There are parts of Hawaii that feel worlds away from the island chain’s popular beaches – jungles, rainforests, mountains and valleys, that transport you to another time and place – perhaps when dinosaurs roamed free? (And, frankly, we think that’s one of the best things about hiking in Hawaii!) While you will find several landscapes used in the filming of our favorite dinosaur movie franchise, this little-known trail will take you on an epic adventure like no other. Ready to escape to a prehistoric world? Let’s lace up our hiking boots and prepare to get a little (or a lot) muddy! 

If you’re searching for a short, easy hike near Kailua-Kona that will take you on an adventure like no other, we know just the trail. The Makuala O’oma Trail meanders through a lush forest that looks as though it was ripped from the big screen.
Dion Blake/AllTrails
Tucked away within the Honua’ula Forest Reserve on the slopes of the Hualalai Volcano near Kona, this wondrously lush ohia and hapu’u tree fern forest is truly magical.
Jason Vosburgh/AllTrails
There are a few different loop trails found in this cloud forest ranging in length, but we’re certainly partial to the Jurassic Trail. With a variety of ferns and native vegetation, it’s easy to feel like you’ve entered a prehistoric world.
Richard Snow/AllTrails
At more than 3,000 feet above sea level, the trail is cool and wet, providing a remarkable respite from the coastal heat on a warm Hawaiian day.
Josh Smith/AllTrails
But this ecosystem also makes for a muddy trail, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

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Don’t forget your camera! This undeveloped gem is home to views you won’t find anywhere else, and that your friends back home might not believe if you don’t have photographic proof.
Virginia Elaine/AllTrails
Be warned, though, it might be hard to pass up the chance to photoshop a Tyrannosaurus Rex into a shot like this.
The trail is accessible from the end of Makahi Street, off Kaloko Drive.
William Garrels/AllTrails
Park on the side of the road, be respectful of the neighboring properties, and get ready to set off on an adventure you’ll always remember.
Michael Khait/AllTrails
So, what are you waiting for? Outdoor enthusiasts and Jurassic Park super-fans alike are sure to fall in love with this one-of-a-kind trail.
Michael Khait/AllTrails
To get a better feel for the trail before you hike it yourself, check out this video from YouTuber Living Aloha:

For more information about this surreal trail, head on over to AllTrails. If you’re looking for downloadable maps that you can use offline, check out the AllTrails+ feature. Then, tell us, what’s another destination for hiking in Hawaii that will make us swear we’ve entered Jurassic World? We want to hear from you, dinosaur lovers!

 

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hiking in hawaii

Trent Jonas | July 28, 2023

What are some other great spots for hiking in Hawaii?

The Aloha State is a natural paradise, blessed with mountains, forests, beaches, and incredible terrain shaped by millennia of volcanic activity - all of which means there are some incredible places you can go hiking in Hawaii. You'll finding fantastic hiking trails on all of the islands. Some of our favorites, other than the Makuala O’oma Trail, include:

Hawaii Island:

You can find some downright awesome trails on Hawaii Island (the "Big Island"). Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to more than 150 miles of hiking trails that offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the Aloha State. We like:

 

Maui:

The Valley Isle of Maui is no slouch when it comes to hiking opportunities. You'll find many of our favorites in Haleakala National Park, another stunning park with rugged landscape. These include:

Elsewhere on Maui, outside of Haleakala National Park, you'll find these fantastic hikes:

 

Kauai:

On Kauai, the Garden Isle, you'll find some of our favorite scenery in all of the Aloha State along the stunning Na Pali Coast and in the gorgeous - pun intended - Waimea Canyon. Neither of the these trails are for novices, so we recommend going with a guide or sticking to the front-country areas if you're an inexperienced hiker.

 

 

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Makuala O'oma Trail, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA