Hiking At Ahupuaʻa O Kahana State Park
Formerly Kahana Valley State Park, it is located on the windward side of Oʻahu between Kaʻaʻawa and Punaluʻu. The park is located on the mauka (up hill) from Kahana Bay. It is Hawaii's only public ahupuaʻa, and it stretches from the sea to the tip of Puʻu Pauao at 2670 feet. It has a tropical climate, and it is one of the wettest areas in Oʻahu, averaging nearly 300 inches per year in parts of the valley. The main purpose of the park is to embrace and teach Hawaiian culture.
Why it is called Kahana Valley State Park
Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park is a popular park on the windward side of Oahu. The park is in one of the wettest valleys on the island, but the lush forests and views make up for it. The park is free to enter, and dogs are allowed on leash. There is camping at the park for a small fee.
The park is a "living park" which means there are Hawaiian families that still live in the park. There are quite a few interesting cultural/archeological sites in the park including a temple, fishing shrines, stone buildings, and much more.
Kahana Bay hike
There are two hiking trails available to the public. Both are relatively easy walking, but trails may be muddy. No permits are required, and detailed trail maps are available at the Orientation Center.
Kapa'ele'ele Ko'a and Keaniani Lookout Trail is a one mile long loop trail that begins at the Orientation Center and takes about one hour. The trail passes two cultural sites and offers stunning views of Kahana Bay.
Nakoa Trail is named for the koa trees found along this 2.5 mile loop trail through a tropical rainforest. The loop hike takes about 2 hours. The total length of the hike is 5 miles from the Orientation Center. The trailhead can be reached by following the main road up the valley. This trail crosses Kahana Stream twice. Fruit picking when in season.
