--- title: "Nakoa Trail - Kahana Valley" url: https://stacklist.com/card/63854c7f-c951-4850-803b-b2927e6dbf6f source_url: "https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/nakoa-trail/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" stack: https://stacklist.com/stack/76467c4b-c4ea-4299-8764-34009edefadb summary: "Nakoa Trail is a 2.5-mile moderate-to-difficult loop hike through the rainforest of Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park on Oʻahu, featuring native vegetation and three stream crossings that require caution. The trail is wet and muddy with exposure to mosquitoes, leptospirosis risk, and potential flash flooding, requiring careful planning and proper preparation." tags: "hiking, hawaii, oahu, trail, rainforest, kahana-valley, water-safety" key_entities: "Nakoa Trail (location), Oʻahu (location), Kahana Valley (location), Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park (location), Honolulu (location), Ko'olau Mountains (location), Kahana Bay (location), dlnr.hawaii.gov (organization), State of Hawaii (organization), stream-crossing (concept), leptospirosis (concept), flash-flooding (concept), World War II (event)" classification: "reference" content_hash: "sha256:cbfff1fe2c17053c4e869da79350f71fc145d9b5b79913f03ce25f73f847b481" acp_version: "0.2" token_counts_approximate: 1471 visibility: public agent_accessible: true status: "final" --- # Nakoa Trail - Kahana Valley Hawaii.gov Government Directory Nakoa Trail Home » Hiking » Oʻahu » Nakoa Trail Nakoa Trail ‹ › Trail Length 2.5 mile loop Activity Pedestrian Difficulty Moderate to Difficult, includes Stream Crossings Terrain Wet, Valley Rainforest Elevation Gain 400 ft Trail Brochure Nakoa Trail Park Name Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park Description Nakoa Trail is a 2.5 mile loop that traverses the mid-elevation rainforest of Kahana Valley. Named after the native koa tree, the trail meanders through a mixed forest of native plants such as koa, hala (pandanus), and ferns, as well as exotic species such as ink berry, guava and octopus trees. Kahana is the wettest place on O‘ahu which accounts for the lush vegetation and clear flowing streams found along this trail. The military used Kahana as a jungle training site during World War II and you may notice the bunkers and crushed coral roads remaining from this time. The trail can be very muddy and slippery, with exposed roots and rocks, and should not be attempted during periods of heavy rain or if rain appears imminent. There are several stream crossings that can be dangerous during periods of heavy rain and are subject to flash flooding. Check weather reports before your hike. Mosquitoes are prevalent on this trail. Allow 2-3 hours to complete this hike. Trail is generally covered with a tree canopy, but can be hot and humid, so bring plenty of water. Do not drink the water from the stream. The trail crosses Kahana stream at three locations. There are no bridges. Two of the crossings are approximately 30 feet wide and the stream bottom is covered with slippery, medium sized boulders. The third crossing is at a dam, and involves walking across a narrow, 40-foot long cement spillway, which can be slippery and have rapid-moving water. All of the stream crossings should only be attempted by sure-footed individuals, and while exercising great care. Do not enter streams if you have open cuts. Harmful bacteria such as Leptospirosis may be present and pose a serious health risk. Route Take Kahana Valley Road within the park and proceed past the Park Orientation Building until you reach the residential area indicated by homes. From the designated hiker parking area before the residences, hike up-valley on the paved road, passing around a locked gate, until you come to the hunter/hiker check-in station. Please sign in here. From this location, follow trail arrow about 50 feet to the left to the trailhead. Signs and arrows at prominent locations and intersections will direct you to stay on the main trail. This is important, as many side trails created by wild pigs can easily lead one astray. People commonly become disoriented and lost along this trail system. Directions From Honolulu, follow Likelike Highway (Route 83) or H-3 over the Ko‘olau Mountains and take the Kahekili Highway cut-off. Kahekili becomes Kamehameha Highway (Route 830). Go through Ka‘a‘awa town and the entry to Kahana State Park is in the coconut grove near the center of Kahana Bay. Additional Info Mountain biking is not allowed on this trail. Stay on the trail. Keep dogs on leash. Pack out at least what you pack in. No open fires. Watch for hunters – Portions of the trail are in the public hunting area. Wear bright clothing. Hunting is permitted on weekends and State holidays only. Activities Facilities Hazards Prohibited Hiking in Hawaii Area Weather Forecast ABOUT US Contact Us Partners Brochures INTERACT Feedback FAQs POLICIES Terms of Use Accessibility Privacy Policy List [email protected] Powered by eHawaii.gov Copyright © 2026, State of Hawaii. All rights reserved. **IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES** 10/8/26 – IMPORTANT UPDATES RELATED TO HURRICANE NOLO AND HURRICANE LOWELL RECOVERY. — OʻAHU: Ka‘ena Point State Park - Vehicle Access has CLOSED. Ka‘ena Point State Park - Keawa'ula Trail remains CLOSED and vehicle access is restricted past the restroom parking lot due to storm inflicted road damage, portable toilets available as comfort station is down. Construction at ʻAiea Bay State Recreation Area begins October 5 and will last approximately two weeks. Restrooms will remain open, with limited parking during construction. HAWAI‘I Island: The following parks will be CLOSED on 10/10 for the Kona Iron Man: Kekaha Kai State Park (Mahai’ula & Kua Bay), Kiholo State Park Reserve, an Lapakahi State Historical Park. Hawai’i island parks have REOPENED, with the exception of ʻAkaka Falls State Park – Partial trail is CLOSED due to fallen trees, Waialea Section at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area CLOSED due to fallen trees, Lapakahi State Historic Park CLOSED due to fallen trees. Camping and cabins at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kīholo State Park Reserve, and Kalopa State Recreation Area remains CLOSED, Day-Use remains OPENED at Kalopa and Kiholo. MAUI + MOLOKAʻI: ALL Maui and Moloka‘i Parks REOPENED with the exception of Polipoli - remains CLOSED due to downed trees and Waiʻānapanapa - water is back on and will REOPEN on 9/29. KAUAʻI – Partial State Parks REOPENING Monday, September 21, 2026 Wailua River State Park – River and designated landing/trailhead access will reopen. No individual kayakers are permitted to access Fern Grotto. Hiking beyond the trailhead and access to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) remain closed. NOTICE: Kōkeʻe Road remains closed until further notice. All Kaua‘i camping remains CLOSED. ALL OTHER KAUA‘I STATE PARKS REMAIN CLOSED. STATEWIDE: If you had a Hawaiʻi State Park reservation (day use or overnight camping/lodging) for a day that was part of a storm-related closure, you will receive an automatic refund, minus nonrefundable service charges. Please see the latest operational updates below for statewide parks impacted by Tropical Cyclones: Park Notices site Check Park Notices site for a list of all park closures and access updates.