Makiki Valley Loop Trail

Trailhead

Description: This is a truly enjoyable 2.1-mile loop that incorporates the sights and sounds of tall forests, charming streams, wooden bridges, songful birds, views of Honolulu, and even a botanical garden well-stocked with a variety of plant samples. It is nicely-constructed and maintained to be a clear, relatively even-footed path usable by walkers on a lazy stroll, cross- country runners, and everyone in between. It is a pleasant 1.5 - 2.5-hour tour of the Makiki Forest Recreation Area. The three trails that form this loop adventure include the Kanealole, Maunalaha, and Makiki Valley Trails. They are all official, state-run hiking trails above the Hawaii Nature Center. What to Expect: This trail climbs a total of 720-feet throughout the loop. There is no "rollercoastering" (dramatic ups and downs along the trail) with the exception of a small but gentle "ripple" along Makiki Valley Trail. Regardless of any steep or flat sections encountered along the trip, the path is continually wide, clear, and completely negotiable. Doing this trip clockwise (up Maunalaha first) is a better approach for these reasons: The easy footing and gentle grade of the Kanealole Trail lessens the impact of the ascent, which may moderately-strenuous for novices. Also, the botanical garden is a great excuse to take things slow in the beginning and get warmed up. And since the Kanealole Trail is devoid of views, the Maunalaha Trail is better suited for the descent phase. Short views of Honolulu, Round Top, and Maunalaha Gulch, can be glimpsed on the way down. This is an extremely popular route, especially with the local Korean community. Its popularity may be due to the life-giving qualities believed to be possessed by one of the natural springs along the trail. For specific information on each individual trail of the Makiki Valley Loop, see the following (in CW order):    Kanealole Trail    Makiki Valley Trail    Maunalaha Trail Distances: The loop trail is measured to be a total of approximately 2.1-mile (not the posted 2.5-mile). Trailhead Location: The Makiki Valley Loop starts behind the Hawaii Nature Center. 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 (clockwise on loop). The Maunalaha Trail leads to the right (counter-clockwise on loop). 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. Accessing the Trail: Traditionally, the Hawaii Nature Center is the entry point for the Makiki Valley Trail. This is located in the Makiki Forest Recreation Area 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” trailhead signs pointing out the parking lot you should use. It is possible to enter the loop from other trails. For more information about these junctions, see Makiki Valley Trail. 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.	Makiki Forest Recreation Area (forest entrance)
	Trailhead Parking Lot (behind Hawaii Nature Center)
	Approaching Intersection (forks to Kanealole and Maunalaha)
	Kanealole Trail (clockwise on loop)
	Top of Kanealole Trail (Makiki Valley Trail junction)
	Makiki Valley Trail (approaching 4-way junction)
	Top of Maunalaha Trail (4-way junction)
	Maunalaha Trail (clockwise on loop)