UPDATED FEB 2020. Hidden away on the north shore of the island, the Nakoa Trail is one of the ‘off the beaten path’ style hikes where you can avoid the crowds. Though it is often overlooked, it’s well worth experiencing because it’s a quiet trail where you can experience a lot of gorgeous nature. Today I’m sharing a practical guide to help you plan your own adventure day out to hike this jungle trail. I hope you find it useful and if you have any questions about it, just let me know.
A Guide To Hiking The Nakoa Trail on Oahu, Hawaii
Disclaimer
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FAQ for the Nakoa Trail
Where is the trail located?
Kahana State Park on the North Shore.
How long does it take to drive there from Waikiki?
About an hour.
Is there a cost to hike the trail?
Free
What is the difficulty level of the hike?
Nakoa Trail is good for beginners – though it can be slippery and muddy especially if it has been raining.
How long does it take to complete the hike?
Approx 3 hours depending on your pace.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Yes, but they must be on a leash.
What should you bring with you?
- Water bottle (I use a Hydro Flask
) - Insect repellent
- Lightweight towel and/or change of clothes in case you get muddy
- Waterproof camera (I use a GoPro and this floaty selfie stick)
- Snacks or lunch
- Wear swimwear if you want to get in the water
- Good hiking shoes (I use the New Balance Minimus)
)
and/or change of clothes in case you get muddy
)
Where to park
Use ‘Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park’ in Google Maps.
Drive past the first parking lot, slowly and respectfully through the residential area.
Follow the road to the ‘hiker’s parking’ which is at the end of the road by the information sign (pictured below).
As with all adventures in Hawaii, remember not to leave your belongings in your car or any visible items.
You will then walk 0.6 of a mile up a residential street to get to the start of the trail.
How long is the Nakoa Trail
The main trail is a 2.5 mile loop.
The Nakoa Trail itself is a little rugged at first though not too difficult of a hike in terms of skill.
What to expect on the trail
Once you get to the beginning, there is some signage with an option to go left or right – go right.
Going right at the fork will allow you to do the trickier section at the start of the trail while you have more energy. It also saves the water section for the end of the trail, making the trickier section less slippery.
You will cross a stream during the hike, so when you get to it just walk in to get to the other side.
For this reason, I recommend waterproof or at least breathable shoes for this hike – I use the New Balance Minimus
and they have been my favorite hiking shoe ever since I got them.
After the stream, you will come to another body of water that needs to be crossed.
This one has a steeper edge so there is a rope to assist you or better yet there is a tire swing to just jump right in! This is a great spot to relax and enjoy the cool water after the adventure of the hike.
It is so quiet and relaxed that you really get to enjoy the zen time and natural beauty of Hawaii.
Since you go through water, if you have a dog with you make sure it is up to date with Lepto vaccinations.
Once you finish your aquatic part of the adventure, just keep following the trail and it will bring you right out to where you started – just one more hill then you’re there.
Safety tips
The area is a public hunting ground so be sure to keep an eye out, wear bright clothes, and stick to the trails.
There are numerous trails throughout the area so it is definitely worth picking up a map from the information booth before starting to help you stay on track as well.
Be sure to wear insect repellent as the bugs in this hike are intense. You might even find that you need to reapply during the hike, perhaps after you are out of the water. I swear every time that I stood still I had a small army of mosquitoes flying around me.
Long pants would be another good idea if you don’t want scratches on your legs from the jungle plants. I didn’t wear long pants and had a few scratches on my legs afterward.
Lastly, it can be quite muddy in some areas, especially if it has been raining so keep that in mind. Also, check the forecast because it wouldn’t be a good idea to do this hike in heavy rain.
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Other things to do near the Nakoa Trail
If you’d like to go to the beach afterward, I recommend Kualoa Beach Park where you can also see Chinaman’s Hat or you could also drive along the highway and stop at any of the beach areas to hang out.
Some of them have the ‘Insta-famous’ swings hanging from trees.
You could also visit Laie Point (the Forgetting Sarah Marshall jump spot), Laie Falls, or do the Crouching Lion hike.
Where to stay on the North Shore
If you will stay on the North Shore I recommend Turtle Bay Resort.
With lots of activities and tours, walking trails, and snorkeling on site, it has everything.
I also really liked renting a bicycle from the hotel and cycling around the area here.
For other hotels or guesthouses, I recommend looking on Booking.com. I use it to book accommodation and can usually find a good deal through their site.
I hope this has helped you to plan a day out to hike the Nakoa Trail on Oahu.
As always, I write these posts as a guide but use your best judgment as far as if this hike is suitable for you.
For any outdoor adventures, remember to take your trash with you, be respectful of the local residents, and stick to the trails.
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