This Little-Known Forest Hike In Hawaii Is The Ultimate Afternoon Getaway
By Megan Shute|Published September 20, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
There’s no doubt about it: the Hawaiian Islands is easily one of the greatest hiking destinations in the country — and maybe even the world. With miles and miles of trails that ascend mountains, traverse ridgelines, and lead to breathtaking natural beauty, Hawaii is truly a hiker’s paradise. And while we love the islands’ most popular trails as much as the next person, sometimes you need to get away from it all and take the trail less traveled. If peace and seclusion are things you crave, we have an idyllic forest trail to share with you today.
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.
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.
The Hauula Loop Trail might be little-known, but it’s easy to follow, dog and keiki-friendly, and can be completed in approximately one hour. Depending on where you live, you’ll probably spend more time driving to and from the trailhead than actually hiking, but we don't mind.
The Hauula Loop Trail is located at 54-55 Maakua Rd., Laie, HI 96762. This is truly one of my favorite little-known hikes on the island, but this forest trail is pretty phenomenal, too. If you want to discover Hawaii’s magnificent forests, click here.
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