Reviewed by: Vern , from Berkeley

Summary:
It's a challenge from the get-go, with technical, lava rock climbing. But it's doable for intermediate level (even 50+ year old riders) with some hike-a-bike sections. There's lots of mud puddles and jeep swallowing ruts on the long grade down to Princville, which is a ton o fun! But don't try this trail in or after a good rain. It's a long carry out.

Recommended Route:
Park next to the river crossing and start from the Keahua Arboretum. Climbing up the ridge and following the powerpoles you come to the island divide and look down on the spectacular Hanilea Valley and a fantastic near hour-long downhill to the Princville Airport.

Reviewed by: Slide , from Marina, CA

Summary:
Well, Louie must be quite a rider to describe the Princeville side as suitable for beginners - I guess that's true for beginners who like to push uphill a lot! I would describe myself as an intermediate to advanced rider, and I thought this was plenty challenging. The mud is thick and slick (it's the garden isle because it rains a lot, in case you didn't know), and a lot of the climbs were push-a-bike because the mud caused interminable chainsuck, rendering granny unusable. Be careful on the downhill sections - it's slippery and several times I was just along for the ride. It was a bitch of a climb, but the descent and views from the top were well worth it, not to mention the fun of getting covered from head to toe in Red Mud!

Recommended Route:
I rode it one way - from Princeville southbound, as described above. My family dropped me off at the Princeville Shopping Center and picked me up at Opakaa Falls overlook - total ride about 20 miles, I guess, in a bit under 3 hours.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Kuamo'o-Nounou Trail.

Reviewed by: Louie , from Half Moon Bay, CA

Summary:
Started from my lodging in Kapa'a and rode 8 miles of pavement to the trailhead. Great points of interest on the way up on Kuamo'o Road. Entered the trailhead and started the climb up a cobblestone fire road, wet and technical,lots of hike a bike areas. Take time to enjoy the area and views. You will pass Wai'ale'ale, the wettest spot on earth (450+ inches rain per year). great ride, recommend to anyone who wants to see the inner Kaua'i. Ride was 20.5 miles to Princeville and I elected to ride Hwy 56 back to Kapa'a for a total of 42 miles, total ride time of 4:20. Take plenty of water and some food. Leave a message with someone where you are going as I did not see a soul on the Powerline trail. Beginner riders should start from the Princeville side, not as steep, however as this is an unmaintained trail with deep rutting their is still some hike a bike areas. Recommend the book,"Mtn Biking the Hawaiian Islands" by John Alford. It has maps, trail descriptions of all the Islands.

Recommended Route:
For beginners start on the Princeville side of the island, litte easier climb, turn back at the 8 mile location, or continue on to Wailua but this is steep terrain and lots of cobblestones on the downhill areas. For more advanced riders start on the Wailua side and go for the climb, steep in areas and very technical.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
n/a