Kanealole Trail
(Makiki Valley)

Trailhead

Description: Paralleling the narrow Kanealole Stream, this very wide, well-graded trail maintains a constant grade of ascent as it reaches upstream into Makiki Valley. The trail includes several rest benches, wooden bridges, a small waterfall, and a well-stocked botanical garden along the way. While the entire trail is embeded within forest, the overhead canopy is wide open in several sections. Of the three trails that make up the popular Makiki Valley Loop, Kanealole Trail comprises the "west" up/downhill section. What to Expect: With the exception of a few steps at the wooden bridges, there is nothing that requires climbing, making this a perfect trail for a hardy walk or pulse-raising run. Overall, the trail is very wide and cleared to about seven feet across in many spots. The lower 0.2-mile (the newest extension of the trail) is the most fascinating section. It features a pair of nice wooden bridges and a terrific collection of native and common Hawaiian plants between and after the two stream crossings. The first wooden bridge crosses the Moleka Stream while the second wooden bridge crosses Kanealole Stream. Both water features merge into one stream downhill of the trail. The beginning and middle sections of the trail are carpeted with gravel underfoot. It peters out into a regular dirt path beyond the midway point. Through the forest thicket on your right, in the upper half of the trail, is the loud rush of a hidden waterfall. Actually, it is an overspill created by a 35 x 50-foot rock & mortar dam spanning the gulch. The water pours from the west side of the dam, cascades down the wall, and flows away into a concrete channel. Most of this, as described, is not visible from the trail. There are some differences with its neighboring ridge trail to the east (Maunalaha Trail). Kanealole Trail crosses broader terrain and, in addition to the trees, the vegetation is frequently more shrubby and bushy. Also, as a result of the wide terrain (and forest), there are absolutely no views from Kanealole Trail. Finally, the different trees within Kanealole Gulch tints the greenery here with more of a yellowish hue while it's a much darker/blue green above Maunalaha Stream. Distances: It is approximately 0.8-mile (one-way) from the official lower trailhead (relocated in 2002) to the junction with Makiki Valley Trail. Trailhead Location: Lower trailhead: Behind the Hawaii Nature Center, the Kanealole and Maunalaha Trails share the same trailhead. From within the parking lot, between the Hawaii Nature Center and the DLNR Baseyard, follow the posted metal pointer signs on the makai side. Pass the concrete restrooms and cross the stream via a fenced, concrete bridge. A sign after the crossing will point you to the left. Turn left and continue uphill about 0.1-mile until you reach a T-intersection heavily marked with posted metal signs (including a sign entirely in Korean). The Kanealole Trail leads to the left. (The Maunalaha Trail leads to the right.) NOTE: The official trailhead was moved in 2002 to shift hikers away from crossing through the DLNR's baseyard (which they had been doing for decades). The "revised" trailhead was pushed forward to put it directly opposite of the Maunalaha Trail within the forest behind the Hawaii Nature Center. The shift added 0.1-mile to the original trail length. Upper trailhead: The upper trailhead is a junction with Makiki Valley Trail on the Tantalus Drive side. Accessing the Trail: The Hawaii Nature Center, site of the lower trailhead, is located in the Makiki Forest Recreation Area which is along Makiki Heights Drive. From H-1, Koko Head-bound (eastward) drivers can use the Punahou St. exit to turn left/uphill onto Punahou St., then turn left at either the Wilder or Nehoa Ave. intersection (your choice!). On H-1, Ewa-bound (westward) drivers can use the Wilder St. exit. From either Wilder or Nehoa Ave, turn mauka (uphill) onto Makiki St. Almost immediately, turn left before Baker Park onto Makiki Heights Dr (be careful here: you’ll be tempted to drive straight past this small park!). Continue 0.5-mile until you reach an elbow in the road that turns sharply to the left. Look straight ahead: you should see a sign marking the entrance to the Makiki Forest Recreation Area. Drive in until you pass the Hawaii Nature Center on your right. You will see metal “Kanealole” (not Maunalaha) trailhead signs pointing out the parking lot you should use. Parking/Facilities: There is a parking lot which can hold 10 - 15 cars (depending on how users park). The trailhead contains a concrete structure with restrooms. A water fountain and relief model of Na Ala Hele's Honolulu Mauka trail system is available nearby. Property/Access: Open/public-access. This is a state park, public land, and access is not restricted. Be aware of the park gate closure time, however, which tends to be at sunset (or earlier). The time is posted at the entrance to the Makiki Forest Recreation Area. Dangers/Other Considerations: There are no unusual dangers with this trail. As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement.	Lower Trailhead (opposite of Maunalaha Trailhead)
	Botanical Garden and Samples (beyond first wooden bridge)
	'Ala'alawainui Sample (garden plant & placard example)
	Gravel Path / Straight Section (after second wooden bridge)
	Hidden Waterfall (Kanealole Stream's west fork)
	Rest Bench (uphill of waterfall)
	Upper Trailhead (junction with Makiki Valley Trail)