Northernmost Trailhead
About Wai Koa Loop Trail
Trailhead hours from 9:00am – 7:00pm
Wai Koa Loop’s Northernmost Trailhead
Anaina Hou Community Park is home to the most northern trailhead entrance to the Wai Koa Loop Trail, making it a unique starting point for one of Kauaʻi’s many scenic hikes. Beginning at this trailhead, visitors are welcomed by sweeping North Shore landscapes, open pastures, and a shaded mahogany forest. Along the route, the trail leads to the historic Kīlauea Stone Dam, a beautiful 1880s landmark with cascading water and tranquil surroundings. This entrance offers a direct path into the heart of the Wai Koa Loop’s natural beauty, inviting hikers to experience lush greenery, island history, and peaceful moments immersed in Kauaʻi’s North Shore environment.
Beginning at Anaina Hou Community Park, the Wai Koa Loop Trail is approximately 4.3 miles round trip taking about 1.5-2 hours in total. The hike is beginner/intermediate friendly with mostly flat terrains. A waiver must be completed before entering which you can find here or at the trailhead entrance.
Acknowledgements: The Wai Koa Loop Trail is protected by the Hawaii Land Trust.
Things to bring:
- Sunscreen / Protection (Sunglasses, Hats, Etc.) – Even on cloudy days.
- Bug Spray – This is agricultural land (the perfect environment for mosquitos).
- Shoes – Not your best pair, plan for dirt and/or mud.
- Snacks & Water – 4.3 miles, fuel yourself accordingly.
- Rain Gear – if needed, although ua (rain) is considered a blessing.
- Kids – This is a child-friendly hike, depending on ages, be prepared to carry them.
Very nice nature walk on north shore of Kauai. We got lucky and met some horses in the pasture on our way and the hard wood forests are lovely with their perfect rows..at the end you are rewarded with a nice manicured area with water streams and there is even a deep swim hole (and a deck to jump off..)!

