Hau’ula Loop Trail

This was a great hike if you’re on the north shore. A small waterfall and ocean view in one hike! All the other waterfall hikes were by Honolulu. This hike started off easy but got pretty strenuous with the length, 4 miles total (other reviews said it was only 2.5) and the mud!
The bad:
The bugs were annoying, I recommend bug spray.
Limited parking. We parked down the road close to the ocean.
The only wildlife seen were fruit flies, chickens & roosters.
But let’s get to the good stuff…
It was a good incline, getting to the waterfall added some extra strenuous adventure, it was cool to see the three very distinct tree habitats (it went between lush jungle, pine tree forest, and coconut palm trees.
Don’t miss the random red clay 25 foot climb halfway through the hike to get up to he ocean view.

I had a good time there! It was my first hiking experience, I guess it rained in the morning so little bit slippery but no problem! Beautiful view and beautiful forest! I would even bring my nieces here! Highly recommend! Easy hike!

Pros: it’s a loop, it has a couple partial views of mountains/​ocean, it has guava/​lilikoi (though they weren’t ripe when I went), and the cook pines are cool. Cons: the parking is sketchy.

Didn’t actually make it to the trail. While trying to figure out where to park, 2 people who were smoking crack or meth in their car in front of the hunter station told us we couldn’t park there. (Not a joke.) So we left.

Enjoyed this 2.5 mile loop today. Nice incline (gain of 720 ft), footing was good, and it was very peaceful. I don’t think I would have found the trailhead without the help of the hiking group I was with though.
I’m giving only 4 stars because there’s not really any views, and there’s no parking or restrooms. If I’m in the area I’ll do this one again.

Went on this hike 7 – 12 and enjoyed it. Brought our dog with us and had a good time. Trail was dry for the most parts except when close to the stream. Up hill and down hill along with some flat ground. Different kinds of tree view as one minute it’s regular trees next minute it’s all pine needle trees. As you get to the top there’s a good breeze. Not many people on the trail so it wasn’t crowded. Parking was easy for us as we parked right outside the gate.

I can see how this path could get muddy, as it crosses a creek a few times, but the day we hiked the loop, it was completely dry and amazing. We chose this hike because it was only 2.5 miles, a loop, and an official trail as part of the Na Ala Hele trail system.
Who We Are: My husband and I hiked this trail with a 6 year old, a 3 year old, and a middle-​aged dog.
Parking: You can park right at the yellow gate and then head up the paved road to reach the trailhead. Parking here is okay, but only enough room for a few cars. There are also signs saying it is a high theft area and you are supposed to leave the parking area by 5PM. We parked here and had no problem but some reviews suggested parking at the beach park down the road and across Kam Hwy for more visibility.
The trail: The trail is really nice. Much of it is through a pine tree forest and the trail is soft with pine needles. For the most part, the trail only makes gradual inclines following switchbacks, but there are a few spots with stairs and more uphill climbs. There are also a few spots where you walk along a ridge with drop offs on both sides. For the most part, however, the trail is rather wide and safe!
The views: This trail has great views because you get to see the scenery of the forest as well as views of the ocean and the valley.
The atmosphere: My son said he felt like we were on Kauai. This place is serene, beautiful, and quiet. We only saw one other group while hiking and enjoyed the stillness of the atmosphere.
How we did: My 6 year old had no problem hiking the whole way and we didn’t either. My old dog did great as well but did huff and puff at one point where the stairs were a bit steep. She took a break in the creek when we crossed it at one point :) My 3 year old walked half of this trail on his own wonderfully before tiring. I carried him in the Ergo the rest of the way.
Overall opinion: This is a wonderful trail for families, little ones, and dogs alike. We loved the quiet atmosphere and the views were pretty. The views aren’t as good as a true ridge hike but still lovely. I would definitely suggest this hike and we will be doing it again.
Final note: Hunters do hike off of this trail so it is advised to wear bright colors and keep your pets on a leash. We did these things for added safety but did not see a hunter, although one had checked in at the checkin station.
Happy Hiking!

Love this trail. Not only for the scenery but for the ability to have my entire family with me on the hike. It’s great for all ages. Nothing too strenuous or steep.
Just make sure you go after it HASN’T rained for a few days. Other than that it’ll be very slippery

This is a moderate trail with a steady incline with lots of flat paths too. There is not an official parking lot, but you can park at the trail entrance which is all the way down the road. Fruit trees line the trail and the path is paved with fallen fruits— this attracts LOTS of fruit flies, eck! The view of the valley is beautiful but there isn’t much of an ocean view here.
Warning: High theft area.
Tip: Bring bug repellent! I got eaten alive on this trail!

Location: In Hau’ula by 7 – 11
moderate level hike
It’s a beautiful hike. It’s a switchback hike so you will be zig zagging back and forth to get to the top. The view at the top is beautiful and overlooks the valley. Be on the look out for guava trees. We even found strawberry guava and lilikoi and ate them on the way down.

The Hau’ula Loop Trail was a beautiful trail full of guava trees all over. The hike starts near 7 – 11 Hau’ula. A switchback hike with lots of beautiful pine trees too. Anyway, the top of the trail provides a magnificent view of the valley and it’s so serene and spiritual like. The day that we had gone though, it rained hard twice while we were hiking so be prepared with at least a poncho to help keep dry.