What it is
The Manukā Nature Trail is a roughly 2 to 2.3-mile loop hike located within the Manukā State Wayside Park and the adjacent Manukā Natural Area Reserve on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. The trailhead is situated at Manukā State Wayside, which serves as a rest stop along Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) in the island's Kaʻū District.
This trail offers a glimpse into Hawaiian natural history, guiding hikers through a transitional forest and an 8-acre arboretum. Key features along the path include ancient lava flows of varying ages, a forested pit crater, and remnants of ancient agricultural sites with old stone walls and earthen mounds. The arboretum, originally planted in the mid-19th century, showcases a diverse collection of 48 native Hawaiian plant species and over 130 species of other tropical plants. The name "Manukā" itself refers to an ancient Hawaiian land division, or ahupuaʻa, that stretched from the ocean to the upland forest in this region.
Visitor experience
Travelers choose the Manukā Nature Trail for a moderate, immersive nature hike that offers a different landscape from the island's typical beaches. It's a suitable stop for those driving between Kailua-Kona and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, providing a shaded opportunity to stretch legs and experience the quiet beauty of native Hawaiian plants and birds.
The trail is generally considered moderate in difficulty due to its rocky and uneven terrain, composed of clinky ʻaʻā lava. The highlight for many visitors is the large forested pit crater. Interpretive signs along the path describe various plant species in both Hawaiian and Latin. The hike is mostly shaded, offering a cooler experience in a forested environment. It typically takes 2-3 hours to complete the entire loop, though some sources suggest it can be done in 1.5 hours if moving quickly.
Logistics
- Area: The Manukā Nature Trail is located in the rural Kaʻū District of the Big Island, within the South Point area, approximately 19.3 miles west of Naʻalehu.
- Access: The trailhead is found at Manukā State Wayside Park, directly off Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) between mile markers 80 and 81 (closer to mile marker 81). Look for brown state park signs.
- Reservations/Permits: No reservations or permits are required for day-use of the trail or park.
- Timing: The park and trail are open daily during daylight hours. Allow 2-3 hours for the full 2-mile loop trail. It can be considered a half-day activity if incorporating a picnic and thorough exploration, or a significant quick stop on a longer drive.
- Parking: Free parking is available in a lot directly off Highway 11 at Manukā State Wayside. The access road into the park is narrow, so caution is advised.
- Facilities: The state wayside provides restrooms, trash cans, and covered picnic tables. There is no drinking water available, so visitors must bring their own.
- Camping: Overnight parking and camping are generally not allowed at Manukā State Wayside Park.
Safety and cautions
- Terrain: The trail features rough, uneven, and rocky sections made of ʻaʻā lava. Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is essential for safe navigation.
- Insects: Mosquitoes are prevalent in this forested environment, so insect repellent is highly recommended.
- Water: There is no potable water at the park; bring an adequate supply, especially for the hike.
- Pit Crater: Exercise caution and stay away from the edges of the pit crater.
- Theft: As with many remote parking areas, it is advisable not to leave valuables visible in your vehicle.
- Prohibited Activities: Motorized vehicles, mountain bikes, pets (on the trail), alcoholic beverages, littering, smoking, and open fires are prohibited.
- Closures: Trail and park conditions can change, and closures can occur. Visitors should check the official Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Parks website for current status updates before visiting.
Editorial take
The Manukā Nature Trail is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a peaceful, free, and moderately easy hike that showcases a unique aspect of Hawaiʻi's natural and cultural history. It's ideal for nature enthusiasts interested in native flora, volcanic geology, and ancient Hawaiian agricultural practices, and provides a welcome respite from driving. It suits those who appreciate solitude and a less crowded experience away from more popular coastal attractions.
Travelers prioritizing dramatic ocean views, highly challenging treks, or pristine, smooth walking paths might find this trail less appealing. Those particularly sensitive to mosquitoes or who require readily available drinking water should also plan accordingly or consider other options.
It is important not to confuse the Manukā Nature Trail (named after a Hawaiian land division) with the "Manuka tree" (Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to New Zealand and known for Manuka honey. The Manukā Nature Trail is located within a Hawaiʻi State Wayside Park, not a national park.
Source notes
- Manukā State Wayside Park - Department of Land and Natural Resources - Hawaii.gov: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/manuka-state-wayside/
- Manukā Nature Trail - Horizon Guest House: https://horizonguesthouse.com/manuka-nature-trail/
- Manukā State Wayside Park - Big Island Hikes: https://www.bigislandhikes.com/manuka-state-wayside-park/
- Manukā State Wayside - Lemon Drop Campers: https://www.lemondropcampers.com/manuka-state-wayside/
- Manukā State Wayside Park, Big Island - To-Hawaii.com: https://www.to-hawaii.com/big-island/state-parks/manuka-state-wayside.php
- Manukā State Wayside - Big Island Hawaii Travel Guide: https://www.bigislandhawaii.com/blog/manuka-state-wayside
- Manukā Nature Trail | Hiking Trail Maps, Difficulty, Trail Status | onX: https://www.onxmaps.com/hiking/trail-guides/manuka-nature-trail
