Oʻahu Hike of the Month: Moanalua Valley Trail

Also known as Kamananui Valley Road, this relaxing trail is great for the whole family. 

Editor’s Note: We love hiking! Fortunately, O‘ahu is full of great hikes. In this web series, we bring you our favorite O‘ahu trails once a month.

Photos: Lennie Omalza

TRAIL NAME: Moanalua Valley Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 8 miles roundtrip

FEE: None

WHERE: 1857 Ala Aolani St. 

DISCLAIMER

Hiking can be dangerous, and not every trail is a good idea for every person. Keep your personal fitness and skill level in mind, and always take proper precautions when venturing off road. Heed “no trespassing” and other warning signs.

THE EXPERIENCE 

This trail suits two- and four-legged hikers of most fitness levels. The cool, breezy path goes through a lush forest and contains seven bridges with stream fords. The hike is four miles each way, making it just 0.15 miles shorter than the Great Aloha Run. However, we wouldn’t recommend running. Though the trail is not particularly hilly, it is also not paved and there are muddy spots that should be approached with caution.

If it’s your first time on the trail and you lose sight of other hikers, take care to keep to the right once you’re about two miles in, as heading left will take you to a different trail. Hunters frequent the surrounding area, so, when in doubt, follow the stream!

THE PAYOFF

Though there’s no ocean view at the end, this trail is a journey through a bunch of natural beauty and history. At the beginning, a large monkeypod tree leads to the Douglas Damon house site. (Damon was the son of Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s husband’s business partner. When she willed the entire ahupuaʻa of Moanalua to Damon’s father in 1884, the luxurious valley home was built.) Some of the original cobblestone road remains intact, and leads to a large, petroglyph-covered boulder. 

MAP & DIRECTIONS 

Park in the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park parking lot at 1857 Ala Aolani St. As you walk up the dirt road, you will reach a chain link gate leading to the dirt road. 

TIPS 

• Don’t attempt this hike when it’s raining or for a couple of days after heavy rain. The ground can get dangerously slippery and muddy.

• If you decide to bring Fido, keep him leashed. With alternate trails and surrounding hunting grounds, it’s easy for dogs to get lost.

• Get an early start, because parking fills up fast. Make sure you allow enough time to complete the hike so you’re not heading back in the dark.