Megan McDonald for Only In Your State on the Kalopa Native Forest Trail. Join us on a luxury tour where you can pick your visit from the best spots of the Big Island. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
If you’re looking for a fairy tale trail in Hawaiʻi, you must head straight to the Kalopa Native Forest Trail. This incredible hike will take you through the stunning old-growth forest in Kalopa State Recreation Area. This beautiful stroll offers a great view of some of the ancient forests that cross over all of the Hawaiʻian islands.
The Kalopa Native Forest Trail is a beautiful spot to spend an hour or two.
The trail is located in the Kalōpā Native Forest State Park and Recreation Area. It’s a state park with an arboretum of native trees.
This beautiful state park is located approximately 40 miles northwest of Hilo on the Big Island.
This 100-acre park is filled with old-growth forests. It’s located on the slopes of the beautiful Mauna Kea and receives a large amount of rainfall each year, contributing to its astounding growth.
The trail is only .9 miles long and is considered easy to complete.
In fact, you’ll only travel about 50 feet in elevation gain along the entire route. It’s a great way to walk slowly and enjoy everything to see in the arboretum.
The arboretum is filled with an upper canopy of large, old-growth ohi’a trees.
Beneath the upper canopy is an understory composed predominantly of smaller native forest trees and shrubs. It makes for a stunning hike in this state recreation area.
You can find about 25 different native species of trees, shrubs, and vines along the trail.
The entire trail will take approximately an hour to complete if you’re walking at a leisurely pace. It’s a great family walk, good for kids of all ages.
The park is open daily, from 7 a.m. through 6:45 p.m.
The trailhead, along with the park’s office where you can pick up a trail guide, is easy to find, and located right off the parking lot.
This is a great hike if you want to learn more about Hawaiʻi’s beautiful forests.
This lush forest is worth the exploration. And since it’s an easy stroll, it’s perfect for the whole family.
