Wailupe Loop is a demanding hike! Intermediate++ Parking is easy and plentiful. Head into the hike at the trailhead, and after about 15 mins you’ll head right. Make sure you begin going up the ridge, and not on the(also) marked«Valley Trail». The Wailupe ridge is intense. Very narrow at times and lose footing. It is quite a climb! At the summit you’ll have a beautiful view. Then head east on the KST. It is NARROW. It is STEEP. Do not do this unless you are prepared. The next summit is Wiliwilinui. The views there are breathtaking! Next, head down Wiliwilinui Trail. You’ll go down a few steep stairs and use ropes at times, walk the dirt roads some, then you’ll see double orange markers on the left, heading into a narrow trail in the trees. That’s where you start heading down into the valley. This is a steep descend. I lost a toenail even with my good boots on. The continuous pressure of the steep incline was just too much. This section alone took an hour. Then you’ll be in the valley and start heading back on the road you started on. It’s about 7 miles and can be done in about 5 hours. But it took me 6. I suggest you only do this hike with someone who’s done it before. Lastly — hiking tips:
Izumi K.
Place rating: 4 Honolulu, HI
HTMC(Hawaii Trail Mountain Club) just cleared this trail, so there are many pink ribbons on the trees to guide you. You are able to see the north, east and south side of the island from the summit. The views are amazing.
