I try to hike new trails a couple times of month instead of always doing ones I know. This one is located on North Shore, starting high up in a residential community. A bit of a drive up fairly steep hills to get there. Parking is outside entrance on side of road. Only part of trail was actual single track, rest was road. Although my preference is actual hiking trail. The trail section was pretty, narrow in spots and may have small waterfalls crossing trail. Probably not the best trail with heavy rain The road section, although scenic it was too long. If I lived close by I'd go back. read more

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Wow, it was 2pm on a Sunday and blazing hot! I couldn't see a cloud in the sky! I had planned on posting up by the beach with a good book in my hammock but something came over me. I felt like being active! I had my running shoes with me but it was too hot to hit the pavement. I could've gone on a trail traveled but instead took some time to look up a new trail close by. I found a trail with warnings of all the mud, "be careful, your shoes will get muddy!" Would the trail be muddy even on a day like this? It hasn't rained for a few days.. I was ready to stand the test! If anything a little mud would be reprieve from the fire I found myself in. So I drove all the way up Pupukea to the end of the road. Be watchful for all the signs indicating where not to park. You will find something close by! The trail starts off on a paved road and I recommend turning left onto the first chance at the trail and coming out at the top or second entrance. I really enjoyed the ease of the paved road back down to my vehicle. Especially after all the attention required along the trail. Even on a hot day the trail is in fact incredibly muddy. If you happen to have a walking stick or find one, it comes highly recommended! The trail is manageable without one but I thought at times it could be helpful. I was also wearing running shoes so hiking boots could've helped but would've been muddy nonetheless. Dodging the mud was fun and made it feel like the roots of the trees were on my team. Descending down the mountainside and then trotting up to the tippy top was cool operating and was just the right recipe for a refreshing afternoon. When I drove down Pupukea after my hike I caught the green light (driving the speed limit!) and drove straight into the parking lot of Shark's Cove. Trust, I took a sweet little dip at Three Tables and felt at home. Great way to recharge before the work week! read more

Kaunala Trail - Tippy top - Hiking Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

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The second time was not the charm. Last year's attempt at hiking this trail resulted in us two hikers completely missing the trail sign, hiking endlessly, turning onto an abandoned trail, running out of water, and backtracking to where we entered, frustrated and exhausted. En route back, we saw the trail marker that we'd overlooked earlier and vowed to attempt it again in 2019. A return visit went more smoothly but this trail just dogs me. Not until I parked near the trail entrance did I recall the name of the trail and not until 2+ miles in did my phone have service. It was then that I learned it was a 6 mile loop. I was hungry and low on water before realizing I was only 1/3 through with the hike so I did as last year: walked further before turning around and backtracking from where I came. This backtracking didn't happen though, until I got to the road, a wide, gravel road that seemingly goes up and up and up. It was somewhere around the 4th up that I made the executive decision to turn around. I just couldn't get a feel for what the rest of the trail was like and had (unrealistic) visions of rain, hunger, thirst, injury, or exhaustion. And this: the last half of the trail isn't pretty like the first half. No regrets. From what I've been able to ascertain, once you hit that wide gravel road, the trail looks less like a hiking path and more like an uphill slog on something a phantom truck might drive through. Lots of other folks have chimed in here on where to park and where to catch the trail turn-off once you do. All I can add is that you might figure out how long you want to hike for and plan to turn around when you're halfway to your goal (or when you hit that wide dirt road). The part before the wide road is the most attractive and though there are really no ocean views it's a nice hike that few seem to know of. Once on the trail, I didn't see another soul. read more

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15,500 steps and 59 floors..... According to my IPhone health app. Our longest hike to date-a lot of walking. You park on the side, at the end of the road- just passed Sunset Ranch. You'll see the Pupukea Boy Scott Camp to your left at the fork in the road and the entrance to Kaunala Trail on the right. Deceptively easy at first. Wide, flat and surrounded by tall trees on both sides. Then you hit the trail-up and down. Quite a few fallen trees that you'll need to climb over or go around....and you keep going. You end up at a road and then hike up and over some roads that are starting to fall in. Wide open skies, views of the ocean and mountains. Fresh air and few hikers. read more

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Beautiful trail in the Pupukea area with good views of the entire north shore! This is a 6 mile loop trail but you can turn around at the first lookout if you need to, which is about 2 miles in. You park on the side of the road as it ends- right near Sunset Ranch and the Boy Scout Camp. The trail head is between those two areas and clearly marked. Dogs are allowed but keep the following in mind: -about halfway through there are a series of short, steep hills in sunlight most of the time -bring enough water! Most of the trail is shaded but it gets hot. -it is right next to a hunting area so there may be loose hunting dogs -keep dogs leashed and pick up their waste There are a couple of beautiful viewpoints along the trail with great views of the north shore. Enjoy! read more

