Hauʻula Loop Trail — Attraction in Oʻahu

POV - out of shape occasional hiker with children 4,7,9,12 & 16 in tow. I give any trail that is “successful” meaning I didn’t get lost and I could find and complete the trail a 5 star so for that, I’ve rated it. Now for the nitty gritty of it let me elaborate. The reviews were mixed about muddy conditions or whether it’s good during rain. Let me clarify — it is NOT good during rain hahah. It had rained the night prior so the first bit of trail going up before the split was mushy and sticky. We went clockwise as recommended and caught some muddy patches until just before the waypoint it turned to dry forest. At the top - just where the valley peeks through (stunning by the way) we suddenly were caught in a downpour. It was SO FUN and added to the adventure of the day but it also made the entire way back down tricky. In the jungle areas the trail became a stream so we were 100% wading ankle deep in mud at moments.

Our littlest ones made it over 2 miles before succumbing to the wet conditions so we gave them piggybacks the last .8mile to the car (which felt slightly dangerous due to footing )

That said, don’t let this dissuade you from going. Just assess your weather conditions accordingly and dress for muddy or wet expectations. It was super enjoyable and I would absolutely recommend this to someone looking for a family & beginner friendly hike. Definitely park down @ or just one street up from the beach away from the houses — the neighborhood is very full and no parking near the trailhead. It’s an easy enough walk up from the beach park to the trailhead. The vibe of the hike is secluded, peaceful, and varied landscape with a good sense of accomplishment upon completion. (I will add photos. The actual view at the top was more picturesque than my photos indicate but it was raining at that time so we did not...

Hauʻula Loop Trail - Complete guide

We were looking for a running trail - and decided on this one. Well, its not the best for running, can be a bit slippery, and uphill sections weren't really run worthy. But still a nice hike, much different from the other ones we have done.

We parked on the road, not the beach like other mentioned, and had no issues. We hid valuables or took them with us, like every other hike on the island. Don't let thieves see anything in your car they want to steal! We walked up the paved road, until we saw the well marked trailhead.

We did hike clockwise. Ran about 1/2 mile uphill (25 mins) until it became unsafe to run, then we hiked the rest of the loop.

You start off traveling uphill, and then more uphill. This is a mountain right? Lots of exposed rocks and roots.

Eventually, you hit the one spot in the trial where it forks. We then went UP the fork, instead on continuing DOWN, where the loop continues. Unless you are looking for exercise, The uphill trail marked by PINK RIBBONS is not really a hike if you are looking for great views, so I would instead recommend continuing downhill to finish the loop and skipping the pink ribbons section. We went up approx. 1/2 mile and then turned back and continued the loop.

The 2nd half of the loop is really the star of this hike. Unlike most other hikes in Hawaii I have done. Evergreen forest, and the tree types changes 3-4 times, which is REALLY cool to see. 2nd half was muddy in some spots

You do cross a small stream several times going back and forth, easily crossed on the rocks through the stream

There were a few views of the ocean towards the end, as well

It took us 1.5hrs to do the loop, with running up and hiking down, including the extra mile or so hiking up the pink ribbon path. It was about a 5k...

I love this little, lesser-known loop trail. Perfect for a moderately easy 2.5 mile hike that shows a lot. Park a couple streets away from the trailhead respectfully, as this is a residential area. You'll go up a wide road, then see the entrance to the trail itself about a quarter mile up the road.

The first part is rainforest-y, as in, tropical rainforest vegetation and can be very muddy and buggy, but pretty. There is actually a small waterfall and pond on the right side of the trail but you have to look for it. As you gain in elevation the trail starts to get easier and then you have more typical dry upper mountain type vegetation and you can see some fantastic views! Then, all of a sudden you're in a little bit of a pine forest, also with some pretty views facing the ocean and Hauula-town. You begin your descent and you're back on the road. If you feel up to it, there is another, more difficult loop trail a little way down the road on the left called the Ma'akua Ridge Trail. Both trails are part of the Na Ala Hele system of trails managed by the Division of Forestry...