Papali Trail above Hau`ula
After featuring several hikes requiring permissions or local knowledge, it’s time to write about one that requires no permits or special route-finding skills, has no dangerous passages or steep ascents, and is suitable for the whole family. Two separate loops, Hau`ula and Papali, make up the trail complex, the first about 3 miles long, and the second about 4 miles. Elevation gain is roughly 700 feet on Hau`ula, and 800 on Papali. Since both loops return to the road, they can be done consecutively, or individually, if a shorter hike is preferred. This column describes Hau`ula first, followed by Papali, doing both in a counter-clockwise direction. Naturally, since they are loops, they can be hiked in either direction.
The trailhead is located off Hau`ula Homestead Road in Hau`ula, on the windward side of Oahu. Park on Kamehameha Highway on the mauka side, in a wide, dirt turnout, near the beach park pavilion. Walk north to the first intersection, which is Hau`ula Homestead Road, and turn mauka.
As the paved road begins to curve left, continue straight ahead along a dirt road. At a fork, take the road to the left, going around a low chain which prevents vehicle access. Watch for a sign on the right, indicating the Hau`ula Trail, and turn onto it.
HAU`ULA TRAIL
The route soon crosses a streambed (usually dry) and switch-backs up through an ironwood grove. When the trail splits to form the loop, turn right. The trail broadens, making its way through more ironwoods,
but soon the ironwoods give way to large, tall Cook pines. Following the pines, the trail enters a mixed forest.
Stopping for pack adjustments
Throughout the route, the trail remains wide and easy to follow.
Reaching the ridge line reveals a good view back toward the coast.
Near the top of the ridge is a fine view of Kaipapa`u Gulch and the distant Koolau summit.
Crossing the ridge, the route descends gradually to the start of the loop. From here return to the road and turn right.
PAPALI TRAIL
After a short distance, watch for a sign on the left side of the road, “Papali-Ma`akua Ridge Trail,” and turn onto it. Almost at once, the trail crosses Ma`akua Stream, which is often dry at this point.
Once across the stream, hikers are forced to duck under thick hau branches. Hau is the tree that gives Hau`ula its name.
Past the hau, the route switch-backs up a ridge, reaching an opening in the forest with a view over Hau`ula and the coast. At this point the loop begins, turning left contours along the open slope of the hill, turning right leads uphill back into the forest. For this description, turn right.
Re-entering the mixed forest, the trail resumes its upward path.
Bill Warren, at 80 one of the oldest active HTMC hikers, takes a breather.
Along the way are fine views looking toward the Koolau Summit.
As with the Hau`ula Loop, the trail is wide and well maintained. It continues its gradual rise, sometimes in the shade,
and sometimes in the sun.
Rounding the ridge, the trail begins its long, easy descent.
A good part of the way is shaded by Formosan koa trees, introduced years ago as a reforestation project.
Breaking out into the open, the end of the trail in Hau`ula appears in the distance.
But there is still one more stream to cross,
and a thick, black chunk of lava to admire.
After a final short switchback, the trail returns to the loop junction, for the return to the starting point.
| The best way to hike the trails on Oahu is with the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club and the Sierra Club. Both have permission to hike many routes not open to the general public. Neither one requires membership to join most hikes, although non-members pay a small fee, and they restrict certain hikes to members only. For info on membership and hiking schedules, see the following web sites. HTMC & Sierra Club. |
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