Located at the very end of Pupukea Road on the North Shore, Kaunala Trail does not get much use, except by folks who live nearby. That's a shame, because it is an ideal path through a mixed forest, traversing gulches, ridges, and affording sweeping views. The Pu`u O Mahuka Heiau, which can be easily visited on the same outing, is also rarely seen, even though it is less than half a mile from busy Kam Highway, just above Waimea Bay.
The six-mile loop is a moderate hike, with some ups and downs, the most strenuous part being a short stretch along a dirt road. The actual trail ends at this road, but this trip uses the road to make a loop of the hike. Those who prefer not to walk on the road may return by backtracking on the trail. However, the road provides some of the best views.
After turning mauka at the stoplight at Foodland, follow Pupukea Road, curving steeply uphill. Just as the curves straighten out at the top, watch for the heiau sign on the right. If you want to visit the heiau, you will be turning here returning from the hike.
For now, continue straight along Pupukea Road, until it ends at the Boy Scout Camp. Park well off the pavement, and walk along the dirt road, with the scout camp on the left. Climb over the gate across the road, and sign in at the hunter/hiker check-in box.
Proceed along the road for about 10 to 15 minutes,
watching closely for a brown trail sign with yellow writing off the road on the left.
Note brown and yellow trail sign in the trees between the two hikers
The trail begins in a large grove of paper bark trees
As it winds in and out of gulches the forest vegetation seems to change with each turn.
And there are also good views toward the far-away ocean
The hike leader points out a rare sandalwood tree.
The trail comes to an end at a badly eroded dirt road.
A short, steep climb up the road, which narrows to trail-width in spots, ends at a small plateau with a fine view of the Waianae Mountains.
From the plateau, take the left of two routes, which goes downhill to a yellow gate across the road. Go around this gate, and turn right on a new, wider road.
Walking down the new road.
A covered picnic table indicates you are about 30 minutes from the end of the hike.
Returning to your car, drive back down Pupukea Road to the heiau sign and turn left. In a little over a mile, you will reach the parking area. The site has an unsurpassed view over the North Shore, all the way to Kaena Point.
Pu`u O Mahuka was a luakini heiau, meaning that human sacrifice was practiced. In 1794, three sailors from Captain George Vancouver's ship Daedalus were reportedly sacrificed here.
Waimea Bay and beach from the heiau
NEXT MONTH: PU`U O HULU