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Great hike, good views. Challenging, but doable. Lots of up and down, a little slick, but not scary. Park on the street next to Sunset Ranch just outside the entrance to the Boyscout Camp Pupukea. Walk until you reach the paved road and loot ale that to the left. You'll see the sign for the trailhead on the left. After about 5 miles, you'll be back to the paved road, take it to the right. It's another mile back to the car. Yes, about 6 miles total. Put this as the address for the hike: 59-777 Pupukea Rd Haleiwa, HI 96712 read more

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I'm not sure why people are afraid of hiking in the rain around here. It's a phobia that just doesn't make sense. I mean, this is Hawai'i, right? It rains. It's tropical. There's mud. If you're going to not hike because there may be some mud, or a less-than perfect river to cross, then why are you hiking here? Sorry to say it, but go to the desert. You'll have a happier time there. All that being said, here's what I recommend: Go do this hike whenever you want. Especially after it rains. It's fun. There's mud and mosquitoes and adventure. Lather on your OFF, bring a good jacket, and wear shoes that you're okay with getting soaked. Or don't wear shoes at all. (I didn't for the second half). Bring a snack. Take your dog, and don't be afraid of the water. Seriously, go have fun. And if you think views of a jungle and the ocean (ahem... There ARE ocean views here) and the backside of an untouched valley are boring, well, I don't know how to make you a better human. Oh, and also, you will be alone. Unless you bring your puppy with you. Oh, also also, there's an epic abandoned road you'll be on at the end. Again, not boring. More like being on the set of Lost. So yeah, go do this thing. If you're open minded, and free spirited, you won't regret it. read more

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Beautiful trail that gives you an opportunity to be completely removed from civilization. Beautiful flora abounds and several stream crossings. Didn't do the entire loop due to a lack of time but totally worth it and plan to go back with more time! read more

Kaunala Trail - Stream crossing - Hiking Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

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I really enjoyed this little hike with my lady, even on the rainy day that we went there. With the nice cool breeze and a slit incline upwards path the trail was easy. Be sure to check the weather before you go up there we're a full landslides and the roads had fallen away. Make sure to fear good traction shoes. read more

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Great trail, but the government web site is very deceptive. It reports the trail as 2.5 miles. The trail itself is just under two miles, however including the access road your total hike will be 5.5 miles. Note, though public land you do have to climb under a fence that says "Restricted military area, all person are subject to search on entrance, exit, or anywhere on the property". I saw 3 other people leaving as I was entering, but no other activity. You park in front of the boy scout camp on the north side of the end of the road and hike 2/3 of a mile up to the trail head, there is a sign on the left for Kaunala as soon as the paved road starts... just after you pass the restricted shooting range on the right. Most of the trail is very well cut. There is a pass over 2 small creeks which could be a larger problem with heavy rains... plenty of rocks to get across. ~1500ft total elevation change and mostly safe, well marked trail. Always look for the pink tags to make sure you are on-trail. There are some areas that are slightly "dangerous" (close to near sheer cliffs), but I would rate the trail beginner-intermediate (IE, if you haven't hiked in a while take it easy). A bit of mud, but mostly clear good trail. My timing for a 2.5 mile hike was great, but I got a bit lucky this night. I finished the trail portion just as the sun was setting, which dumps you on a rocky gravel road. You then continue down the gravel road to a paved road, which eventually leads you back. Gorgeous sunset, but the flashlight I brought was definitely needed on the road when the moon was obscured by clouds. Be aware that the trail is mostly shaded by trees, so when the sun sets under the mountains it will start to get dark on parts of the trail quickly. Also note that hunting is allowed on weekends and holidays. I did encounter something that was startled by my movement and ran into the bush with a squaling sound when I was near the end of the trail. All in all, great hike... just plan properly as you would for any hike and be aware of the true trail length! read more

Novice & Fun trail. Found this on Yelp while driving through Haleiwa. Located at the end of Pupukea. Trailhead is about 1/4 mile from where you park---not sure of the exact distance but its a little bit of a walk. Muddy and slippery terrain. This is a fairly covered trail, you cross a couple of rivers. You can take it to the end and then turn around and head back OR you can head up the service road which leads you back to the service road where you started. Overall, fun hike if you're in the area. Malama Aina---please pack your crap out with you. There is a lot of rubbish at the beginning of the trail---WRAPPERS and crap. I hauled it out. read more

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This hike was beautiful, but not as nice as the East shore and Windward hikes. There were alot of tree roots on the entire hike. No ocean views. Thankfully, it wasn't raining. This could have been a super muddy hike. The strawberry guava along the trail was super yummy. There is a horse ranch at the beginning of the trail. That was cool to see :-) Directions: On Kamehameha Highway, from Haleiwa heading towards Sunset Beach, turn right on Pupukea Road (at Foodland). Continue up the road, past the Pu`u `O Mahuka Heiau, until the road ends at a gate and Camp Pupukea. Park below the Boy Scout camp along the road. Now Proceed on foot down the dirt road. The Kaunala Trailhead will be on your left about 3/4 mile down. read more

