Route: Printable Topographic Maps
Maunawili Trail contours the base of the Ko`olau Mountain Range on the windward side. It begins off the Pali Highway and ends in Waimanalo. It offers spectacular views of the windward side of Oahu, Olomana, and the Ko`olaupoko watershed. Vegetation along the trail includes mountain apple, rose apple, ti, naupaka, mamake, lobelia, koa and ohia. Maunawili Trail is a good family trail.
Directions: 1. Via the Pali Highway: From Honolulu, head towards Kailua on the Pali Highway. Just after going through the tunnels, there is a hairpin turn. Begin to look for the parking area (marked scenic overlook), which is just after the hairpin turn. Park in this turnout. The trailhead is adjacent to the parking area.
Bus Route Information: Click Here
2. Via Kalanianaole Highway: Go through Waimanalo town on Kalanianaole Hwy. Turn left on Kumuhau Street. At the end, turn right onto Waikupanaha St. Shortly after you pass Mahiku Place, on your right, there will be a fence and gate, also on your right. Park in the gravel area and proceed through the small break in the fence. Continue along the dirt road. You will soon reach the Maunawili Ditch Trail on the right. Continue along the dirt road until you reach a gap in the ridge - the land on the other side of the ridge is private property. Take the left fork which is the Mauanwili Trail.
3. Via Maunawili Falls and Maunawili Connector Trail. To reach Maunawili Falls Trail, see webpage. Approximately 1 mile up Maunwaili Falls Trail, you will come to the Maunawili Connector Trail. Go up the Connector Trail to a junction with Maunawili Trail. This joins Maunawili Trail approximately 2 miles in from the Pali Trailhead.
Trail Announcements: For Current Trail Warnings, Conditions, or Events Click Here
Trail Information: There is no camping allowed on this trail. Stay on the trail. Keep dogs on leash. Pack out at least what you pack in. No open fires.
Mountain Bikers: Always yield to hikers. Do not slide around corners or slide down the trail. Careless mountain biking damages the trail and causes erosion. If accidents are reported or damage to the trail is extreme, the trail may be closed to mountain bikers.
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.