Kukui Trail

This trail descends about 2,000 feet in about 2.5 miles. You start at the nature trail and end up at the campground at the Waimea River. Most of this trail is exposed, so you'll get the full force of the sun. Did I say it was steep? Like all of these steep trails in Waimea/Kokee, it is really difficult to hike if it is raining or has just rained. The trails are very slippery. As you head down the trail and see more of the cliffs on the left side, you may also see many small waterfalls depending on how much rain there has been. They drain into an intermittent creek that flows to the Waimea. On a couple of trips down this trail, I have seen goats near and right on the trail. Once you reach bottom, you come to the Waimea River and the campsite. Mosquitos may be plentiful so bring repellant. You can choose to continue up the trail along the river, or go even further into Koaie canyon on the Koaie !Canyon Trail. You can also make a right and follow a trail 11 miles to Waimea town. After a short break, it's back up the Kukui Trail, 2.5 miles and 2,000 plus feet up. Bring sunscreen, insect repellant and lots of water.