View from the Muliwai Trail, from the Na Ala Hele website

WAIPIO VALLEY, Hawaii: The Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced the closure of the remote Muliwai Trail on the island of Hawaii in the interest of public safety, effective yesterday through Friday May 11, as well as Monday May 14 through Thursday, May 17.

The DLNR is conducting its annual trail and campground maintenance and repair. A trail closed sign will be posted at the Waipio valley lookout.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety of the trail,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson, in a media release issued on Tuesday. The DLNR says work will include tree removal, spraying herbicide to keep down vegetation along the trail.

The 9-mile Muliwai trail is accessed through Waipio Valley, zigzagging up the western wall of the valley, climbing approximately 1,200 feet to the plateau. It then leads across the plateau area to Waimanu, crossing 12 gulches that are up to 500 feet deep, then descends another 1,200 feet into Waimanu Valley.

It takes an estimated 7 hours to hike the 11 miles to and from Waimanu Valley.

The Na Ala Hele website has more on the trail:

Directions: Highway 240 leads off Highway 19 at Honoka`a to the eastern edge of Waipio Valley. A steep, four wheel drive road extends from the lookout down into the valley. Upon reaching the valley floor, take the road to the right, then follow the beach to Wailoa Stream. The road ends at the stream. Ford the stream and follow the horse trail on the dunes to the west side of Waipio Valley and the beginning of the trail.

Water is available from streams, but purify before drinking. Trail and Waimanu Valley are year-round game mammal hunting areas; wear bright colored clothing. Camping: Reservations for permits may be obtained for the nine campsites by contacting Hawaii District State Division of Forestry & Wildlife not earlier than one month in advance.

Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.