Kaunala Trail - Haleiwa, Hawaii

Emily Switzer

We followed the trail with all of the clear marking in pink, but it lead us to a road in the middle of nowhere and it was another hour or so to walk back to our car. Views at the summit were great, reviews mixed amongst our group. We are all very muddy.

Alan Franklin

This was my favorite hike of our trip. Lots of ecological changes throughout and an amazing view at the summit. Definitely recommend closed toe (or hiking boots), plenty of water, and download/take a picture of the map before you’re there. Lastly, we started the trail by going left and then ending it on the road which, to me, is the better route.

Dan Poulin

Breathtaking views of the mountain tops with the North Shore beach in the background. Austere trail which one should exert caution on. Definitely no open toe shoes and pack water, first aid, and a GPS .. lots of side trails to easily get lost on. Ended up going out 2.6 miles before losing trail and turning back. Trail needs to be marked better, or coordinates mapped in the hiking book.

Mark Ezekiel

Beautiful peaceful walk. Some tough upward sections. It's not often I have to stop for a breather!
Look for the map just after the gate. The trail start is easily missed as it is about 30ft from the road. Look for the "Gate Ahead" sign and the start is close by.
I liked the hike. My wife didn't go but would have not liked it as much. Her 4 least favourite ingredients. 1/ mud (late April). And the "can't walk round it" sort. 2/. Very uneven surface due to thousands of tree roots. 3/ Narrow path with near vertical drops. 4/ slippery due to clogged shoes.
5.5 miles around trip. As a bit of a traveler, I did appreciate that there were no leeches, snakes or ticks to contend with. A place like this in many parts of the world would have been home to all of the above. Not even a mosquito.

James Bright

Awesome trail at the end of the road. A few muddy spots will turn away the weak willed, but honestly the mud is avoidable with some skilled steps and determination, Mud washes off but the memories will remain, be strong friends! It took us about 3 hours to leisurely walk the trail. Clockwise gives you an easy downhill portion through a few creeks and then a stretched uphill walk. Nothing too crazy with plenty of spots to stop for a picnic and photo opportunities. In some spots the trail may be difficult to keep track of, but it's marked with pink/red/white marking tape, so if you get confused look for this. Camping permits are available online and there are quite a few good spots to pitch a tent if you keep your eyes open. We found an excellent spot in the dark and rain if that tells you anything.. Maybe more about us than the trail? Parking seems tricky, but it really isn't. Park on the side of the road on the boy Scouts side of the road, say hello to the chickens, maybe share a snack with them. Don't be foolish and leave valuables in your vehicle, you may come back to broken windows. This is a frequent and favorite spot for many local hog hunters, so if you deviate from the trail, maybe keep your bright colors exposed.

Lauren Johnston

We got lost…then got caught in repeated down pours…we felt very silly until we found out the people that helped us out get lost in that neck of the woods from time to time themselves and they work there. Also the guy that helped us get to our car also said he got lost (on a moonless night). There are zero directions, clear signs, or removal of old misleading signs. If we had not gotten lost this would have actually been a REALLY great trek. We also liked the post apocalyptic feel as we walked through what looked to be a deserted highway. And yes if you don’t miss your turn you will do great. But the fact that the trail was not clearly marked is pretty irresponsible. When it’s raining apparently flash flooding can be a thing.
Side note Per my step counter we did over 20,000 steps and 10 miles.

Joshua Cruz

When you pull up there is a Boyscout Camp on the Left, do not park in there. Instead U-turn and park on the side of the street.

If you want a hike with stunning views, this is not for you. If you want a good mix of rock, mud, foliage and elevation then this is what you're looking for. The abandon service road with its washed out bridges, fallen rock, mud slides, collapsed trees and overgrown foliage is reminiscence of something out of a post-apocalyptic movie.

I highly recommend you do the hike clockwise. At the end of the hiking trail loop you have the option to either turn left and go up through the abandoned road to the peak or right and head back to where you start.
If you go left be advised that the road is slick from not being used. There is a lot of moss, dirt, and debris on the road leading up. That shouldn't deter you because it's a fun venture but just be advised.

Nandor Szotak

I love this little hidden gem in the North Shore.
It is a short 2.5 miles one way trail, perfect for hiking or trail running. Actually the 1st 2 miles are in the forest, then you come up to an old 4wd road and you take that right to get back to the old concrete road,making a a loop.
Usually there is nobody there, so you can have the trail for yourself.
There are some spots to have a view of the North Shore but mostly you are in the valley hiking up and down crossing couple streams.