WAIAU
Length: - 12 miles round trip
Hike difficulty: - intermediate
Type of hike: - ungraded ridge
Locale: - Waiau - Leeward Ko'olau Range above Newtown Estates subdivision
Access: - State law requires developers to allow access to trails above newly constructed subdivisions.
Directions to trailhead: - (from Honolulu) At Punchbowl St. get on the H-1 freeway heading west. Near Middle St. keep left on Rte 78 west to 'Aiea. By Aloha Stadium bear right to rejoin H-1 to Pearl City. Leave the freeway at exit 10, marked Pearl City-Waimalu. At the end of the off ramp veer to the right onto Moanalua Rd. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Hoomalu.
At the intersection of Hoomalu and Komomai, make another right onto Komomai. At the next traffic light turn left onto Kaahumanu St. At the very top of Kaahumanu, park inside a cul-de-sac and continue on foot up a paved road which becomes a dirt road.Hike description: This tough, less used ungraded ridge trail now goes all the way to the Ko'olau summit. The final stretch to the Ko'olau summit was completed only three years ago. If you've done Manana countless times, give this hike a try. If you have more than one car, leave the second car in the parking area below the Waimano Ridge Trailhead then go up Waiau and down Waimano.
Patrick Rorie 09/01