Waimano Trail

One of the longest and one of the easiest trails to reach the Koolau summit. This trail begins at the top of Waimano Home Road in Pearl City. Parking is available on the side of the road before the guard shack. The start of the trail is marked by state trail sign.

There are a couple of variations that you can do depending on how much time you want to spend. Right near the start you can take a left (marked) to do the lower Waimanu trail. This is a pleasant hike that takes you down to the stream and then back up to meet the Waimano trail. Can be done in 1-2 hours no problem. M-Cache is in this area. The more dificult is the complete ridge trail. It is about 14 miles round trip so you need a at least half a day or more. Just follow the route to the summit.

The first waypoint on the map is the first fork.(Atop the first hill) Go left to continue on the Waimano trail. IF you go up you follow the side of the fence and eventually break out onto a dirt and gravel road. The "The rest of the story" cache requires you to take this path. For an advanced hike you can follow this trail to the Waipepe connetor trail the intersects the Waiau trail. Very difficult though. You can go up to the boyscout camp and back though fairly easily. Wide trail up to that point and some great views. Past that it is alot of ups and downs and overgraown.

The Waiau trail coems back down to the top of Kaahumanu street in Pearl City. Continuing up the Waimanu trail you will most coutour the side of the ridge at a very low grade. Not any real hills to worry about. A pleasant stroll. There is is a switchback where you will have to go up to reach the ridge again but it is not very steep. The rest of the way has great views.

The summit overlooks the Windward side of the Island and and is spectatular. Nice spot to eat lunch and relax. (marked as final waypoint.)

This trail is pretty straightforward enough that you dont need to use the track log. If you do the ridge trail bring plenty of water and a snack or light lunch. Like I said not physically demanding but very long. Iv'e seen 55 year old lady's go all the way to the summit.