Makiki Valley Loop Trail / Makiki Valley Trail
Image Credit Daniel Ramirez|https://www.flickr.com/photos/danramarch/6202921954/
Image Credit Daniel Ramirez
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Phone (808) 973-9782
Address 2131 Makiki Heights Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822
 
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Popular trail that's part of a bigger loop in the Tantalus area.
Features
• General: Cost: Free • General: Photo Opportunity • Hiking: Hiking • Hiking: Length: 1-2 Miles • Hiking: Level: Easy
• Hiking: Minor Elevation Changes • Hiking: Out & Back Trail
The main part of the Makiki Valley Loop Trail is really just the Makiki Valley Trail which is a 1.1 mile long, out and back style hiking trail (that's part of a bigger loop trail) in the Honolulu area of O'ahu.

Image credit: Daniel Ramirez

There are several ways to access this trail so let's cover that first. On the west side you can access the trailhead right from Tantalus Drive, see our map / directions page where we pinpoint this side. On the east side, you can access the trailhead from Round Top Drive.

Image credit: Google - This trail is shown in blue. Green shows the larger loop trail.

Because this trail is also part of a bigger loop trail, known as the Makiki Valley Loop Trail, you can also access it from the Maunalaha Trail or Kanealole Trail trailhead (which share the same trailhead and offer better parking options). When you do the full loop you are looking at a longer hike of around 2.5 miles.

Image credit: Daniel Ramirez

If you're doing the loop you can head right to Maunalaha Trail or Kanealole Trail (again, same start point) and then (shortly after the trail begins) will have the option of head left for the Kanealole Trail or right for the Maunalaha Trail. Either one will interest with the Makiki Valley Trail after around 0.7 miles and you'll end up coming back on the one you didn't take.

Image credit: Daniel Ramirez

Otherwise, you can head to the trailheads on Tantalus Drive or Round Top Drive and do this as an out and back hike or even loop onto the Maunalaha Trail and Kanealole Trail, just note the trail names and signs because other trails intersect along the way. Specifically, this trail will also connect to the Moleka Trail and the Ualaka'a Trail.

Image credit: Daniel Ramirez

Most consider the Makiki Valley Trail to be an easy hike but doing the full loop can bring it to more of a moderate difficulty level from some.

Image credit: Daniel Ramirez

If it's recently rained you may want to skip this one because it will likely be muddy and slippery. On that safety note, you'll also want to read Hiking Safety & Essentials and bring plenty of water and bug spray.