Kaluakauka (Doctor's Pit) Trail

The neatly maintained trail goes down hill across forested pasture land to a foot gate in the forest reserve boundary fence, then continues to the Dr. David Douglas monument erected in 1934. This monument is was built near the site of where Dr. Douglas was found dead at the bottom of a bullock's pit in 1834. Dr. Douglas was a talented Scottish botanist who was credited with discovering and describing many plant species around the world, including the famous Douglas Fir.

Wear bright color clothing, as this area is open year round for game mammal hunting.

Difficulty: Easy
Highest Point: 6,080 ft.
Lowest Point: 5,960 ft.

Additional Information

Allowed Access

Dogs

Pedestrians

Activities

Dog Walking

Hiking

Rifle Hunting

Walking

Rules & Regulations

Carry Out Trash

Dogs On Leash

No Campfires

No Motorized Wheeled Vehicles

Pack Out Dog Waste

Stay On Trail

Prohibited

No Motorized Vehicles
No Open Fires
No Plant Sand Dirt Rock Removal

Features

Cultural Study
Nature Study

Activities

Hiking
Hunting
Pedestrian

Hazards

Dangerous Footing
Hunting Area

Dog Owners

Hunting may be in progress on or near this hiking trail. Hunting dogs may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt. Hikers must keep their dogs leashed at all times and remove dog waste while on this trail.

Directions

Take Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Hwy 200) to the 28 mile post. Turn north on the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road, proceed 2.1 miles and turn right on the Keanakolu-Mānā Road at the yellow 4-WHEEL DRIVE RECOMMENDED sign on the east side of the road. The trail head is on the makai side of the Keanakolu-Mānā Road 17.7 miles from the junction with Mauna Kea access road.

Simple Trail Tips

Stay on the trail.
Check the weather
Watch the time
Avoid undue risk
Read all posted signs
Respect other trail users
Pack out at least what you pack in

Special Conditions

Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.

Trails Specs

Highest Point: 6,080 ft.

Lowest Point: 5,960 ft.

Elevation Loss: 128 ft. / 39 m – Elevation Gain: 0 ft. / 0 m

Typical Grade: 14.2% – Maximum Grade: 37.3%

Typical Cross Slope: 12.6% – Maximum Cross Slope: 35.9%

Typical Trail Width: 48 in. / 122 cm – Minimum Trail Width: 36 in. / 91 cm

Surface Type: Mown Vegetation – 100% of trail is Soft

Obstructions: Rock, 3 in. / 8 cm

Links

Information for Travelers with Disabilities

Hawaii Department of Health's Disability and Communication Access Board Travel Tips for People to Hawaii.

Weather Forecast

Spot forecast for this trail from the National Weather Service.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death

Up-to-date information on the devastating Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death fungal disease.

Dr. David Douglas

Wikipedia biography of Dr. David Douglas

Kaluakauka Revisited: The Death of David Douglas in Hawai'i

Historical research report about the circumstances leading to the death of Dr. David Douglas.