Waimalu Ditch Trail
(McCandless Ditch)

Trailhead

Description: This majority of this graded trail contours above Waimalu Stream en route to the upper intake of old McCandless Ditch. Access issues have forced the creation of a route high atop Onikiniki Ridge which eventually descends into Waimalu Valley to link up with the ditch trail. Most of the valley trail is under thick canopy and passes through stands of bamboo and hala trees. What to Expect: From Onikiniki Place, the trail descends steeply for a few minutes before leveling out considerably. Herein, for about 20-30 minutes, the trail maintains a contour high above the valley while under a sparse forest canopy. When it appears on the left-hand (downslope) side of the trail, turn left onto the obvious, rocky footpath that heads down into the valley. During the descent, you enter the thicker forest of Onikiniki Valley. At the bottom, the trail crosses an intermittent stream to the opposite ridge, then reverse directions (now headed makai/toward civilization). This does not last long for the trail wraps around the ridge's foot, and returns to a mauka/inbound track straight into the valley. This part of the trail is the "straight" section of the ditch trail which heads directly into Waimalu Valley. On the map, the trail starts out, contours, and descends along the west side of Onikiniki Ridge's east fork. At the bottom of the gulch (formed between the west and east forks of Onikiniki Ridge), the trail crosses to the inside of the west fork, proceeds around it to its west side, and continues upstream into Waimalu Valley. Onikiniki Ridge, specifically Onikiniki-West, forms the south wall of Waimalu Valley. Waiau Ridge forms the north wall. Much of the lower Waimalu Valley was used as McCandless Cattle Company's grazing property long ago. Today, the land, now devoid of all cattle operations, has passed into the hands of the company founder's great-grandchildren. Trailhead Location: The trailhead is to the left of a rock wall in front of the gated Nahalekeha residential community. This is at the end of Onikiniki Place. Accessing the Trail: This trail crosses private land. Presently, there is no formal access allowed or any established permission process. To reach Onikiniki Place Ewa/west-bound on either Moanalua or H-1 Freeway, take the Aiea exit and head past Pearlridge Shopping Center. Turn right onto Kaonohi St and head uphill about three miles. Turn right when you reach Onikiniki Place at the top of the mountain. Property/Access: Onikiniki Ridge and Waimalu Valley are a mixture of private and state land. Private interests include those held by the great-grandchildren of Lincoln McCandless - the founder of McCandless Cattle Company (which, amongst many development activities, constructed the ditch system in Waimalu Valley). They once used this valley for cattle grazing. Dangers/Other Considerations: The canopied nature of the Waimalu valley forest can make this hike very dark, even during bright, daylight hours. Do not start or remain on this trail late in the day. Also, be careful to avoid misleading side-trails which veer off the trail. As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement.	Waimalu Valley (viewed from Onikiniki Ridge)
	Trailhead (end of Onikiniki Place)
	Level Section (above Onikiniki Valley)
	Junction (descent into Onikiniki Valley)
	Crossing the Intermittent Stream (bottom of Onikiniki Valley)
	Ditch Trail - Lower (within Waimalu Valley)
	Ditch Trail - Middle (within Waimalu Valley)
	Ditch Trail - Middle (within Waimalu Valley)