Waimano Trails

Our recent family-friendly hiking adventure took us to the Waimano Trails in Pearl City.

The trail is a loop consisting of two trails - an Upper Trail and Lower Trail.  If you're wondering which trail to start with, I highly suggest the Lower Trail, especially if it has been raining in recent days.  The Upper Trail has some very steep hills that I could guarantee that at least one member in our group would have easily slipped down.  Walking up the hill seemed like it was a much safer bet than trying to navigate down hill.

The trail is clearly marked, and there are a few obstacles (fallen trees, tall weeds, etc.), but overall the trail is fairly easy.  You do come across a stream that may require you to get a little wet in order to continue on the trail, but we were able to cross the stream by walking over large rocks, so we were lucky and did not get very wet.

On the upper trail we came across three caves.  We were able to walk through two of them - the third I could not see an opening, so we just took a peek and continued walking.

The upper trail is a little more dangerous than the lower trail, as it is right along a cliff side.

The kids really enjoyed the hike and how it was a little bit of a challenge.  We saw all sorts of pretty flowers and cool trees.

It was quite muddy during our hike, and there were lots of mosquitoes, so be sure to bring insect repellent!

Our party of 8 included 5 kids ranging in ages from 7-11, and it took us 2 hours to complete the loop, including a rest stop.

Ample parking available on the side of Waimano Home Road.

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Kolekole Pass Road Walking-Hiking Path

Being a paranoid mom of a very energetic and unpredictable six year old boy, I've always left him at home when his sister and I would go hiking.  I'm terrified that he might just start running and fall off a cliff so when I decided to take both kids on a hike, they both received long winded safety lectures.

Kolekole, sometimes known as Kolekole Pass Road is the Schofield Barracks walking-hiking path that is less than a mile in and out overlooking Waianae.  It is a well maintained and clearly marked trail.  If you are not a DOD ID card holder, you can enter through Lyman gate and gain base access when you provide your ID, car registration, safety check, and car insurance.  You'll also need to check the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Facebook page for when the trail is open.

The trailhead is located at the end of Trimble Road.  You'll know when you get there as there will be a no access gate and a small parking area on your left.  We arrived at the trail around 9:30am and since it was overcast, it was nice and cool.  There were already plenty of parked cars and other families on the trail.

This was a great beginner trail for my son since it wasn't very long, but included steep stairs and tricky roots that he thought was exciting.  Both kids had the most fun just climbing a tree.  I enjoyed the view at the top, but still had to keep a close eye on both kids as I didn't want them getting too close to the edge.    



Off they go!



The Boy Scouts installed stairs and rope! 



The rope was very helpful.

A little more to the top.



First look out.



Beautiful greenery.



Bench at the top to enjoy the view.



Beware of drop offs.

They spent the longest time here.

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Makapu`u Point Lighthouse Trail

After reading about Nadia's experience on the Makapu`u Point Lighthouse Trail, I knew it was someplace I wanted to take my own kids.

After stopping at Wawamalu Beach Park for a restroom break (just in case, since there are no restrooms at the trail), we saw a long line of cars already parked along the side of Kalaniana`ole Highway - and it was only 7am!

My husband decided to drop us off closer to the trail start, and as soon as my kids and I got out of the car, he lucked out and saw someone pulling out of a stall.

Just as Nadia mentioned in her post, the Makapu`u Point Lighthouse Trail is a great hike for families.

As we made our ascent, we spotted numerous whales out in the distance, and the views were just gorgeous.

At the summit, we took some photos of Rabbit Island (aka Manana Island), and then my husband and two older kids decided to go on an unpaved trail up the mountain to the pillboxes (my 4-year old did not want to go, and fortunately he didn't, since my husband said he would have had a difficult time if he did decide to go).

Hiking up to the pillboxes Can you see my kids in their green shirts?

The hike (including the hike up to the pillboxes) took us about a total of two hours, including numerous stops to take photos and watch the whales.

Overall the trail was nice and easy - definitely great for kids.  And we saw lots of them, including babies in strollers and carriers, as well as well as some pets.

Makapu`u Point Lighthouse Trail
Waimanalo, HI 96795

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