Wahiawa Hills is a fine hike - with reservations. It is centrally located, with a trailhead that is easy to find. It passes through a varied forest of both native and introduced trees, including ohia, paperbark, eucalyptus, and koa. It provides access to the inner reaches of Kaukonahua Stream, the state’s longest at 33 miles. It visits one of the largest swimming holes on Oahu. The reservations are: It is one of the most difficult routes to follow. There are many different trails in the area which criss-cross the main one, causing confusion at many intersections. Several years ago, a hiker apparently lost his way on the trail and was never seen again. A week-long search discovered his water bottle, but no other trace of him was ever found. For this reason, it is essential that this hike be undertaken only with someone well acquainted with the route. The Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club and the Sierra Club both due the hike on an annual basis. Accompanying one of them is the best and safest way to enjoy it.
| [SPECIAL NOTE: The HTMC is doing this hike on Sunday, November 12. Join them at the Iolani Palace parking area at 8 AM] |
The trail has been rerouted several times, due to earth slides, tree-fall, and rain and water damage.
Depending upon the route taken, the trip is between 5 and 6 miles long. Although there is no prominent feature to climb, several steep ascents and descents into deep gulches add up to an equivalent elevation gain and loss of about 1,200 feet. Because the route traverses a part of the Schofield Barracks East Range, permission is required from the Army to enter the area. This is another reason to hike with one of the groups mentioned above, since they will take care of obtaining the permits. Due to the very real danger of getting lost on this hike, I have not included a detailed route description - I don’t think I could if I wanted to, the trails are too confusing. Rather, I have given a general photo impression of the various phases of the trip.
To reach the trailhead from town, take the H2 Freeway north to Wahiawa, turn right on California Avenue, and drive to its end near two water tanks. The trail begins at the end of the pavement in a paperbark grove on the other side of the fence.
Orientation at the trailhead
Fallen trees are a feature of the first part of the trail
First of several small stream crossings
First Crossing of Kaukonahua Stream
A view of Mt Kaala in the Waianae Mountains, Oahu’s highest peak
Hiking through a paperbark grove
View toward the Koolau Mountains
Enjoying the big pool
Lunch by the stream
Steep ascent up from the pool
Native forest of ohia trees and uluhe ferns
Small hidden waterfall
A last steep scramble completes the loop.
NEXT MONTH: MALAEKAHANA FALLS AND POOL
