Waiau Ridge Trail
(Waimalu)

Trailhead

Description: Topographically, this is a confusing jumble of gulches and finger ridges that merge together to form Waiau Ridge, a major ridge between two others: Waimano Ridge to the northwest and Aiea Ridge to the southeast. En route to the main ridge is a network of jeep roads and well-graded foot-trails which remains atop or slightly below the top of the ridgeline. The majority of the footing on this trail is wide, relatively level with few roots and the occasional fallen tree to step over. This trail is especially special for its lengthy collection of large, healthy specimens of native plants, such as hapuu ferns, naupaka kuahiwi, koa, ohia ha/lehua, alahee, kopiko, pukiawe, hoawa, ukiuki, maile, and various lobelias. What to Expect: This trail has several up/down sections, especially as it nears the ridge's midpoint. Overall, the climbing (during the first 2/3rds) may be a tad steep at times but rarely requires four-point climbing. However, this changes as the final summit comes into view for the ridge becomes considerably more ungraded and steep. Don't worry - this section is significantly farther in than hikers normally go. The valley on your right (on the way to the summit) is Waimalu Valley, home of the Waimalu Ditch Trail (McCandless Ditch). Above it is Onikiniki Ridge and behind that is Kalauao Valley and Aiea Ridge. There are several potentially confusing junctions especially on the lower portion of the ridge. Pay special attention to them because these junctions are a lot easier to miss on the way out than on the way in. The first junction is almost immediate if approaching from Hapaki St. It is formed by a level path the leads to the left and a steep, uphill path that climbs the eroded section directly ahead. Both eventually get to the same spot, though the graded path on the left switchbacks and makes the climb easier. Also, an intersection along on the left path leads downhill to junction with the Kaahumanu St fork. During the uphill walk on a leave-strewn path within the dense eucalyptus forest, a seemingly three-way fork appears. Again, all options eventually reach the same spot. However, continue on the left side which is easier to follow. As you climb temporarily out of the forest toward open blue skies, you'll reach a dusty, red-dirt jeep trail with obvious uphill and downhill options. Head uphill if you want to continue up Waiau Ridge. Remember this junction well for proceeding downhill will end up behind the Royal Summit residential subdivision (top of Kaahele St). Further uphill is yet another three-way junction in the green, canopied forest. Again, this is an important intersection to remember because it is easy to mistake on the way back. As you climb in, the fork ahead and slightly to the left is the leg back to Kaahumanu St. Hapaki St. hikers can form a loop trail by using this leg eventually dropping down into the gulch then hiking back up to the switchback fork just before reaching Hapaki St. Those interested in continuing further along Waiau Ridge should turn right and continue uphill. The ridge becomes a bit more ungraded and continues its gentle rollercoaster-like character. However, the footpath remains pretty homogonous: relatively wide and level-footed. Seen from a hump, beyond one with a large hole and stick in it, is the big "dip" - a point in the trail which the ridge makes a significant drop and takes a 90-degree swing to the left before continuing to the summit. There are good views of the final stretch to the summit from here. The trail terminus - a 2,329-foot peak overlooking Waihee Valley on windward Oahu - is very close to the Waimano Ridge Trail's terminus, approximately 15 minutes away. The crossover is very confusing, dangerous, and should only be done by experienced, knowledgeable hikers. Trailhead Location: There are three commonly-used access points to enter Waiau Ridge, Hapaki St. perhaps the most popular of these trailheads. Hapaki St. trailhead: Directly at the end of Hapaki St is an empty dirt lot nestled between two houses. Head straight into the brush and climb uphill until you reach a contour trail. Other trailheads: Other legs that reach the Waiau Ridge start above the Crowne at Wailuna (top of Kaahumanu St) and Royal Summit (top of Kaahele St) residential subdivisions. Accessing the Trail: The ridge is completely private at all three trailheads and has private landowners all the way to the summit (overlooking windward Oahu / Waihee Valley). There is no formal access allowed or established permission process. All three trailhead streets - Kaahumanu, Hapaki, and Kaahele Streets - are accessible via Komo Mai Drive. On H-1 Freeway (Ewa/west-bound), take the Pearl City exit (Exit #10) and stay to the far right side as you merge onto Moanalua Rd. Make an immediate right- turn at the first traffic light onto Hoomalu St. and then another right-turn onto Komo Mai Drive. On Komo Mai Dr, the first major intersection will be Kaahumanu St. Hapaki St is in the area of a large Calvary Church. Kaahele St is at the east end of Komo Mai Dr. Property/Access: The Kaahumanu St trailhead is owned by the Tobu Department Store (which owns a large chunk of land including the lower quarter of Waiau Ridge). The Hapaki St trailhead is owned by the Newtown Estates Community Association. The Kaahele St trailhead is privately-owned by a nearby homeowner beyond which is owned by Tobu. Dangers/Other Considerations: The length and sun exposure on this trail may require extra drinking water. As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement.	Climbing out of First Saddle (just beyond Hapaki trailhead)
	Kaahele Junction (downhill: Royal Summit)
	Kaahumanu Junction (downhill: Crowne at Wailuna)
	Typical Trail (near midpoint of trail)
	Waiau Ridge (downhill view from midpoint)
	Typical Trail (about 2/3rds into trail)
	Big Dip and Left-Turn (trail veers left before summit)
	Trail Terminus / Unnamed Peak (highest point, elev. 2,329-ft)