What to Do in Hawaii: Hike the Hauula and Papali Loop Trails in Oahu

I first hiked the Hau'ula-Papali Trail in 1993 on a date with my then-girlfriend (now wife), Jacque (pronounced "Jackie"). Actually, Jacque suggested the hike-date after reading a blurb in the local newspaper about a scheduled outing with the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (HTMC), one of the top hiking groups in the United States.

Because the hike would only cost us a $4 donation to the club, and because it was rated as "novice," which, being a neophyte trail tramper, was right up my boulevard, I was all for it.

Come to find out, Hau'ula-Papali, a double loop totaling 7 miles, would be one of the toughest hikes I had done up to that point. Bear in mind, I hadn't done much hiking up to that point. Also, I was something of a couch potato, even before the term came into fruition.

But my wife and I continued to hike thereafter, and we became much stronger trampers in the hills and mountains of our Islands. We even became members of HTMC, and today we co-lead hikes for the club.

We have hiked Hauula-Papali a number of times since and it is now the novice trail it was advertised as. Let me tell you more about it.

How to Get There

From downtown Honolulu, the drive is 31 miles and will take about an hour. From H-1 take the Pali Highway (HI 61 North). On the windward side, turn left onto Kamehameha Highway. Turn left onto Likelike Highway. Turn right onto Kahekili Highway. After 4.5 miles, Kahekili Hwy ends and transitions to Kamehameha Highway. Continue on for 15 miles. Just past a 7-11 store, turn left onto Hauula Homestead Road. The road will bend to the left. At that point, bear right on Ma'akua Road. Reach a gate and chain. Park on the shoulder nearby.

By city bus, board the #55 (Kaneohe Circle Island). Depart at the stop along Kamehameha Highway and Hauula Homestead Road (just past a 7-11 store). Proceed up Hauula Homestead Road and then Maakua Road.

Hike Description

The hike is composed of two loops: Hauula and Papali. My recommendation is to travel up the Hauula Loop first since it is easier and more scenic. If you decide to call it a day after this loop, you'll have had a good hike.

To get to the 3-mile Hauula Loop, proceed along the road beyond the chain/gate. Look for the Hauula Trail on the right. A sign or marker will indicate the starting point. The trail follows a small stream initially, crosses it, and begins climbing. Upon reaching a junction, which marks the beginning and ending of the loop portion of the trail, bear left to do the loop clockwise.

You will climb steadily but never steeply along a shaded trail on switchbacks. The trail eventually crosses over the ridgetop and descends into a gulch only to climb out to another ridge. The trail then swings back toward the ocean to return to the start of the loop.

Retrace your steps to the start of the trail along the road.

At that point, proceed down the road. At a fork, bear right. The Papali Loop will be on the left. It crosses a rocky stream initially. The trail then gains elevation via switchbacks. After the eighth, reach a junction. This is where the loop portion of Papali begins and ends. Bear right to do this loop counterclockwise.

This loop is 4 miles and has fewer views but is pleasant nonetheless.

Afterward, head to the 7-11 store for a cool drink and a snack. Then cross the highway to enjoy Hauula Beach Park. Though this is not one of the best beaches for surfing or best parks for having a picnic or building a sand castle, it is pleasant nevertheless. Many other beaches are available north and south along the coast. Enjoy!