Kalopa State Park

Kalopa State Park is a small park up the hill from Honoka’a Hawaii. It’s a cool, pleasant romp through eucalyptus, koa, o’hia and other trees (including the occasional avocado and guava). This one became a favorite destination for a short run. At around 2000’ in elevation, it was a mercifully cool break from the hot coast.

The dense trail network forms something of a ladder shape. The Gulch Trail forms the south-eastern flank and sports views into the Hanaipoe Gulch, which flows after heavy rain. Robusta Lane, Silk Oak Lane, Blue Gum Lane, and Ironwood Lane form east-west rungs between the Gulch Trail and the central “Old Jeep Road” (at this point, more single-track than road). And the Perimiter Horse Trail forms an additional loop on the Western side. The trails are well labeled, and as long as you don’t get confused by their plentiful junctions, provide ample opportunities for forming loops and sub-loops through the trees. A short native forest nature trail also departs from behind the grassy picnic area, providing an additional .7mi loop.

The park seems to mostly be used by visitors who use the picnic facilities. Only twice out of a dozen times running here did I see another soul on the trails. The surface can be very muddy if there’s been recent rain.

Charlie’s notes: I loved this park. It was such a pleasant and relaxing place to do a few miles after work.

Laura’s notes: A hidden gem! The trail can be muddy and a little confusing route-finding the first time, but well worth it.