Launiupoko Valley Trail

Launiupoko Valley Trail, signed at the start as Big Steve Memorial Trail, is a 3.2-mile out-and-back from Wailau Street to the upper end of the water-pipe route in Launiupoko Valley. Allow about two hours. The approach crosses open, sunny foothills; the last mapped stretch is rough, overgrown singletrack with tricky footing and route-finding. It suits hikers comfortable with an informal route and a steep climb.

From the sign, follow the dry streambed for more than half a mile, then use the marked neighborhood road to continue. The path descends to the reservoir, circles it, and joins an old road into the valley. Picnic tables sit by the water. A small clearing with old stone walls lies shortly beyond the reservoir in the Launiupoko ahupuaʻa archaeological district; leave the walls untouched and stay off them.

The old road follows a steep-sided canyon before narrowing to an overgrown singletrack beside a water pipe. The mapped walk ends at the pipe route's upper end. Beyond it, reports describe the tread fading near falls hidden by vegetation; turn around at the mapped endpoint and retrace your route. The return brings the coastal view back into sight, including Lānaʻi.

The signed start is on Wailau Street, reached from Kai Hele Ku Street. Use only the few roadside spaces at the sign or the identified parking area on Kai Hele Ku Street; do not park elsewhere in the neighborhood. Access crosses a private neighborhood, and sources disagree about permission; verify public entry before setting out. There are no services at the trailhead. Pet rules could not be verified.