Trailhead Location: The trailhead is well-marked with posted metal Na Ala Hele signs. It is on the right side of the paved, Maakua Gulch access road. The road, which intersects on the mauka side of Hauula Homestead Road (just as it veers to the left), can be identified by a chain erected prevent vehicular traffic. There is also a large hunter check-in station and bulletin board along this road. Accessing the Trail: Access to this trail is currently open as it is an official Na Ala Hele trail. But be sure not to bother the residences along the road on the walk to the trailhead - these are Hauula Homesteads (Hawaiian Homelands). You may see several privately-posted signs warning you, the hiker, to stay off of their property. Maakua Road and the initial portions of Hauula Loop and Maakua Ridge Trails all proceed along an easement through private property. However, this will not be apparent. The trail is in Hauula, about 0.2-mile from Kamehameha Hwy (Hwy 83). It is straight up Hauula Homestead Road which intersects the highway just opposite of Hauula Beach Park (restrooms and outdoor showers). Individual hikers can park in a gravel lot near the access road. Groups of hikers often park along the highway (just before the "Welcome to Hauula" sign) near the small church which is close to the intersection, then walk up the road. Property/Access: Trailhead landowner: easement through private parcels Trail majority landowner: State of Hawaii Dangers/Other Considerations: Ignore the well-travelled path at the top of the finger ridge between the small Waipilopilo Gulch and the greater Kaipapau Gulch. You may see this unmarked path as you hike on top of the farthest ridge (counterclockwise) just before you begin the return descent back along the loop. This unmarked path continues along the ridgeline and eventually becomes the ungraded Hauula Uka Ridge Trail. Due to its length, difficulty, and confusing terrain, that trail is for highly experienced hikers already familiar with the area. As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement.