While there are no glorious waterfalls on this valley hike, the main attractions are solitude, dense jungle and crossing the large Kahana stream. The Kahana Valley (or Nakoa) trail is a relatively short, but moderately difficult loop trail on the northeast side of Oahu in the Kahana state park.

First and foremost, bring insect repellent. Kahana Valley is crawling with more mosquitoes and insects than I have found at any other location on Oahu. I always recommend cactus juice as a safe and effective mosquito repellent. It’s usually hot, wet and humid in Kahana Valley. I would not recommend jeans or long sleeves. However, waterproof shoes is a wise decision.

Although the trail is located within Kahana Valley State Park, you will have to park your vehicle a long distance from the trail head and walk through a neighborhood to reach it. It may feel like you are imposing while walking past the island style country houses with dogs barking and kids playing — don’t worry, you’re going the right direction. Once you have passed the houses, keep following the road until you reach the trail head. It will be marked with a green bulletin board.

Upon reaching the trail head there is an immediate split in the trail to the left or right. I suspect most people choose the path to the left since it’s wider. We chose the right, which begins winding through the valley on a thin path with no shortage of fallen trees and debris blocking the trail. Supposedly there are mountain apples in the area, but unfortunately we were too late in the season. They had already rotted within Kahana Valley.

We walked for quite sometime before ever seeing water. However, should you choose to begin the train in the other direction, you will have to cross the large Kahana stream almost immediately. You will get wet. There are no convenient stones across this stream, and the water can be fast flowing.

On our journey, the thin trail finally opened up to a clearing with what appeared to be large stone ruins. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the Indiana Jones moment I had envisioned of discovering an ancient Hawaiian village. Instead, they were old bunkers used for military training. Over the past 30 years, the jungle has consumed them. They’re fun to climb on and explore, and make for some cool photo opportunities.

Near the bunkers is the large Kahana Stream. You can hike down to the stream or follow a trail above it. There are numerous Awapuhi Kuahiwi ginger plants in this area. The plant has many herbal uses. However, the most common use is as a natural shampoo and conditioner. Simply squeeze the blossom and your hand will fill a gel-like fragrant liquid. Apply the gel to your hair and voila! You have instant natural shampoo. However, don’t abuse this wonderful natural resource. Once the stem is picked from the ginger plant, it will never produce a blossom again, and may kill the plant altogether.

Hike down to the stream for a swim, picnic or just to take it the lovely scenery and rapids. If you see a ton of bamboo, then you’re on the right path. The stream wider and deeper than most I have come across in Hawaii. It feels more like an Appalachian stream. I noticed a fire pit in the area, so it would appear people occasionally camp near the stream.

After visiting the stream, we hiked back up through the bamboo forest to the bunkers, and continued along the trail. There’s practically nobody on this trail; to the point that it’s almost creepy. We questioned whether or not we were going the right direction. At times, it felt like we were in that Hawaii based horror movie, “A Perfect Getaway.” However, you can rest assured the only danger on this trail is the chance of slipping. There’s practically no violent crime in Hawaii when compared to the mainland. So, I doubt anybody will be chasing you through the jungle with a butchers knife anytime soon.

The return hike opens up to some dryer land and high ground with beautiful views of the valley. It was getting late in the day, so we kept a steady pace until we reached the Kahana Stream again. I would recommend waterproof hiking shoes for this hike. It will save you the time and discomfort of taking off your shoes and wading across the rocky bottom like I did. Shortly after making the first crossing, you will come to a second. The water is flowing faster over a dam-type-thing. You can walk across the dam, but you will still have to get your feet wet. There is a rope swing in the area, should you be prepared to get a little more wet.

The Nakoa Trail is a rewarding, wet and humid valley hike. There are multiple areas along the way that would make for a great picnic site or campground for the night. There is pig hunting on holiday’s and weekends, so it’s probably safer to bring your dogs during the week. Happy hiking, and don’t forget the mosquito repellent.