| Like its Kawaiiki counterpart, this trail was built to access the flumes, culverts, and dams along Opaeula Stream. It descends into the gulch for a short walk through guava thickets and stream crossings. An elbow in the stream provides a swimming pool at the trail terminus. |
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Description: This trail is part of a four-trail complex in the northwest Koolau area above Haleiwa/North Shore which also includes Kawaiiki Stream, Kawainui Stream, and Peahinaia Ridge Trails. It was built long ago to provide an access system in the construction of ditches, dams, and aqueducts - many of which are still active today. However, this trail currently receives little attention due to its isolated location. It is navigable but often overgrown. What to Expect: Like its "neighbor" trail at Kawaiiki Stream, you can expect isolation! Due to the distance from town, the trailhead's distance from a regularly-paved road, and the difficulty in obtaining permission to proceed past several gates, you'll most likely not find travelers out on this trail. Of the trails in the area, this is the least exciting despite its quick access to its swim hole. The swim hole at the end is practically man-made because of a deep dam in the stream. The majority of this trail is covered in terms of overhead foliage. You'll be surrounded by lots of vegetation, especially as you descend toward the stream. Opaeula and Kawaiiki Stream Trails are the same for the initial 0.5-mile or so. At a fork, the Opaeula Trail veers off the ridge to the right while the Kawaiiki Stream Trail continues straight. Trailhead Location: The trailhead is located about half-mile "before" the Palama Uka campsite as you travel northbound on the Palaa Uka Palama Military Access Road. The dirt road runs generally in a north-south direction. The trailhead is unmarked (save a ribbon or few) and is hidden in a "cove" of a streamlet's stagnant wash that is piled high with unremarkable overgrowth. The Kawaiiki Stream Trail shares this trailhead. Accessing the Trail: There are generally two problems keeping you from accessing this trail: obtaining permission and physical accessibility to the trailhead. From a permission standpoint, hiking is nearly prohibited by the landowners. Typically, only highly-insured hiking groups, such as the Sierra Club, would be granted access to the trail itself. Second, the only physical access is through multiple locked vehicular gates blocking the access road to the Palama Uka campsite. In addition to the agricultural businesses in the area, Palama Settlement (based in Kalihi/Liliha, Honolulu) holds the keys as they run the Palama Uka campsite. They grant usage of the keys only to stay at the campsite and not to wander off and go hiking. This is because the trails are in areas not controlled by Palama Settlement. Finally, it's over a 6-mile dirt stretch from state highway to trailhead. Property/Access: Privately Owned, Restricted Access Landowner: Bishop Estate Trustees & Dole Food Co, Inc. Leasee: Waialua Sugar Co, Inc. Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records June 25, 2002. Note: It is your responsibility to obtain permission from proper landowners. For detailed "property/access" info, click More Info. Dangers/Other Considerations: Other than the usual valley stream dangers (flash flooding, rockslides, slippery/loose rocks, etc.), remember that the equipment you pass through in this area, such as the dams, culverts, ditches, and aqueducts, are old enough to be antiques and require caution when in their vicinity. |
 Opaeula Gulch (South-ward View from Trailhead) |
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 Trail (Opaeula Gulch) |
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 Opaeula Ditch (Opaeula/Kawaiiki Network) |
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 Opaeula Stream Crossing (1 of 3) |
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 Swimming Pool (Trail Terminus) |
| What the books say... | |
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| Hawaiian Hiking Trails Craig Chisholm |
Not listed |
| Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails Robert Smith | Not listed |
| The Hikers Guide to O'ahu Stuart Ball |
Danger: Low Skill: Novice |