Kamananui Valley Road Hike – Oahu
The Kamananui Valley Road is a peaceful trail originating at Moanalua Valley Park with no particular destination.
The journey is four miles one way on a wide, mostly flat, dirt and gravel road. The road does continue a bit further and there are options to follow mountain trails or detour off on side trails along the way.
While lacking any spectacular attraction at the end, the path does have several man-made bridges that make it unique as well as a few sites of historical significance.
Signs along the way draw your attention to the natural, cultural, and historical features of the area – from bird and plant species to petroglyphs and ruins of dwellings from the 1800’s.
You can follow a very short side trail into the jungle from one of the very first information posts to explore the former dwellings- only the rock foundation and fireplaces remain.
The main path itself was once a carriage road for the family who lived there.
We actually saw a couple of wild pigs while walking around the ruins! (They’ll probably make an appearance in our future hiking video, but we didn’t have time to snap a still shot.)
Since we heard that this trail was mostly flat, we went with the intention of jogging it.
There were enough rocky patches to make it more challenging than we expected, though, and we ended up walking on the way back so we wouldn’t have to constantly watch our footing.
Although we wouldn’t put it at the top of our “must do” list for hikes on Oahu, the trail makes a nice nature walk and a pleasant change of scenery for getting exercise.
Kamananui Valley Road Trail Details
Hike Distance (one-way): 4 mi / 6.44 km
Hike Difficulty: easy
Hike Elevation: 600 ft / 182.88 m
Route Type: Out & Back
Frequently Asked Questions About Kamananui Valley Road Hike
Where is Kamananui Valley Road located? Kamananui Valley Road is located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It begins at Moanalua Valley Park, which is situated in the Moanalua Valley, near the town of Aiea.
Where does the Kamananui Valley Road trail starts? The Moanalua Valley Park is the starting point for the Kamananui Valley Road hike. The park is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
From the park, continue along the dirt road until you reach a chain link gate. The gate is marked with regulation and safety information signs.
Note: About two miles into the hike, you’ll see a sign for the Kulana’ahane Trail / Moanalua Valley Trail. Make sure to stay to the right to continue on the Kamananui Valley Road trail.
Is Kamananui Valley Road Trail free? Yes. There is no fee to access the trail.
When is the best time to hike the Kamananui Valley Road Trail? The best time to do the Kamananui Valley Road hike is generally during the drier months, which is April through October, but it can be hiked all year round.
Is the Kamananui Valley Road Hike difficult? The Kamananui Valley Road Hike is an easy and accessible trail suitable for hikers of different fitness levels. It mainly consists of a wide, flat dirt and gravel road.
Experienced hikers may find it easy and can even jog much of it.
Is there parking available near the trailhead? Yes, there is parking available at Moanalua Valley Park near the trailhead.
Is it safe to hike Kamananui Valley Road? The Kamananui Valley Road hike is generally considered safe. As always, it’s a good idea to let someone know your whereabouts if hiking solo.
Tips for Happy Hiking Kamananui Valley Road Trail
By following these safety tips, you can have a safer and more enjoyable experience while hiking Kamananui Valley Road.
Check the weather. Be aware of any potential storms, heavy rainfall, or other weather-related hazards that may affect your hike.
Stay on the trail. Stay on the designated path to minimize the risk of getting lost, encountering hazards, or disturbing the ecosystem.
Watch the time. Make sure you have enough daylight to complete the trail and return safely before it gets dark.
Read all posted signs. Pay attention to any signs or information boards along the trail. They may provide important safety information, trail conditions, or alerts about potential hazards.
What to Bring on the Hike to Kamananui Valley Road
Water. We recommend taking a reusable water bottle.
Proper footwear. Wear sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes that provide good traction and ankle support.
Sun protection. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and bring sunglasses especially when hiking in the mid-day sun.
Bug repellent. I don’t recall mosquitoes on this trail but if you’re prone to bites, it can’t hurt. Ranger Ready deet-free bug spray has scented and unscented options for up to 12hrs of protection from ticks and mosquitos.
*Take 10% off any travel-size bug spray at rangerready.com with code IntentionalTravelers10 >
* Access our free Hawaii packing checklist here *
If you have hiking plans for your Oahu trip, we’d love to hear about them! Let us know if you have any questions, or if there are hiking tips you think we should add to our list.
You might also like these posts:
Visitor’s Hiking Guide to Oahu
The Best Sunset and Sunrise Hikes on Oahu
Lanikai Pillbox Hike – Oahu, Hawaii
Lulumahu Falls hike – Oahu
Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail – Oahu, Hawaii Hike
One Week Oahu Itinerary
Where to Stay on Oahu
Is the Go Oahu Card worth it?
Honolulu Walking Routes Maps
Where to Stay in Honolulu Outside Waikiki
Like this post? Pin it for later or share with a friend!
Free: Where to Stay on Oahu Guide
Get our in-depth local's guide to staying on Oahu. Includes recommended areas based on your trip goals, plus pros and cons break down for various regions of the island.
