Ulupaina Trail on Oahu in Hawaii

One of the lesser known trails on the island of Oahu in Hawaii is called Ulupaina. Forged out by Hawaii hiking legend Richard "Dick" Davis, Ulupaina is a 4-mile loop that includes a ridge section and a valley contour section.

For the most part, the main users of the Ulupaina trail are members of the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club, but all hikers are welcome to hike it, if they have the willingness to do so and the wherewithal to find it. Given that, how do you find this trail?

Well, assuming you are a visitor to Oahu and staying in Waikiki, head over to the windward side of Oahu via any of the three routes through the mountains: Pali tunnel, Wilson Tunnel, or H-3 tunnel.

The Ulupaina trail is located in a community called Temple Valley, which is between Kaneohe and Kahaluu. A key landmark is the Valley of the Temples cemetery. In fact, the Ulupaina trail begins in the corner of the cemetery grounds nearest the highway (Kahekili).

I hiked the Ulupaina Trail in early 2008 and can report at that time the valley section has been recently cleared. Mahalo (thanks) to the good Samaritan(s) who worked on the trail.

I parked on Hui Iwa Street near McDonald's in Temple Valley Shopping Center (which is directly across from Valley of the Temples. Then I walked across Kahekili Highway.

The trailhead for Ulupaina is unmarked and in the lower corner of the Valley of the Temples cemetery grounds nearest the highway on the Kaneohe side. To the unitiated, there appears to be no trail there but after getting into the forest a trail will manifest itself.

As I mentioned, the trail has a ridge portion that includes some rigorous climbs up to a high point with a powerline tower. Very nice views there of Kaneohe Bay and of the towering Koolau mountains above.

I also mentioned that there is a valley section that contours in and out of dark ravines. I encountered wild pigs there including a group with lightish tan colored fur--very unusual as most wild pigs are dark black. Not to fear, pig encounters are quite infrequent, and the pigs are more afraid of you than you are of them, so they are likely to flee long before you come upon them.

In all, hiking at a brisk pace, I needed 90 minutes to the complete the 4-mile loop on the Ulupaina Trail.