Details:
Length (one way): 7.2 mi / 11.59 km - Elevation Change: 1,600 ft / 487.68 m
General Summary:
Waimano Trail splits into it's lower and upper couterparts early on but eventually connects back together before moving further up into Waimano valley.
For additional information refer to the "Route description" below.
Hunting may be in progress on or near this hiking trail. Hunting dogs may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt. Hikers must keep their dogs leashed at all times and remove dog waist while on this trail.
1. Stay on the trail.
2. Check the weather
3. Watch the time
4. Avoid undue risk
5. Read all posted signs
6. Respect other trail users
7. Pack out at least what you pack in.
First try to click on the “Get Directions” icon at the top of this page. If you are taking TheBus, click on the "Transit" icon at the top of the search bar. You may need to change the starting address to your current location. Clicking on TheBus link provided below will also take you to TheBus website.
If driving from H-1, exit at the Pearl City/Waimalu exit. Turn right on Moanalua Road at the end of the ramp. As Moanalua Road ends, turn right on Waimano Home Road. Continue on Waimano Home road until you reach a guard shack with a parking area on the left. Park here - the trails begin at the end of the chain link fence.
Always yield to hikers. Do not slide around corners or slide down the trail. Careless mountain biking damages the trail and causes erosion. If accidents are reported or damage to the trail is extreme, the trail may be closed to mountain bikers.
Campers must find legal parking in the adjacent neighborhood. Please park responsibly and do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
!!!PLEASE READ!!! When accessing this trail please be respectful to the trail head community by keeping noise down, not littering and parking responsibly.
Beyond the first two miles, this trail is only periodically maintained. It may not be suitable for novice hikers. Hunting with permit, only in season. Camping by permit only.
Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.
Downloadable resources are provided below
Varied. Wet gulches to native forest
Waimano Trail begins at a chain link fence next to the parking area. You will quickly come to a fork where lower Waimano Trail splits from upper Waimano Trail. They form a loop. Lower Waimano Trail continues on an old jeep road to the floor of the valley and then follows the stream for a distance up the valley. The trail will then climb back uphill to join the upper Waimano Trail. The upper trail goes continues from the split along the road for 0.5 mile. It then turns left and follows a ditch and tunnels to an intake in the east branch of Waimano Valley. It then climbs over a ridge and continues along a stream to an old abandoned dam. The trail then goes slightly to the right, makes several switchbacks and then continues gradually up to the Ko‘olau summit. This trail offers a wide variety of native and non-native vegetation and spectacular views of Waimano Valley. From the summit, the ends at a view of the windward side of O‘ahu. This trail traverses a public hunting area - hikers should exercise caution. Wear bright colored clothing and be aware that you may encounter hunters who may be hunting off trail - stay on the trail.
