Overview

Hype:

Manuka Nature Trail is located in the Manuka Natural Area Reserve, but accessed via the adjacent Manuka State Wayside. The trail takes hikers through a forest of native Hawaiian plants and animals. It offers an experience in Hawaiian natural history, featuring lava flows of different ages, a pit crater, cultural sites and native and non-native species of plants and animals. Mosquitoes are prevalent.

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 1-2 hours

Length: 2.3 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 450 ft

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: dlnr.hawaii.gov

Getting There

Navigate to 19.109824, -155.825342.

Trailhead within Manukā State Wayside. Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11), 19.3 miles west of Na’alehu.

Route

The trailhead is located just off the parking lot – follow the signs to the start of the trail. The pit crater is at the top of the loop, after which you will begin descending back toward the trailhead.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Big Island, Hawaii

Coordinates: 19.109824, -155.825342

Interactive Guide Map

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June 4, 2018 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye,

Story

We didn't like this nature trail very much. It was in bad repair, and other than the pit crater there were no significant sights along the trail. There were over 30 interpretive signs along the trail, but they were just plant names without anything to indicate which name went with which plant, not to mention the signs were in poor condition. The trail was damaged in places and was uncomfortable to walk on. And there were a ton of mosquitoes. We did 18 hikes in Hawaii, and this was our least favorite.

Pictures