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Ive never reviewed a hike before, and Ill hopefully never have to again. I just want to spare inquiring minds the greif. This hike is not worth it. Its the most poorly labeled trail there is. There should be a gigancti fucking sign when you reach the gravel road that says do no pass go. do not collect 200 dollars. We took the wrong turn and somehow ended up in The Back of the Kahuku Windmills. read more

Beautiful wide trail with enough terrain changes to make it interesting. Kid and pet friendly, but keep pets on leash as there are hunters who also use the trail. Mostly shaded with some exposed parts. Bring lots of water when humid. Stop at Puu o Mahuka heiau after your hike for a nice Waimea Bay view. read more

Beautiful hike that is off the beaten path. This was a second choice after discovering that access to Waimea Falls was $10-15 per person. A bit difficult to maneuver through the narrower paths during muddy season, but bringing good shoes that deal with mud should cancel this out. Incredible views of mountains and the wind farms as you get to the 65%-ish mark. Is also a short, wonderful drive to Giovanni's shrimp truck and Matsumoto's shaved ice. Recommend the former before the hike, the latter after the hike. read more

This hike is definitely off the beaten path, which makes it pretty unique on Oahu. We hiked the entire trail and saw NO OTHER HUMAN for the entire 5 miles. There aren't a lot of detailed reviews (or even web sites for that matter) so hopefully this helps a bit. First, take Pupukea Road to the end, where you will find a Boy Scout Camp. There is a sign across a gate denoting a military installation, but just beyond that sign you can see a hunter/hiker check-in (a mailbox where you leave your time in/out, etc). So feel free to duck under/through/over the gate. After the gate, you will be on a gravel road. This road ends in a paved road, which takes you to yet another gate also marked as a military installation. Do NOT go under this gate. However, if you are facing the gate, off to your left and up the road about 50 feet you will see the Kaunala Trailhead marker. This is your start onto the trail. The trail is a fairly moderate hike. No rock scrambles or ropes needed, and a physically fit person will find this trail relatively easy. There are some extended uphill climbs that can be taxing, but nothing difficult. There are several streams to cross, and while it was dry when we hiked, this trail would be miserably muddy after a rain. There are a few formal trail markers, and several pink ribbons to denote the way. Overall, the trail (dry) is fairly clear to follow and well marked. After about 2.5 miles, the trail ends onto a road. This 2.5 miles took us roughly 1:15. Once on this gravel road (very loose rock, actually), it heads uphill from here. And keeps going up and up and up. There is an excellent vista of the North shore and the wind farms. This rocky road eventually leads to a gate, which empties onto a paved road. Turning right (there is a spray painted sign on the road barrier rail pointing right to the Boy Scout Camp), follow the road until you return to the original trailhead. Total loop time was 2.5 hours. Overall, this is a peaceful and extremely quiet hike. It's hard to believe we were still on Oahu, as we didn't see any one else the entire time. There are only a few sweeping views, so don't expect the same photo-worthy scenes as a ridge hike on the east or south side of the island, but for an extended, quiet nature hike, this is definitely something to do in Oahu. read more

Steven B review and directions spot on, except that at the last junction - where the rough rocky road meets the tar road and you turn right there is no longer a barrier, or sign to the Boy Scout camp. The tar road is now beset by a couple of landslides which have removed chunks of the road but it is still passable. We did this hike two days after heavy rains and it was muddy but not unpleasant. Our hiking shoes were pretty caked by the end though. A stick was useful because of this , we grabbed some from the woods to use. We also went slower and as a result took nearer 3-3 1/2 hours. Still nice and peaceful and recommended. read more

I recommend this hike especially if you are not a hiker this one is really easy. Very flat, a good place to go with young children. We did this hike when it was pouring rain and it was still beautiful. The waterfall at the end is well worth it. read more

Good trail. A bit oddly marked at the start and the return as others have noted, but definately a nice trail that's reasonably well maintained. Total distance is much longer than the 2.5 miles. Could see some trouble spot following rains, though was even navigable in flip-flops on nice day, would recommend shoes/boots. If looking for shorter trip stay on roads and gravel road that complete the trail's loop. You'll get a few nice views without going onto the trail. When we visited that seemed to be a more popular late afternoon move for folks walking their dogs and getting in some light exercise. read more

This hike was beginner but I'm glad I did wear my hiking shoes, there were some spots that were slick. There is a good amount of uphill for you do have to be in decent shape. The trail was well marked and pleasant but kinda of boring as in terms of scenery. read more