Pauoa Flats Trail

Trailhead

Description: A thick canopy keeps this forested trail dark and damp even on the sunniest days and a mass of tree roots carpets its floor. Like a highway between its junction with the Manoa Cliffs Trail and its terminus at the Pauoa Lookout (elev. 1,680-ft), it provides "off-ramps" to three other trails. From makai to mauka they are: Kalawahine, Nuuanu, and Aihualama Trails. If hiking makai (toward the ocean/downhill), one may continue along the Manoa Cliff, Puu Ohia, or Kalawahine Trails to reach the Tantalus residential area. If hiking mauka (uphill), possibilities include heading into Nuuanu (left via Nuuanu Trail) or Manoa (right via Aihualama Trail). This trail also serves as a feeder for the trail to Konahuanui, an unofficial (and restricted) ridge trail to the Koolau's two highest peaks. What to Expect: Despite the thick overhead canopy, the majority of this trail is very wide and open - a virtual "highway" when compared to other trails on the island. But pay attention to where you step lest you unnecessarily smack a mud-hole or trip over one of many steadfast roots. At the official terminus of this trail is a wide clearing which overlooks upper Nuuanu Valley. Sometimes called the Nuuanu Lookout, the Pauoa Lookout possesses some of the best views from the Tantalus trail complex. Perched high above the Nuuanu Pali (on the right/south side), often shrouded in misty clouds, are the twin peaks of Konahuanui - the highest peaks in the entire Koolau chain. Also at the overlook is a rest bench erected in January 2004 in honor of Daniel Levey. Affixed to one of the legs is a plaque cast in remembrance of the 19-year-old local hiker who died after falling in the Nuuanu/Lulumahu Stream area. Levey, who was described as an avid, experienced hiker, was last heard via cell-phone while hiking alone along the Koolau crest above Manoa Valley. His body was found four days later on July 25, 2003 at the base of a waterfall. There is an obvious side trail that backtracks and heads up the ridgeline to another viewspot nearby. In the opposite direction, beyond the Pauoa Lookout (toward Konahuanui), are two more hike possibilities. A nondescript trail winds its way down into Nuuanu Valley but is extremely overgrown and in dilapidated condition making navigation tricky and progress difficult. The second option is to continue along the ungraded, upper portion of Pauoa Ridge mauka of the overlook all the way to Konahuanui. Both options, however, are unofficial and considered trespassing because they cross into the restricted Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve. Trailhead Location: The official beginning of the trail is its makai junction with Manoa Cliffs Trail. There are multiple junctions which connect with several other trails. See below (Accessing the Trail) for more about accessing these junctions. Accessing the Trail: This public trail is one of eighteen in Na Ala Hele's Honolulu Mauka Trail System. Thus, the trail condition and access is maintained by Na Ala Hele - there are no gates or landowners to worry about. Use one of the trails mentioned in the Description to access this trail. Here are some possibilities: From Manoa Valley: Manoa Falls to top of Aihualama Trail From Tantalus: to upper end of Puu Ohia or Manoa Cliffs Trails From Makiki Valley: Nahuina Trail to top of Kalawahine Trail From Nuuanu Valley: Judd Memorial Trail to top of Nuuanu Trail Property/Access: Public/open. Public access and trail maintained by Na Ala Hele. Dangers/Other Considerations: Except for slippery footing during wet conditions, there are no extreme hazards throughout this trail. However, as with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement.	Beginning of Trail (trailhead along Manoa Cliff Trail)
	First Half of Trail (at Nuuanu Trail junction)
	First Half of Trail (between Nuuanu & Aihualama Trails)
	Junction with Aihualama Trail (0.4-mile from start)
	Final Stretch to Lookout (after Aihualama Trail jct)
	Rest Bench at Pauoa Lookout (trail terminus)
	Upper Nuuanu Valley (view from Pauoa Lookout)