Makiki Valley Loop Trail

My friend and I wanted to squeeze in a quick hike on Easter Sunday so we decided on Makiki Valley Loop Trail.  After all, the online reviews made the ~2.5 miles loop trail seem easy peasy.  We were in for a surprise when we discovered the trail would be uphill for the majority of the first 2 miles.  I guess I was thinking, flat-and-easy trail and not an out-of-breath hike...and I was totally out of breath. 

In the end, it was a great workout and enjoyable hike even if there is not much of a view.  You've got to be careful going downhill as there are a lot of slippery rock areas and you are really close to the edge.  It took us about 1hr and 20 minutes to complete the trail. 

We put in the Hawaii Nature Center in the GPS to find the park's parking lot.  It's a short walk to the Nature Center (past the green gate) where you will find bathrooms before the trail head.  I read that this trail is kid friendly, but it definitely depends on your kid.  I think for the most part, don't expect the little ones to be able to complete this on their own or at least make sure you allot ample time to complete the trail.