#2 - Awini Trail
Kapaau, Hawaii, HawaiiLength: 21.5 mi • Est. Multi-day
Advance trek for the full hardy outdoorsman. Prepare to be challenged by the elements, and to use your navigation skills with topo and compass. Enjoy the Native Hawaiian jungle with expansive views of the coast, valleys and waterfalls.
This trail is part of an old government road that led to the housing for staff that used to maintained the old North Kohala Ditch. There used to be settlements along the trail, which are now all abandoned and no longer active. The only users are now DLNR staff or Natural Reserve employees and researchers, who primarily come in via helicopter or via 4WD roads from Waimea/Kamuela.
This track starts from Pololu Valley, traverses Honokane Nui, Honokane Iki, Honoke'a, Honopu'e, and Waimanu Valleys; to finally reach Waipio Valley.
The trek is fairly open up to Honokane Iki, but expect to bushwhack the rest of the way; with a few open areas where the natural reserve personnel are conducting studies and maintaining rain gauges. There are about 3 shelters along the way, but expect to be camping in the rain. This area is a watershed and it receives a good amount of rain year round.
Overall, this trail is a tough and challenging route that will sorely test your outdoor skills.
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