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Makiki Arboretum Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 156 Google reviews · Running trail in Honolulu, Hawaii · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Makiki Arboretum Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area known for its varied trails and wildlife, including a waterfall.
What runners say about Makiki Arboretum Trail
“There are not great viewpoint stops but if you like you can go up the trail and take the road down — many great viewpoints from the road.”
This is my favorite trail cause its close to my apartment but also cause it's stunning ! Just be careful when it rains it can get really muddy and slippery. Wear good shoes with traction on them.
I was watching football games I didn't care about, the wife was sleeping in, and realized I just needed to get out for some fresh air. I didn't want to take all day, but I didn't want a stroll either. Makiki Valley was perfect. I live in town so it's nearby, and it's less than 3 miles but 1000 foot elevation change.
Very nice trail! So close to the city and not crowded. We saw (tame?) wild pigs, and a lot of super cute stay cats in the evening. Lush rainforest. Some mosquitos, but if you don't stop walking they don't sting ;)
What a fun and exciting trail. It was like cardiac Hill for the first half but I very much enjoyed the workout and the views. So did my dog. And mostly empty trail
Trail conditions & character
“It was like cardiac Hill for the first half but I very much enjoyed the workout and the views.”
“Absolutely amazing hiking trail, be prepared if muddy with the right clothes.”
“There also is plenty of parking onsite and they have a nice restrooms and a place to raise off your shoes after your hike.”
“FYI if you have dogs or don’t like bugs: There are LOTS of red ants on this trail.”
“The Makiki Valley Loop is our favorite hike on the island.”
“There also is plenty of parking onsite and they have a nice restrooms and a place to raise off your shoes after your hike.”
Plan your run at Makiki Arboretum Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–6:30 pm |
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