Kahana Valley (Stream) Trail

Trailhead

Description: Kahana Valley is one of the largest of the untouched valleys left on Oahu. Owned, occupied, and protectively guarded by both the residents of the Hawaiian Homelands and the State Parks Department, the lack of suburban development common to the rest of the island has kept this place one of the most lush and green jewels of Oahu. What to Expect: Muddy, wet, green (not necessarily in that order). This place is like a giant sponge - its only drain: Kahana Stream. Thus, expect the surrounding and overhead vegetation to be intense and the area trails to be gooey with mud. Of course, the swimming holes are deep, cold, refreshing, and cleansing but the question remains: how are you going to get back to the trailhead without getting muddy? Of course, the vegetation loves this environment. You'll be seeing hordes of fruit trees, including guava and the smaller strawberry guava. In turn, the ample supply of delicious guava supports a rather large population of feral pigs. These porkers keep to themselves but their nocturnal rooting and droppings are highly evident. Finally, the large amount of pigs invites an equally large amount of hunters. See "Dangers" for more information. Trailhead Location: Located at a bend in the access road to a large water tank along Pauao Ridge (the ridge separating Kahana and Punaluu Valleys). There is a bulletin board and a hunter check-in station at this location. Accessing the Trail: The trail begins beyond the small residential Hawaiian-homeland community which is surrounded by Ahupua'a 'o Kahana State Park (formerly called Kahana Valley State Park). A locked gate at the residential area's mauka end blocks traffic to the rest of the access road and the residents request that hikers park before the entrance to the housing area. The combination to the gate's lock is sometimes given by park personnel at the office toward the entrance of the Park. However, check with the park office for its hours of operation. Property/Access: Open/maintained trail, public access Dangers/Other Considerations: The primary danger of hiking in this valley happens to be the asset which makes it so beautiful: the thick vegetation. Navigation by way of distant landmarks is virtually impossible due to the canopy of trees. Its wide, basin-like nature can loop a hiker around endlessly. Although relatively danger-free in terms of injury, this valley is the site of miserable overnight stays for dozens of unprepared hikers each year. Do NOT start this hike late in the day. Puu Paoao and the Koolau crest stand at the western head of this valley. This tall wall, in conjunction with the heavy vegetation, spells an early sunset. A good rule about hiking in Kahana Valley: if it starts to get dark, you should already be on your way out. You'll find this to be as early as 4:00 PM. Also, because of its virtually untouched nature, the forest is heavily populated with wild boar and thus a favorite stomping grounds for hunters. Be cautious: they do not have to go far off the trail to find pigs. It is not uncommon to cross paths with pigs in Kahana Valley	Loop Fork (stream to left, return route on right)
	Kahana Stream (1st Stream Crossing) Photo by S. Elesarke
	Ridge Section (before descent to stream)
	Kahana Stream (1st Deep Pool)
	Kahana Stream (2nd Deep Pool)