Hauula Loop

The Hauʻula Loop Trail is a forest loop in Hauʻula, built by Territorial Forestry so tree planters, pig hunters and fence builders could reach the Hauʻula Forest Reserve. From Kamehameha Highway, turn onto Hauʻula Homestead Road across from Hauʻula Beach Park, park along the road before the cable gate without blocking it, and sign in at the hunter and hiker check-in mailbox. The trail starts on the right side of the access road just past the check-in station. The loop crosses the stream in Waipilopilo Gulch between small waterfalls, follows the next ridge toward the ocean above Kipapau Valley, and comes back across the gulch. Expect groves of planted ironwood, views of Hauʻula and the ocean, tall Cook pines on the return leg, and native lama, alaheʻe and ʻōhiʻa in the gulch. Nā Ala Hele calls it a good family trail. This is a public hunting area, and hunting dogs may be off leash during a hunt, so wear bright colors and stay on the trail; keep your own dog leashed and pick up after it. Flash floods and stream crossings are listed hazards, and swimming, alcohol and open fires are not allowed. Side trails off the loop may be on private land. DLNR reopened all of Oʻahu's forestry and wildlife lands in late September, and it asks hikers to take care, since hazards it has not yet found or fixed may remain.