Today was an adventure to say the least and the shocking part was, it all happened in my backyard.

The Makiki Valley Loop Trail is very misleading, you drive up past the Halau Ku Mana Charter School to a dirt and gravel road leading to the Makiki Nature Center. But, you do not park at the Makiki Nature Center. The parking is well before the center to the left where a gravel trail will lead you to your starting point of the hike.

This trail actually begins behind the Makiki Nature Center. There is a public restroom for use at the start/end of the trail (it is literally one big loop). First, you’ll cross a man-made structured bridge and in a few steps you will come to the trail map. The map will give you options to go left or right. Left states you will take the Kanealole Trail and right states you will take the Maunalaha Trail (they both connect). Essentially, completing the whole loop is the Makiki Loop Trail. The Makiki Loop Trail in total is 2.5 miles. You’ll see multiple signs which can guide you to do various trails but the two main ones loop together to make the the Makiki Loop Trail and should take you approximately 3 hours to complete at steady pace.

Some important information to remember when on this trail. The right trail has a very very steep incline and a large portion of it is uncovered so be ready to get your sweat going. The left trail follows the river for majority of it and can be slippery especially after rain. Along the way you can expect to see many flora and fauna and if you’re lucky catch a few small or medium sized waterfalls specifically on the left trail heading upward about .5 miles in (listen for the falling water). Some parts of the path are not the safest for young children but is definitely a great path for dogs.

Remember to do your part and preserve our trails by keeping it trash free.

Happy hiking friends!