Maakua Ridge Trail

Trailhead

Description: If Maakua Ridge is a giant arm extending from the Koolau spine, this loop trail meanders the "fingers" at its lower extremity. Three fingers and their related gulches make up lower Maakua Ridge: Papali, Punaiki, and Waiahilahila (Makao). Specifically, this trail departs the mighty Maakua Gulch behind, then climbs the first two ridges/gulches to the south. HTMC: "4 Mi/Novice/Hillside/Hau'ula" (inc. Hauula Loop Trail) Sierra Club: "3.5 mi/Moderate/Ridge/Hauula" (inc. Hauula Loop Trail) What to Expect: The trail first crosses the downstream portion of rocky Maakua Stream before continuing up the southern wall of Maakua Gulch. The climb utilizes switchbacks and, at one point, one comes very close to the backyard of a private residence. Near this location is a picnic table and shelter built by Makaha Boy Scouts (BSA Troop 162). Nearby, there are two wonderfully placed benches before a splendid view of the towns of Hauula/Laie and coastline. At the higher of the two benches is the loop's fork. The option on the right (counterclockwise) continues the switchbacked climb out of Maakua Gulch to the top of the Papali Ridge. The left-hand option (clockwise) immediately leaves Maakua Gulch behind initially on a relatively level, graded trail and heads for the crossing of Papali Gulch. The far section of this loop trail skirts the south side of Punaiki Ridge above Punaiki Gulch. As you round the most makai (seaward) point of Punaiki Ridge (just as you make your return trip to the loop's fork if you're proceeding counterclockwise), the view of Punaiki Gulch opens up. Of interest in this scene is the nipple-shaped Puu Waiahilahila peak two ridges over (to the south). This prominent peak stands above the entrance to Kaluanui Valley - home of Sacred Falls. This trail is a bit more rugged than its Hauula Loop "sister" trail to the north. The switchbacks are a tad steeper and the footpath is a bit more rooty. Furthermore, the vegetation varies considerably, most notably there is no pine tree forest akin to the one that Hauula Loop Trail proceeds through. Trailhead Location: The trailhead is well-marked with posted metal Na Ala Hele signs. It is on the left side of the paved, Maakua Gulch access road about 50-yards beyond the roadside junction with Hauula Loop Trail. 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 Papali Gulch and the greater Maakua Gulch. You may see this unmarked path as you hike on top of the nearest ridge (counterclockwise) just before you continue into Papali Gulch. This unmarked path continues along the ridgeline and eventually becomes the ungraded Waiahilahila-Maakua 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.