Makiki Valley Trail

Trailhead

Description: This trail contours the hillside between Makiki and Tantalus. The path is well-graded into the finger ridges on the makai (downhill) side of Pauoa Ridge - the same ridge that separates Nuuanu and Manoa Valleys. It is a nicely-constructed, wide footpath that climbs and descends as it meanders through each gulch. It always remains within the forest which includes stands of eucalyptus, swamp mahagony, kukui, and mountain apple. Of the three trails that make up the popular Makiki Valley Loop, Makiki Valley Trail is the upper portion that connects Maunalaha and Kanealole Trails. What to Expect: While this is an nice walk in the woods with ascents/descents easy enough for all novice hikers/walkers, there is nothing spectacular to note about this trail. There are a few bridges that cross intermittent streams within the small gulches. Some sections have erosion-control steps built into the foot path (near the 4-way junction). The initial stretch from the west trailhead descends from Tantalus Drive into Kanealole Gulch: about 300 feet over the short distance. Something amusing to note about the foot path is what has been created by many generations of kukui trees along the trail. Several stretches of trail are carpeted with thick layers of fallen kukui nuts embeded within the dirt. It makes for a curious sight and an interesting texture to walk on. While most of the trail is level-footed during climbs/descents, some sections are rather rocky, bouldery, or rooty. The best way to describe these sections is that an average mountain-biker would have problems trying to ride this trail. Distances: It is approximately 1.1-mile (one-way) between the west trailhead (Tantalus Dr) and east trailhead (Round Top Dr). Trailhead Location: West trailhead (Tantalus Dr): The west trailhead (elev. 1,180-ft) is along a stretch of undeveloped land between 3330 and 3600 Tantalus Drive. There is a parking lot nearby. Junctions/intersections: The Makiki Valley Trail intersects other state trails at the following junctions (mileage from west trailhead): bottom of Nahuina Trail (0.1), top of Kanealole Trail (0.2), top of Maunalaha Trail (0.9), overlap point with Ualakaa Trail (0.9), and bottom of Moleka Trail (1.0). East trailhead (Round Top Dr): Two trails overlap the east trailhead (elev. 1,180-ft), which is along an undeveloped stretch of land between 3455 and 3703 Round Top Drive. The upper loop section of Ualakaa Trail overlaps the east section of the Makiki Valley Trail with the trailhead in the middle of both. Accessing the Trail: This is a public trail maintained by Na Ala Hele - there are no gates or landowners to worry about. West trailhead (Tantalus Dr) If you are Koko Head-bound (headed east) on H-1, take the Punchbowl Street exit, and immediately take the first right onto Vineyard Blvd, then the next right onto Queen Emma Street. If you are Ewa-bound (headed west) on H-1, take the Vineyard Blvd exit, then right turn at the second traffic light onto Queen Emma Street. On Queen Emma Street, proceed uphill, straight through the intersection with Iolani/ School Street (you'll pass the small "CopyRite" store). The road is now Auwaiolimu Street. Continue on Auwaiolimu Street as it semi-circles to the back side of Punchbowl Crater. You'll end up between the crater and the Koolau mountains. Tantalus Drive intersects Auwaiolimu Street on your left side, which will be opposite the entrance to the National Cemetary of the Pacific. Turn left onto Tantalus Drive here and proceed to the trailhead. East trailhead (Round Top Dr) (best from east Honolulu) If you are Ewa-bound (headed west) on H-1, take the Wilder Street exit and continue straight and eventually pass through the Punahou Street intersection. If you are Koko Head-bound (headed east) on H-1, take the Punahou Street exit, pass Maryknoll School (on your left), then turn left onto Wilder Street. From this point on Wilder Street, proceed past three streets, turn right onto Makiki Street and proceed all the way up through the Nehoa Street intersection. Drive straight past Baker Park, then turn left onto Round Top Drive. Property/Access: Open/public-access and maintained by Na Ala Hele. Dangers/Other Considerations: There are no unusual dangers with this trail. As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement.	Gravel Section (near Kanealole Trail junction)
	Kukui-Embeded Section (between Kanealole and Maunalaha)
	Level Section (midway, beyond sharp bend)
	Root Section (between Kanealole and Maunalaha)
	Bridge (Moleka Stream crossing)
	Erosion-Control Steps (near 4-way junction)