Kaluwaa Loop Trail

Trailhead

Description: This is yet another relatively unknown trail in the southern Waianaes as guided tours on it opened to the public in July 2002. This is more a hiking route versus one particular hiking trail because it journeys through parts of different foot paths. The trip involves a gentle trek into a gulch, a short jaunt on one of the most maintained stretches of the Honouliuli Contour Trail, and a quick return route down a small spur. The trail wanders within the lower Honouliuli gulches between the prominent Kanehoa and Hapapa ridges. It is a botanical cornicopia of native and indigenous plantlife. What to Expect: Easy! Mosquitoes! This trail will keep the most expert of botanists fascinated. It is quite the collection of native trees, shrubs, ferns, rare lobelias, and other plants. This is a direct result of the research and conservation work under the guise of the Nature Conservancy as well as several high school environmental/conservation projects. The trail crosses through several well-maintained conservation sites as well as a gated feral animal exclosure. The return route is a shuffle down a ridge to the north of and parallel to the Kanehoa Ridge. The Nature Conservancy calls this short spur "Pukiawe Ridge". Trailhead Location: Beyond the Dole pineapple fields off of Kunia Road, the trailhead is located to the right (north) of the Kanehoa Ridge (atop which you will see a large, green, billboard-like "target" mounted low on Maunauna). A 4WD-vehicle is required to traverse the 0.5-mile stretch of narrow dirt road before reaching the loop's trailheads at a dead-end clearing. Accessing the Trail: As this trail is completely on private property and developed/maintained by the Nature Conservancy, contact them for access. Be aware that they are extremely restrictive of all trails within their jurisdiction and grant unhindered access only to approved research and service groups: absolutely no exceptions. Only three trails (of approximately eight in TNC control) are offered annually as scheduled escorted hikes restricted to small numbers of the general public. Access is by reservation only. Property/Access: Privately owned, restricted access Dangers/Other Considerations: This is not a dangerous trail but, as with all hiking, beware of normal trail hazards.	Kaluwaa Hiking Area (view from trailhead)
	Trail - Initial Section (first 0.25-mile)
	Trail - Forest Section (near apex of loop)
	Honouliuli Contour Trail (return leg to trailhead)
	View from Trail (N through Schofield Barracks)