Donkey Trail Trailhead

Donkey Trail is a beautiful short hike on the Hilo side of Big Island Hawai'i. It is only 0.2 mi. (0.4 km) long, maybe a 20 min. hike if you go slowly and you will want to go slowly because there is so much to see in this short hike, all kinds of flora. On an autumn October day, the hike was quite humid and had a pleasant fruity smell. What kind exactly? I couldn't say.

Starting the hike

It is reached on the scenic route of Old Mamalahoe Hwy, north of and just past the parking lot entrance to the Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Gardens is the start of the trailhead. It is marked with a sign and an small dirt patch. This dirt patch can fit two cars comfortably. Google Maps has pretty decent directions up until the botanical gardens. The Hawaiian government also has a webpage with more information about the trail, also linked via the QR code in the trailhead sign below.

If you want a slightly longer hike, you can do the Onomea Bay Trail which also connects and contains the Donkey Trail Trailhead. It has a trailhead sign a little south of the botanical gardens. There are also brown patches of dirt to park on near this trailhead. There are more parking spots here but they are narrower.

When parking, make sure your car is completely off of the road, on the dirt patch, as to not inconvenience other drivers as this is a narrow windy road. You may also be fined if any part of your car is on the road while parked.

Preparation

There are mosquitos. So I advise putting on bug repellant or to wear long sleeves and pants. If you don't, you can be like me and get over ten bug bites from this hike alone.

This is an easy trail so you can attempt it with regular exercise shoes or even clogs on a dry day. On a rainy day, shoes with a bit more traction are recommended due to the incline on this trail.

Donkey Trail

The trail has roots sticking out all over so I recommend treading with caution. There are also some loose mossy rocks, which can be a trip hazard.

If you look carefully, you may see small dark crabs skitter on the rocks by the shore.

The trail ends with an outcropping of lava rocks into the ocean. You can sit on these rocks for a bit to take in the view.

When you are done taking in the view, you can then take a small detour. Near the end of the trail, is another trail which branches off to the right into a small cove. It is indicated by signs warning of flash floods. Within this cove is the connection to the rest of the Onomea Bay Trail. It was hard to see the path since it is covered up by the branches of a large tree. But it's easier to see if you start from the Onomea side. The waters here can sometimes contain infectious bacteria so enter the waters with caution if you have an open wound.

When you finish this hike, you can also head north to see a waterfall at Akaka Falls. It has a parking lot and paid entry.

Here are more reviews on AllTrails.