Makāula-'O'oma Trails

The Makāula-'O'oma Trails network was created over 30 years ago partially along forestry roads as well as by public mountain biking enthusiasts. Volunteers with the Peoples for the Advocacy of Trails Hawai'i (PATH) have been instrumental in keeping these trails maintained. The Honua'ula Forest Reserve protects a large tract of native cloud forest at elevations above 3,000 feet on the slopes of Hualālai volcano, uphill from Kona. The Makāula-'O'oma Unit is a smaller portion of the Honua'ula Forest Reserve with a number of trails and old roads that allows hikers to access this lush and beautiful 'ōhi'a and hāpu'u tree fern forest. It is very cool and wet at this higher elevation, especially compared to the hot Kona coast below.

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Highest point: 3,432
Lowest point: 2,759

Additional Information

Allowed Access

Bicycles

Dogs

Horses

Pedestrians

Activities

Dog Walking

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Mountain Biking

Rifle Hunting

Wildlife Watching

Rules & Regulations

Carry Out Trash

Dogs On Leash

No Campfires

No Camping

No Motorized

No Motorized Wheeled Vehicles

Pack Out Dog Waste

Stay On Trail

Prohibited

No Alcohol
No Motorized Vehicles
No Camping
No Commercial
No Littering
No Open Fires
No Plant Sand Dirt Rock Removal

Private Property

The trail is surrounded on all sides by private property. Please stay on the trail. Leaving the trail may be trespassing.

Activities

Bicycle
Dog on Leash
Equine
Hiking
Hunting
Wildlife View

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

Makāula the Prophet

This forest is located in the ahupua‘a (traditional land divisions) of Makāula and ‘O‘oma. A makāula is a prophet: someone with special powers to see into the future. Mo‘olelo (traditional stories) describe the adventures of the makāula named Moemoe who lived in North Kona and protected the people of Kekaha Wai ‘Ole (meaning, “desolate land without water”). Historically, Hawaiians spoke of the dry region in North Kona District, extending from Honokōhau to Pu‘u Anahulu, as Kekaha Wai ‘Ole.

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.

Directions

From Highway 190, turn mauka (uphill) between the 34 and 35 mile markers onto Kaloko Drive. Follow Kaloko Drive for almost 4 miles and turn left onto Makahi Street. Drive to the end of this dead-end street and park near signs for the trailhead.

There are no services. Dogs are allowed. Be respectful of the people that live in the area. Remove all trash.

Do NOT park on Hao Street or use that area to access the Forest Reserve. There is no public parking here and no way to access trails without trespassing on private property.

Features

Nature Study

Hazards

Bees
Dangerous Footing
Hunting Area
Slippery Rocks
Uneven Surface