Makiki Valley Loop Trail Honolulu
A lush, moderate loop trail near Honolulu offering rainforest beauty, waterfalls, and great workout potential.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less mud, better footing
Makiki Valley Loop Trail Honolulu
Best Time
Less mud, better footing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lush, moderate loop trail near Honolulu offering rainforest beauty, waterfalls, and great workout potential.
"Beautiful jungle walk with waterfalls, a great workout, and less crowded than other Oahu hikes!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Mud and roots are common. Wear good hiking boots to avoid slips and falls.
💧 Check the Weather
This trail gets muddy easily. Avoid hiking right after heavy rain for a safer experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lush Rainforest
Makiki Valley
Immerse yourself in a vibrant, green jungle with towering trees and tropical flora.
Cascading Waterfalls
Offshoot trails
Discover hidden waterfalls and streams, especially beautiful when flowing after rain.
Panoramic Views
Ridge sections
Enjoy scenic overlooks of Honolulu and the surrounding valleys from higher points.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Mud and Crowds
Trail Variety & Fitness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Mud and roots are common. Wear good hiking boots to avoid slips and falls. +1
💧 Check the Weather
This trail gets muddy easily. Avoid hiking right after heavy rain for a safer experience.
🗺️ Explore the Loop
The main loop is well-marked, but side trails offer more adventure.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It's a good workout with inclines, so bring plenty of water, especially if it's warm.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Mud and roots are common. Wear good hiking boots to avoid slips and falls. +1
💧 Check the Weather
This trail gets muddy easily. Avoid hiking right after heavy rain for a safer experience.
🗺️ Explore the Loop
The main loop is well-marked, but side trails offer more adventure.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It's a good workout with inclines, so bring plenty of water, especially if it's warm.
📸 Waterfall Photo Ops
The waterfalls are a highlight, especially after rain. Perfect for nature photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers praise the Makiki Valley Loop Trail for its beautiful, lush rainforest scenery and the rewarding waterfalls, especially after rain. It offers a good workout with its inclines and is a less crowded alternative to more famous Oahu hikes. However, be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions, particularly after rainfall, making sturdy footwear essential.
"I’m pretty sure my hike was cut short due to some downed trees but I enjoyed nonetheless. The trail was relatively dry… a few slick parts but not too bad. Very tranquil, clean, and not too challenging"
lilcookie8778
"Friend and I visited this trail. What a hike! Loved the challenge and the views within the trail. Good hike boots recommended. Glad I came here and saw the beauty of it. The waterfalls made it even better."
Charles B
"So this trail is a series of trails the main trail is a loop however, there are other trails to go off of it. Be mindful. It’s an easy trail. They advertise 2 1/2 hours, but it took me an hour and 15 minutes. Absolutely beautiful. Walk-through the jungle over a creek that runs through very nice. There’s a lot of people there people with pets people with small kids. It’s a well used trail but don’t kid yourself if you’re gonna get some good cardio in!"
Gary Walker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Makiki Valley Loop Trail is conveniently located near Honolulu and Waikiki. You can drive and park at the trailhead, or take a bus or rideshare service. It's a great option for a hike close to town.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead. However, it can fill up, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, TheBus routes can get you close to the Makiki Valley area. Check TheBus schedules for the most convenient options from your location in Honolulu.
The trailhead is generally well-marked. If driving, follow signs for Makiki Valley. It's a popular spot, so you'll likely see other hikers heading in the same direction.
For those staying in Honolulu or Waikiki, the Makiki Valley Loop Trail is an excellent choice for an accessible hike. Driving or using a rideshare service is straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Makiki Valley Loop Trail is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to access and enjoy.
The trail is generally open year-round from sunrise to sunset. It's a public park, so there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety.
There is no admission fee to hike the Makiki Valley Loop Trail. It's a free public amenity for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Dogs are generally allowed on the Makiki Valley Loop Trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always check local park regulations for the most current rules.
No permits are required for general hiking on the Makiki Valley Loop Trail. It's an open public trail for recreational use.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Makiki Valley Loop Trail is generally considered moderate. It's a 3.2 to 3.7-mile loop with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, offering a good workout with some challenging inclines and roots. 
Most visitors complete the loop in 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on their pace and how often they stop. Some find it can be done faster, around 1 hour 15 minutes, especially if it's dry. +1
Expect a lush, green rainforest environment with bamboo groves, bubbling streams, and beautiful waterfalls, especially after rain. You'll also find some scenic overlooks.
While some families with small children hike it, the trail can be muddy and has roots, which might be challenging for very young children or strollers. Sturdy footwear is essential.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the trailhead or nearby park areas. It's always a good idea to use facilities before you start your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfalls and lush jungle scenery are prime photo opportunities. Look for scenic overlooks along the ridge sections for panoramic shots of Honolulu.
Yes, Makiki Valley is a popular area for birding, so bring your camera if you're interested in capturing local bird species in their natural habitat.
Morning light can be beautiful for the lush greenery, but afternoons might offer better chances to see waterfalls flowing. Be mindful of potential fog, which can add a dramatic effect but obscure views.
Drone usage is often restricted in public parks and natural areas. It's best to check with the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for specific regulations regarding drones in Makiki Valley.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the dense jungle and waterfalls. A telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing waterfall motion.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Trail Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
+1 The trail's connection to other paths further up the mountain means you can extend your run for more mileage and vertical gain, making it a versatile training ground. 📸 Nature Photographers
The waterfalls, especially after rain, are a prime subject, allowing for creative shots with long exposures. The scenic overlooks also offer opportunities for landscape shots of Honolulu. A wide-angle lens is recommended for the dense jungle, and a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing birds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Makiki Valley Loop Trail
+2One of the most appealing aspects of this trail is its diverse scenery. You'll trek through a lush rainforest, passing through dense bamboo groves and alongside bubbling streams. The highlight for many are the waterfalls that cascade down the rocks, particularly after rainfall, making the trail even more picturesque.
+1 For those looking for an extended adventure, the Makiki Valley Loop connects to other trails that lead further up the mountain, offering more mileage and elevation gain, making it a favorite for trail runners. Important considerations for hiking the Makiki Valley Loop include its tendency to become muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy hiking boots with good traction are highly recommended to navigate the slippery sections safely.
Best Times and Conditions
However, if you're keen on seeing the waterfalls at their most impressive, hiking shortly after a good rainfall is ideal. Be prepared for slick conditions, as the trail can become quite muddy and wet.
+1Crowd levels are generally moderate, especially compared to more famous Oahu hikes. You'll likely encounter other hikers, families, and even people with pets, as it's a well-loved local spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit