The Muliwai Trail can be seen zig-zagging up the Western wall of Waipio Valley where it leads to Waimanu Valley. Hawaii 24/7 File Photo

HILO – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has closed the remote Muliwai Trail on the island of Hawai‘i for public safety, effective immediately through Friday May 11 and Monday May 14 through Thursday, May 17, while it conducts annual trail and campground maintenance and repair. A trail closed sign will be posted at the Waipio valley lookout.

Camping permits will not be issued for Waimanu Valley campground until the trail is reopened for the weekend on Friday, May 18.

“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. Work will include tree removal, spraying herbicide to keep down vegetation along the trail.

The trail head of the 9-mile Muliwai trail is accessed through Waipi‘o Valley, located at the end of Highway 240 near Honoka‘a. The trail zigzags up the western wall of Waipi‘o Valley on the Big Island, 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.

For information on Muliwai Trail, visit the Na Ala Hele web site at: http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov