Hiking On the Ranch
 

During its peak cattle days, the ranch is said to have had over 1,000 miles of trails. The trails that exist today are primarily used by staff to conduct ranching activities – either by horse, or ATV – and lead to expansive pastures, traversing varied terrain in the process.

 

The ranch runs from the ocean to the mountain, spanning elevations of several thousand feet. A round trip will almost always involve walking uphill at some point. These trails can be challenging, but many find the views and seclusion to be worth the effort!

 

For those who wish to get the highlights and views without going on foot, we recommend booking a ranch tour. These take place on an ATV, with a knowledgeable guide. Alternatively, you may inquire about a guided e-bike or horse tours.

 

You can view the locations / pins below in Google Maps by clicking here. If you wish to hike, you should download / save these prior to departing. Most locations receive some cell service, with the exception of ‘Ula Gulch and Papio Falls; portions of the Kelepa and Kono Mountain Trails may also receive no service. Roads that Google shows along the eastern side of the property are approximate and should not be considered as definitive navigation points.
 

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:

This is a working ranch that offers active hunting programs, so we ask guests to hike only on designated trails on designated days. Please observe the schedule below before heading out:

 

Mauka (mountain side) Open to Hike: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

Makai (ocean side) Open to Hike: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

 

Trails marked as red below indicate trails you should not take / be aware not to accidentally take. Always advise the hospitality lead when heading out. It’s not difficult to take a wrong turn.

Mauka Trails (all distances are from the Lodge)

 

Papio Falls (0.5 mile out-and-back; Teal)

Short – Easy – One Steep Hill

A small waterfall awaits you behind the lodge. Walk past the Kono Mountain gate and let yourself in the gate on the left with the beehives. Look for the sign for Papio Falls on the right. Steep hill down to the falls and its pool. Great for hot days. Persons of all ages are welcome to enjoy a splash!

Farm Walkabout and/or Loop (0.7 to 2 miles; Lime Green)

Mid Length - Mostly Flat – Partial Shade

Guests are welcome to visit portions of the ranch farm. You will see bananas (a type of grass!), avocados, papaya, ‘ava, limes, and many other plants. Note that ribbon-style fences may be electrified, for livestock control. Depart from the trail behind the Lehua Cottage (it goes down the hill and to the left, before the Kono Mountain gate). All gates open to guests on this trail are unlocked – though gates may appear as locked, at first glance! The trail can be done as an out-and-back, or exit out the west gate (look for the two, large red cylinders that filter the agricultural water) and walk up the hill to the reservoir and junctions with the Kono Mountain Trail.

Kono Mountain Trail (4 mile out-and-back; Yellow)

Expansive – Hilly – Sparse Shade

Departs from the first gate behind the lodge. Gate is not locked (look for the notched link to open). Travel uphill and past the ranch’s water infrastructure and reservoirs. Continue straight for as long as you’d like. Trail exits the first pasture and passes a fence and beehives, before turning into a series of recently graded switchbacks. The Kono Mountain summit offers stunning views of Mokuho’Oniki and Maui that you won’t find elsewhere, just off the trail – but you might prefer to see them via an ATV!

Kelepa Overlook Trail (2.2 mile out-and-back; Magenta)

Steep Hill – Wooded – Water Crossing

Head up the hill as though departing for Kono Mountain (above). Look on the right for the Kelepa Trail sign before reaching the reservoirs. Descend into the Papio Gulch and cross the stream. You will then make a big ascent. At the top of the hill, follow an arrow (turn right, travel, then turn left) to the Kelepa Lookout. Here you will find views of Halawa Bay and the distant Hipuapua Falls. A picnic table is provided for those who wish to take lunch or rest.

Makai Trails (all distances are from the Ranch Store)

 

Kapu’upo’i Point (via the Nene pen - 4.3 mile round trip - Orange)

Mostly Flat (Long Hill at the End) – Sparse Shade

Trail departs on the makai side of the ranch store and is the “main trail” on that side of the highway. Continue on the road past the ranch shop & tack house. Look for signs directing you through the gate and towards the nene pen. Continue straight and stay on the clear main path that runs between the line of trees. The trail will descend down and you will soon see the pen. The geese are protected animals – do not disturb or enter the pen! You may continue on the overgrown road past the pen to reach the sea cliffs and the easternmost point of Moloka’i (clearly marked by National Geologic survey markers, beyond the beacon).

Lanikaula Loop (.3 mile adjoining trail - Light Orange)

Flat – Sparse Shade

A short loop that intersects with the Kapu’upo’i trail at either end. Passes by the sacred Lanikaula grove. Sheep and horses often graze in adjacent pastures. Flat, with peek-a-boo views of Halawa Bay. Can be combined with the main segment of the Kapu’upo’i trail to make a shorter loop. 

‘Ula House Loop (approx. 4 mile round trip or loop - Blue Pasture Segment / Purple Gulch Segment)

Varied Terrain – Shaded Gulch Segment

Secluded trails approach stunning ocean views from either the pasture or gulch sides. Travelers are required to traverse rugged rocks and uneven footing. Inclines in both directions, and the gulch segment switches back and forth, which may challenge your directional sense! You are strongly advised to let the hospitality lead know before departing on this trail!

The ‘Ula House  is not a structure or a landmark. The “house” is home of the ‘ula – aka, the Giant Trevally – and this rocky spot, not too far above the water, is a fabled fishing location. Below the waves, large sea caves play home to the ‘ula and many other creatures. The pasture segment of the trail departs from the Kapu’upo’i/Nene pen trail on the right side as you go past the main pasture. Turn right at the livestock watering trough and look for the ‘Ula House sign on the gate. After the sign, stay straight (do not take the first right) and descend toward the sea. Stay right at the next trail intersection, and then take the steeper slope down toward the water to reach the ocean terminus. For those adventurous, return to the halfway point (where you made your most recent descent) and continue on to the left. You’ll  return up the Lapa’Ula’Ula Gulch. Take the next left (if you go straight, you’ll return to ‘Ula Pasture Turn #1 via a shorter loop), then turn right. You’ll enter into a shaded gulch. After some time, you’ll reach the final intersection. Stay right, and ascend the hill until you reach the employee housing and the road you started on. Left to the store!