Nakoa Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor local surf and weather reports prior to your park visit.

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[HAWAIʻI] UPDATED 12/26/24 — West Hawai’i State Parks, Kekaha Kai (Manini Owali & Mahai’ula), Kiholo, Hapuna SRA (Hapuna & Waialae): Early Holiday CLOSURES at 5:00pm on  December 31, 2024.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 12/16/24 – Diamond Head State Monument: Beginning January 6, 2025 to July 25, 2025, or upon completion of construction project, the park will close at 2:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, (excluding weekends and holidays) due to a construction project. The last reservation time slot for Parking and Entry and Entry Only during this time will be 12:00 p.m. If you reserved at 12:00 p.m., you must enter the Park no later than 12:30 p.m. or you will be denied entry. Please check back for updates.

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[MAUI] UPDATED 12/16/24 – Mākena State Park - Invitation For Bid For Sealed Bid Proposal To Provide A mobile Food Truck Concession At Mākena State Park on Maui. Any party that may be interested in providing a bid may inspect the concession premises by calling DSP at (808) 587-0505 or contact DLNR-Division of State Parks Property Manager, Ms. E. Keiki Kipapa, by email to [email protected] Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time (HST) except Federal and State Holidays. See Full IFB: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/files/2024/12/SPM25-010A.pdf

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 11/4/24 – Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokuleʻia Section: The 2024 Kaʻena Point permit and decal is being extended through 2025. You do not need to apply for a new permit now, you will be notified when applications open next year. Take good care of your decal, we cannot replace decals. Please remember to take rubbish bags home, do not leave it a the trash bins. 

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[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 11/4/24 – Waimea Canyon State Park/Kōkeʻe State Park: Paving will take place on Waimea Canyon Road leading into Puʻu Hinahina Lookout on Wednesday, November 6 limiting vehicle access into and out of the lookout parking lot from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Pedestrian access will remain open, and vehicles can access the lookout before and after the closure.

Nakoa Trail

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    Trail Length 2.5 mile loop
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Moderate to Difficult, includes Stream Crossings
    Terrain Wet, Valley Rainforest
    Elevation Gain 400 ft
    Trail Brochure Nakoa Trail
    Park Name Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park

    Description

    Nakoa Trail is a 2.5 mile loop that traverses the mid-elevation rainforest of Kahana Valley. Named after the native koa tree, the trail meanders through a mixed forest of native plants such as koa, hala (pandanus), and ferns, as well as exotic species such as ink berry, guava and octopus trees. Kahana is the wettest place on O‘ahu which accounts for the lush vegetation and clear flowing streams found along this trail. The military used Kahana as a jungle training site during World War II and you may notice the bunkers and crushed coral roads remaining from this time.

    The trail can be very muddy and slippery, with exposed roots and rocks, and should not be attempted during periods of heavy rain or if rain appears imminent. There are several stream crossings that can be dangerous during periods of heavy rain and are subject to flash flooding. Check weather reports before your hike. Mosquitoes are prevalent on this trail. Allow 2-3 hours to complete this hike. Trail is generally covered with a tree canopy, but can be hot and humid, so bring plenty of water. Do not drink the water from the stream.

    The trail crosses Kahana stream at three locations. There are no bridges. Two of the crossings are approximately 30 feet wide and the stream bottom is covered with slippery, medium sized boulders. The third crossing is at a dam, and involves walking across a narrow, 40-foot long cement spillway, which can be slippery and have rapid-moving water. All of the stream crossings should only be attempted by sure-footed individuals, and while exercising great care. Do not enter streams if you have open cuts. Harmful bacteria such as Leptospirosis may be present and pose a serious health risk.

    Route

    Take Kahana Valley Road within the park and proceed past the Park Orientation Building until you reach the residential area indicated by homes. From the designated hiker parking area before the residences, hike up-valley on the paved road, passing around a locked gate, until you come to the hunter/hiker check-in station. Please sign in here. From this location, follow trail arrow about 50 feet to the left to the trailhead. Signs and arrows at prominent locations and intersections will direct you to stay on the main trail. This is important, as many side trails created by wild pigs can easily lead one astray. People commonly become disoriented and lost along this trail system.

    Directions

    From Honolulu, follow Likelike Highway (Route 83) or H-3 over the Ko‘olau Mountains and take the Kahekili Highway cut-off. Kahekili becomes Kamehameha Highway (Route 830). Go through Ka‘a‘awa town and the entry to Kahana State Park is in the coconut grove near the center of Kahana Bay.

    Additional Info

    • Mountain biking is not allowed on this trail.
    • Stay on the trail.
    • Keep dogs on leash.
    • Pack out at least what you pack in.
    • No open fires.
    • Watch for hunters – Portions of the trail are in the public hunting area. Wear bright clothing.
    • Hunting is permitted on weekends and State holidays only.