Stone Dam via Wai Koa Trail

The Wai Koa Trail is a lush, beautiful inland trail that travels through forested landscape to reach the historic Stone Dam, an 1880's era dam constructed by the Kilauea Sugar Plantation.

The trail begins at the North Shore Dog Park. The trail crosses a lot of private land, so it tends to be well marked in order to keep visitors from veering off of the route. At 4.3 miles total, the trail is mostly flat and very scenic, making this a great option for families or those looking for an easier hike on the island.

The trail immediately begins to parallel a 200 acre mahogany grove - the largest plantation of its kind in the US. From that point, the route hits a series of corners and bends, but all are signed. The trail tends to be wet and muddy if there has been any recent rain, but is pretty straightforward. Eventually, it reaches the grove of trees near the Stone Dam. The dam and surrounding irrigation ditches and canals date from the last century when the sugar plantation built them to supply the Wai Koa farming community. Lush plants line the path here where a shaded bench overlooks the area, or you can right up to the dam itself. A path heading up a short hill from the area leads to a bamboo grove and Buddha statue. 

The area is owned by the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, who have worked to preserve the area, as well as access to them.

There are no facilities or amenities of any kind at the trailhead or along the trail. Visitors should be prepared for exposed sunny conditions as well as possibly wet and muddy trails. If you have a bathing suit, you can swim in the pond or leap off the rope swing just above the dam.

The path is also popular with mountain bikers and trail runners.

Until recently, access to the trail was through the Anaina Hou Community Park, however this has since changed. Currently the only trail access is through the North Shore Dog Park and waivers are no longer needed. The trail is more of an out-and-back now, with a small fork option that circles another portion of the mahogany grove, however doesn't really add anything scenic to the hike.