Is the Waikamoi Nature Trail worth it?

It's a pleasant short forest loop, but the views are limited and the trail is often muddy. Most travelers can skip it unless they're taking the drive slowly and want a leg-stretch in the rainforest.

How long is the Waikamoi Ridge Trail?

The loop is under a mile and takes roughly 30 minutes at an easy pace, with steps and roots along the way.

Is there parking at the Waikamoi Nature Trail?

There's a small roadside pull-off on the uphill side just past mile marker 9 that can fit 8 cars. There are no restrooms.

What's a better alternative to the Waikamoi trail?

For a more rewarding jungle walk, the Keʻanae Arboretum further down the road offers a flat path through dense tropical forest, towering rainbow eucalyptus, and a taro patch (also free). But the Pīpīwai Trail past Hāna is the gem of the region.

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Waikamoi Nature Trail

MM 9.5

A short rainforest loop just past Mile 9, with a modest picnic shelter at the trailhead. It's a pleasant leg-stretch through dense forest, but the views are limited and the path is often muddy. Most travelers can comfortably skip it unless they're taking the drive slowly.

⏱ 30 – 45 min at stop 🚗 45 min from Pāʻia ✓ Free to access

At a glance

What to expect: A short forest loop — Roughly a mile through dense forest. Portions of the path are covered for easy walking while others go through often wet soil and exposed roots. A couple of valley glimpses rather than big payoff views. There's a picnic shelter at the trailhead and another at the end.

Trail condition: Frequently muddy — A section of the trail tends to be muddy (the smaller loop), but a portion is covered to for easy navigation. The trail is suitable for all.

Access & parking: Small roadside lot — A wide shoulder on the side serves as parking just past mile marker 9. It's small and often full mid-morning. No fee, no restrooms.

Time needed: About 30 minutes — Enough for the loop at an easy pace. Given the limited views, weigh it against the other stops competing for your day.

About Waikamoi Nature Trail

The Waikamoi Nature Trail (aka Waikamoi Ridge Trail), climbs into the forest just past Mile 9, between Twin Falls and the Garden of Eden. It's a state-managed trail, free to walk, with a covered picnic shelter at the trailhead and another tucked in the forest. The loop is under a mile, made up of wide manmade steps and tiered roots that lead up through thick growth.

As a walk through the jungle it's a pleasant excursion for nature lovers: dense canopy, bamboo, and a quiet, green interior with a sign at the start asking visitors to keep their voices down. What it doesn't offer is much in the way of scenery as there are only a couple of valley glimpses, and they're partial. The reward here is the atmosphere of the forest itself, the fresh air, and lush greenery that surrounds you.

Normally this would be pleasant hike, but the site competes for your time on a day that is likely already full of stops, and for that reason most skip this hike. For example, the Kaenae Arboretum would likely be preferred over this walk because the arboretum's jungle is more lush and features Rainbow Euclyptus trees and a stream.

Good to know

There are no restrooms or facilities here, and the small lot fills up by mid-morning. Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy, and skip it after heavy rain when the trail is at its slickest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Waikamoi Nature Trail worth it?: It's a pleasant short forest loop, but the views are limited and the trail is often muddy. Most travelers can skip it unless they're taking the drive slowly and want a leg-stretch in the rainforest.
How long is the Waikamoi Ridge Trail?: The loop is under a mile and takes roughly 30 minutes at an easy pace, with steps and roots along the way.
Is there parking at the Waikamoi Nature Trail?: There's a small roadside pull-off on the uphill side just past mile marker 9 that can fit 8 cars. There are no restrooms.
What's a better alternative to the Waikamoi trail?: For a more rewarding jungle walk, the Keʻanae Arboretum further down the road offers a flat path through dense tropical forest, towering rainbow eucalyptus, and a taro patch (also free). But the Pīpīwai Trail past Hāna is the gem of the region.