Hiking Hauʻula Loop Trail
The tranquil Hauʻula Loop Trail is a 2.5-mile loop (1½ hours) that clambers through Waipilopilo Gulch onto a ridge over Kaipapaʻu Valley. The trail forks off to the right immediately after the road enters the forest reserve, and then rises quickly through a native forest of ohia and hala (screwpine) trees.
Nestled near the northeastern tip of Oahu in the Ko’olau Mountains is the Hauula Loop Trail, a little-known slice of heaven that leads hikers through a lush, verdant forest over the course of 2.5 miles and 800 feet of elevation. With plenty of shade, this lightly-trafficked loop trail full of Captain Cook pines and ironwood trees is the perfect afternoon escape — no matter the weather or time of year.
Guide to hiking Hau’ula Loop Trail
Located at the end of Hauula Homestead Road in the small, rural community of Hauula, this forest trail is off-the-beaten path, but well-maintained. You might even be surprised to discover that this thoughtfully laid out trail nestled in the Kaipapau Forest Reserve was one of the first paths constructed by Hawaii’s early forestry program.
As you follow the trail, you will feel as though you’ve been transported to a far-away jungle. With lush greenery, plenty of towering trees, and a variety of fruits ripe for the picking. Fancy a mid-hike snack of strawberry guava, anyone? With a steady, not-too-steep incline — except for the trek to the summit pictured below — and plenty of switchbacks, you can expect to get a workout in on this trail.
It’s all worth it in the end, though, when you reach the trail’s summit: the view of the Ko’olau Mountains, Laie, and the Pacific Ocean is remarkable. Stop to catch your breath, admire the view, and snap a few photographs.With its verdant forest views and remote location, this trail is unlike many others you will find on Oahu. Depending on when you visit, you might discover that you have the trail almost to yourself.
