Waimano Ridge Trail

Trailhead

Description: The upper branch of Waimano Ridge Trail is the longest public hiking trail on Oahu. This 6.8-mile-long (one-way), totally graded trail contours the west-side of thePearl City ridge above Waimano Stream. As you progress deeper into the valley, the stream elevation rises to meet the trail. From then on, the trail takes you through some great wilderness country. What to Expect: Due to the length of this trail, if you intend to summit, start early. Depending on your strength and experience, most hikers should start around 8:00 a.m. This should give you ample time to reach the terminus. Hiking at a deliberate pace and non-stop should take approximately 3.0 hours. With the trail in good shape (which it's not) and running continuously (which is not recommended), one can complete this trail in under 2.0 hours. Overall, the first half of the trail has no drastic changes in elevation except for an occasional rooty, rock face (two in all) which will require a careful climb-over (or bypass by using the ditch tunnel). Most of this section of the trail hovers around the 600-ft elevation between the start of the graded trail (elev. 560-ft) and the stream crossing (elev. 623-ft). There is a picnic table and shelter with a nice view of the valley exactly 2.7 miles (or between 1 to 1.5 hours) into the trail. Most hikers stop here for lunch then turn back. From this point on, the trail vegetation thickens and begins to crowd you as you descend toward the stream crossing. The real 1,500-foot climb to the trail's terminus begins after the crossing at the Waimano Stream fork. Leaving the first ridge behind, the trail resumes after the stream crossing, then parallels the stream's west tributary. After rambling through the valley floor for a few hundred yards, a series of four switchbacks returns you to your original elevation (before descending to the stream crossing) and continues climbing along the west side of the ridge. The trail terminus (elev. 2,160-ft) is a notch-like saddle area between two peaks along the Koolau crestline. The spectacular view includes the bowl-like Waihee Valley directly below as well as Kaneohe Bay, Chinaman's Hat (Mokolii Island), part of Kualoa, Kahaluu Pond, Puu Maelieli and Heeia Pond, Ahuimanu, Coconut Island, and the Kaneohe Marine Corps air base. There are three "crossovers" that can serve as landmarks along this long trail. Here are the highlights: #1 - At 0.6-mile in, you reach a tiny gulch which you cross to reach the other side of the spur. You'll note the very short but steep climb. As you wrap around to the spur, a rare and wonderful view of Pacific Palisades, Mililani, and the Waianae Mountains in the distance is off on your left side. #2 - At about 2.6-miles you cross over a slightly larger, moist gulch with heavy vegetation and thick canopy overhead. You ascend the spur on the other side and reach the picnic table shortly thereafter. #3 - Waimano Stream is your third crossover as you leave one ridge, cross the stream, and continue up the next ridge. The dam at the crossing is 3.2 miles in. #4 - This is the "true" crossover in terms of switching from one side of the ridge to the other. Approximately 6.1-miles in the trail switches from the north (Waimano Valley) side to the south (Waiau Valley) side of Waimano Ridge and continues this way to the summit. Distances: The following are measured distances via USGS map with 5% added for margin of mapping error. Trailhead to: ...fenceline turnoff: 0.4-mi ...crossover #1: 0.6-mi ...crossover #2: 2.6-mi ...picnic table/shelter: 2.7-mi ...stream crossing (crossover #3): 3.3-mi ...second switchbacks: 3.7-mi ...obscure junction to former cabin: 5.4-mile ...final crossover: 6.1-mile ...terminus: 6.8-mile Trailhead Location: The trail starts to the left side of the cyclone fence along the Waimano Training School and Hospital in Pearl City. The trailhead (elev. 400-feet), which contains a DLNR hunter/hiker check-in station, is at the top of Waimano Home Road (beyond Pearl City High School and near the Pearl City Cultural Center). Keep to the "upper" portion of the initial path - don't head down into the valley (that's a different trail). Accessing the Trail: This is a public trail operated by Na Ala Hele - thus there should be no access problems. Park across from the Pearl City Cultural Center on the dirt strip along Waimano Home Road, on the outside of the school/hospital security checkpoint. Property/Access: Open/public-access. Public access and trail maintenance overseen by Na Ala Hele. Dangers/Other Considerations: As with all hiking, exercise caution and prudent judgement. Heavy rains can make the trail very slick and cause surges in the stream. Do not attempt the stream crossing if flash-flooding is possible due to heavy rains. Also, this trail is an example of the need to establish your turnaround time. The graded "ease" of the trail makes the miles pass - and you may not realize how far you've hiked in.	First Set of Switchbacks (2.6-miles in)
	Picnic Table & Shelter (2.7-miles in)
	Waimano Stream Crossing (3.3-miles in)
	Second Set of Switchbacks (3.7-miles in)
	Final Stretch (6.3-miles in)
	Waimano Ridge & Pearl Harbor (SW view near summit)
	Trail Terminus and View (6.8-miles in)
	Waihee Valley & Kaneohe Bay (E view from trail terminus)