Hiking on Oahu on the Kaunala Trail in Hawaii

The Kaunala Trail begins at the end of Pupukea Road out by Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu. Because of the long distance from Honolulu urbandom, this trail is not heavily used but it is still a wonderful route. Give it a try.

Driving directions from downtown Honolulu: Take the H-1 freeway westbound. Exit H1 to take H-3 toward Kaneohe. Exit H-3 on the Likelike Hwy/Kaneohe exit. Take Kahekili Hwy toward the North Shore. Kahekili will transition to Kamehameha Hwy after a few miles. Continue along Kamehameha Hwy for an hour or so until reaching Pupukea Road (on the left). Head up to the end of Pupukea Road and park along the road there. Do not park in the Boy Scout camp parking lot at road's end!

By city bus, take the Wahiawa Circle Island route. Exit along Kamehameha Hwy near Pupukea Road (ask the driver and he will alert you). The great thing about the bus is the cost is just $2 one-way. Great deal! Note that if traveling by bus, the walk up Pupukea Road is long and initially steep. Consider this part of the hike!

The first part of the hike is along a dirt road. Hop over or skirt around a gate blocking the road. Sign in at the trailhead log book (optional). Note that this trail traverses a public hunting area so be cautious. Wear bright colored clothing and be aware that you may encounter hunters who may be hunting off trail - stay on the trail.

After 15 minutes or so along the dirt road (about 3/4s of a mile), look for the trailhead sign on the left. Enjoy the hike through this quiet, peaceful area.
The actual trail begins in a copse of paperbark trees. The route snakes in and out of several gulches. A nice combination of ridge and valley walking, the trail provides scenic vistas of the north shore and Waianae Mountain Range. There is a nice combination of native and introduced plant species along the trail. Native vegetation includes ohia lehua and koa. Eucalyptus is one of the introduced trees along the way.

Eventually, you will emerge on a jeep road. At that point, head uphill on the road to your right, climbing steeply then eventually descending steeply. The entire hike is between 4 and 5 miles.

When you arrive at the junction with the main jeep road, turn right and retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Enjoy the drive or bus ride back to the big city!