Makaula 'O'oma Trail - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Michelle Porter

This extremely popular system of trails was created in the 1990's. Meticulously maintained, it is open to hiking as well as biking. Leashed dogs are welcome. While technically hunting is allowed, I really haven't seen any hunters here, but you might want to wear orange, just in case. The trail can be super steep in places and there are millions of tree roots that can easily snag your toe. If you do the entire 4.5 mile trek, you will be assured of an AMAZING workout! But don't feel bad if you decide to cut it short and skip the north loop. It's pretty much the same scenery throughout, and you won't be missing much.

Parking is along the side of the road. When we arrived on Christmas Eve, there were more than a dozen cars preceding us. We thought we would feel crowded, but once we got into that giant cloud forest, it swallowed us up! We scarcely saw another soul and the peace and serenity of the place was overpowering! If you hike counterclockwise, be aware that the last 0.3 mile stretch of trail is insanely steep! But personally, I find it easier on my knees to navigate intense inclines going uphill.

Jennifer J “MNadventures”

We thought about going to the cloud forest sanctuary but chose to do the trail next to it due to time constraints. It was fabulous. You drive 4 miles up the hill from the beach and end in a cool cloud forest. It’s green and lush. The terrain is very uneven so wear good shoes. A light rain jacket or poncho would be good as well depending on the day. The full loop was just under 4 miles, only 733ft elevation gain. It took us 2hr15min with my 10yr old leading us who likes to stop at every flower and rock. Free parking. No facilities.

Jane Illario

Nice, easy, walking trail through dense forest. Some slippery and muddy sections, but we went in October and they were easily avoided. The trail can be treated as a loop or as an out and back trail. There was no scenic view point at the end of the straight trail taken from the entrance along the far right. We heard animals in the bushes but didn’t see any. The foliage looked beautiful around sunset, but this would’ve been a better experience if there was a sight to see at the end. This may be more fun as a mountain biking trail. Free parking (and wild chickens) on the sides of the road by the trail entrance. The out-and-back trail took us 70 minutes.

Garrit Zwakenberg

Saw some very beautiful birds and plants. Not too crowded and mostly shaded with a nice cool breeze. Not too muddy when we went. If you go counter clockwise the last .8 miles is uphill and a good workout but not super steep. Rest of the trail is quite easy. Definitely worth a visit.

J L

The trail is literally 20 minutes from Kona. We arrived there in the afternoon after spending the morning on the coast in the 85 degree heat. The temperature at the preserve was 69 degrees with moisture in the air. Walking in the ancient lush forest with huge ferns and beautiful vegetation was simply amazing. The trail is justly named Jurassic trail. There are two loops and we took a shorter one. It took us two hours (with multiple stops to admire the forest). There are no views, it is muddy, but it is totally worth it because it is so different from the coastal areas. The trail is not very well marked.

Babak Salamat

Love this trail and its dense forest. Make sure you have good hiking shoes as the grounds are often muddy and slippery.

Annabelle Blum

Die Vegetation ist toll und der Wald riecht nach üppiger Flora und Fauna. Die Temperatur ist angenehm und die Strecke Schattig. Einen Punkt Abzug gibt es, weil die Beschilderung echt dürftig ist.

Isabella Fernandez

One of my favorite jungle trails. Great for mid-day as it is mainly tree covered so you get plenty of shade.