Two trails planned for state land on Maui

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

WAILUKU, Maui — Hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers may soon have new options for outdoor adventures on Maui.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is planning to build two trails on state land, one in the Kahakuloa region and another in the Makawao Forest Reserve.

Draft environmental assessments describing the proposals are available in Maui public libraries. The deadline for public comment is Jan. 22.

The Kahakapao Loop Trail in Makawao is being designed for foot, bicycle and horse traffic. The 5-mile path will loop from Fong Ridge Road to Pa'ahao Ridge Road, crossing a gulch at the top and bottom of the loop. The trail ranges in elevation from 2,800 to 3,650 feet.

The addition will provide a much-requested equestrian pathway to the state's trails system, said Torrie Haurez, Na Ala Hele trails and access specialist for Maui. Haurez said the only other equestrian trails on the Valley Isle are found above the 6,400-foot level of Haleakala, which can be a daunting height for some horses.

The Kahakapao Loop Trail also will provide better access for forest reserve managers, firefighters, hunters and those involved in alien species detection and control, she said.

On the other side of the island, construction of the mile-long 'Ohai Trail is proposed along the coast in the Kahakuloa Game Management Area.

The trail will loop off Kahekili Highway near Po'elua Bay to traverse along the rolling terrain near Papanalahoa Point. Moving westward, the trail will meet the edge of Alapapa Gulch and turn inland to connect again with the highway. The trail will be built for foot traffic only.

The proposed trail travels through pastures of grass, non-native shrubs and a scattering of native grasses, shrubs and sedges. It also passes an exclosure constructed by the DLNR to protect some 52 'ohai plants.

Haurez said the 'Ohai Trail would be considered as an easy to moderate hike.

Planning on both trails is in the preliminary stages, and officials could not say when they would be open. Haurez said once final approval is received, the Makawao trail would take up to a year to build, and work on the Kahakuloa trail would take a couple of months.

Both trails would be built by volunteers working with the Na Ala Hele program.

Reach Timothy Hurley at 808-244-4880 or thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com