Hāmākua Forest Reserve is a region located on the northeastern side of the Island of Hawaiʻi, characterized by dense native ʻōhiʻa forests, deep gulches, and a rich understory of ferns. This lush rainforest environment provides a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. The terrain includes shaded rainforest paths and gulch-rim routes, suitable for several sports like touring cycling, road cycling, and hiking.
The Hāmākua Forest Reserve offers numerous routes across several sports, including hiking,…
26
Routes
4.6
(7)
Average rating
259
People visited

4.5
(2)
16
hikers
6.22km
02:14
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.0
(1)
6
hikers
1.39km
00:22
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

28
hikers
4.64km
01:44
300m
290m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

30
hikers
4.64km
01:44
300m
290m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
riders
50.9km
02:27
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

1
riders
83.3km
04:35
1,490m
1,490m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

62.7km
03:43
1,170m
1,170m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
37
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6.20km
00:35
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.73km
00:22
80m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

21.2km
01:47
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

40.8km
03:04
920m
920m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hāmākua Forest Reserve offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, and road cycling. The region features lush rainforests and scenic coastal routes. More information can be found in the Cycling in Hāmākua Forest Reserve and Hiking in Hāmākua Forest Reserve guides.
The reserve offers a network of trails, including the Kalōpā Nature Trail loop, an easy 0.9-mile (1.4 km) path. More moderate options include the 3.9-mile (6.2 km) Perimeter Horse Trail loop. Explore these and other routes in the Hiking in Hāmākua Forest Reserve guide.
Yes, the Kalōpā Nature Trail loop is an easy, family-friendly 0.9-mile (1.4 km) path through the native rainforest with minimal elevation change. Additional options are available in the Family-friendly hikes in Hāmākua Forest Reserve guide.
The broader Hāmākua Coast region, adjacent to the reserve, offers scenic drives like the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor, suitable for touring cyclists. This route provides views of sea cliffs, lush valleys, and tropical rainforests. Find more details in the Cycling in Hāmākua Forest Reserve guide.
The Hāmākua Coast region is well-suited for road cycling, featuring scenic drives along the coast. These routes offer views of deep gulches and access to attractions like ʻAkaka Falls. Consult the Road Cycling Routes in Hāmākua Forest Reserve guide for specific options.
An old Jeep road within the Hāmākua Forest Reserve is suitable for mountain biking. This trail winds through dense forest and can be challenging, especially in wet conditions due to potential mud. It offers a unique off-road experience.
The reserve is characterized by dense native ʻōhiʻa forests and a rich understory of ferns, creating a vibrant rainforest environment. Deep gulches are prominent features, and nearby coastal areas offer views of waterfalls like ʻAkaka Falls and Kahuna Falls.
Hāmākua Forest Reserve has been visited by more than 300 komoot users. The routes and activities in the region have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, indicating a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
Komoot offers several guides for the region, including Hiking in Hāmākua Forest Reserve, Cycling in Hāmākua Forest Reserve, and Road Cycling Routes in Hāmākua Forest Reserve. There are also guides for Family-friendly hikes and Traffic-free bike rides.
The Hāmākua Forest Reserve is managed by the Hawaiʻi Island Forest Reserves system under the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Information can be found on the DLNR website. The Hawaiʻi Island Branch of DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife can be reached at +1-808-974-4221.
Yes, komoot provides a guide specifically for Traffic-free bike rides in Hāmākua Forest Reserve. These routes offer a more serene cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.

