This excellent upcountry Nā Ala Hele trail travels throughout the Makawao Forest Reserve. At nearly 4000’ above sea level, you’ll be hiking through a cool rainforest on a well-maintained trail. The trail is shared with mountain bikers, but with a new mountain bike park and trail system, the main Kahakapao Trail Loop gets less bike traffic.

Trailhead: From Makawao Avenue east of Makawao town, turn right onto Pi’iholo Road (Hwy. 394). Go 1.5 miles and veer left on Waiohiwi Road. Go 0.5 mile and turn right onto Kahakapao Road. Drive to the end of Kahakapao Road. You’ll pass a gate along the way that is open from 7am to 7pm. The last section of road is steep and narrow, but any vehicle can make it to the trailhead. The trailhead has portable toilets but no other services.

Weather

Gear: Standard hiking gear. Wear boots because the trail can be very muddy. Don’t forget the raingear. It’s much cooler here at nearly 4000’ above sea level.

Hike: From the parking area, walk along a broad dirt road for 1/2 mile, passing several mountain bike parks. Find the beginning of the Kahakapao Trail Loop. It doesn’t matter which direction you choose to hike. Either way, you’ll be climbing to the high point of the trail and then descending back to the trailhead. Along the way you’ll pass a wealth of native and introduced plants and trees. Take care to stay on the Loop trail and off of any mountain bike trails. Several of these trails are dedicated to mountain bikes only, so bikers won’t expect to encounter a hiker. Enjoy the forest, complete the loop, and return the way you came.