Kimberly B.

Very cool and interesting hike with tunnels! Definitely an experience for me. Parking is alongside the road near Pearl City High school. Do not go past the gate with the security guard. I 100% recommend starting with the upper trail first because the incline coming from the lower trail to upper trail will be a lot more tiring and steeper. Unless you prefer a great leg workout but for families I recommend upper first. It had rained a day before but was clear and sunny skies today. Lower trail is very muddy, nearly slipped a few times. My shoes were covered in wet mud and water but that's the fun part. Some of the trees branches were broken off and blocked the path so you'll have to duck under them and climb over several large tree trunks. There is a nice river along the bank of the lower trail, you can wash off if you're super muddy or just enjoy seeing the river. The upper trail has cool tunnels you can traverse through or you can just stay along the dirt ground path. Both ways leads to the same trail. There is a bench for photos looking out at the view.

Brian M.

First a note to my future self: don't do it. I am mixed on what to rate this as I enjoyed the lower trail but the upper trail is horrible. It was not marked well, has trees cut blocking the trail, and again for emphasis there are no real signs of where to go. First sign of issue is none of the Yelp reviews I read mentioned distance of upper half or how dangerous it can be. The only thing I read was a few tunnels. Second warning was the GPS had me going through the state owned property for a mile (of course I noticed when there was a gate with a guard) instead of parking in front of the school. We started out ok on the lower trail and it started to rain as anyone who lived here for longer than a month knows it always rains here. We got to the intersection of lower and upper half and no real sign of which way goes where or to turn around if you only wanted to do lower half for 2 mile round trip. We went left and our adventure got crazy. Then we were about 3 and a half hours into a nice hike turned nightmare when we looked at our phones with no cell service and unable to get satellite on GPS when it did come on briefly. We noticed the trail we were on was 3.3 miles north of our parked car. So we decided to turn around and of course it was raining and there are very dangerous curves/cliffs/muddy areas. Even though we backtracked our steps we somehow ended up at a covered area put up by the Boy Scouts. We followed the very obvious trail to see that it was blocked off by cut trees. We had to go around it for about thirty feet to get back on the path. With all of this craziness I sprained my knee. I would not recommend the upper half for any older or young kids. If you do dare read a map first to see how far it goes because I still have no idea. Also of note beware those who are taller as the tunnels on the upper half you'll have to duck walk parts of them.

Sammy L.

This is a wonderful hike, just bring shoes that you won't mind getting dirty. We did this hike back in December so it was a bit wet but didn't stop us from enjoying it. Slippery at times but the caves are really exciting for kids. It's a much quieter hike than the other more popular ones we have visited. The parking is just on the street, unless there is a spot I don't know about. There might be multiple entries. If you are thinking about something to do and wanna just do a chill hike with some small caves check it out. Look for the caves, might miss them. A lot of different bugs in there so just be aware lol makes it more exciting! Enjoy and be mindful of trash and where you are parking.

Steve Z.

One of leeward Oahu's best hikes for those who like viewing the diversity of rain forest flora. Rivals Mt Ka'ala except that this hike is much less strenuous. This makes it quite enjoyable and very easy to navigate especially for novice hikers or ohana with keiki. Trailhead starts at the very end of Waimano Home Road (past the elementary school and Our Lady of Good Counsel Church). Just keep going through the residential neighborhood and you'll see the Pearl City Cultural Center on your right. Across the road on the left is plenty of parking. Please be quiet when exiting and re entering your vehicle as this is a residential area. So many wonderful hikes are closed now because of selfish-inconsiderate people who created noise disturbances in neighborhoods near the trailheads. Trail starts next to the twin guard shacks. You'll see the signs giving you the option to take the upper or lower trail. We wanted to do the upper and experience traversing the irrigation tunnels with headlamps but the weekend we hiked it, we found the entire upper trail closed due to maintenance. When something forces your hand, go with it! We did the lower trail and returned the same way. We were not disappointed. The trail is easy and fun. Yes there are choke rocks and roots throughout the lower trail but these actually make it easy to find good footing. We hiked it a week after torrential downpours and found the way 90% dry with just a few areas muddy but easily gone around. I read during my research that this trail was part of an ancient trail used by Hawaiians before the unification. It was begun as part of park's system in the late 1940s when some of the residential buildings were added and new real estate projects were underway. We saw evidence of this by coming across 80 year old thick walled glazed concrete drainage pipes used to prevent trailhead erosion. Sometimes it's cool (only if you're a nerd like me) to pinpoint a place in time by analyzing the construction methods. Eventually the trail dips down to run past Waimano stream. This was a joy to hike with the sound of trickling water off to your left. The stream we found was beautiful in reflecting the blue of the overhead sky and was full of tiny fry and other small fish. Again I must echo the words of previous Yelpers who also reviewed this trail and repeat to please pack out your opala and garbage. Trash here only hurts the environment which in turn hurts all of us. The trail continues through some pretty gigantic trees that are amazing to see and marvel at. The entire hike is such a joy as everywhere is lush foliage, flowering plants and in the fall and summer (as I read) full of guava, strawberry guava, and lilikoi. We saw lots of Blue Vervain and I couldn't help picking and eating some of the very dark blue/purple flowers. The darker the color the sweeter the taste! I have some that grow near where I live and I like to use the leaves, roots, and stems to make a calming tea. Towards the end where the lower trail rises again in altitude, it again joins the upper trail. Further on there are picnic tables where you can view the entire ridge line. Our return trip was uneventful and no hurdles except we were bit tired, hungry, and got "hikers fatigue" trying to guess how far the car was. We met many people and nice families along the way but it was never crowded and most of the hike we were just by ourselves. Truly a very enjoyable excursion very conveniently located in Pearl City. Perfect for getting out and stretching both limb and mind during these stressful times. Perfect mental health break and decent lower body workout too. Mahalo Pearl City and mahalo to you all for reading my review.

Joyce L.

Do you need something to do during this covid-19? Well, look no further. Waimano loop trail is a perfect choice. It's free, you can bring your family, and you can be with nature for at least 1 hour. We all can use fresh air these days being cooped up at home. I'm not sure why this is called loop trail because it's one way in and one way out. The total time for one way is about 3 hours and some minutes as I research. If you want to do this trail completely you're going to need food, lots of water, mosquito repellent, and all day I imagine. Me and my husband on the other hand walked in for about 1 hour and turned back. You can see the running stream about 30 minutes into the hike. You'll see some guppies and other small fish in there. I've been here before when it was dry and trust me this stream does dry up almost to no water. I recommend not coming here after lots of rain because it can get muddy as well. Another caution is that tree branches are low in certain area so be aware. I saw many little people on the hike so it's kid friendly. It was only 4 stars because there's no public bathroom available.

Olivia B.

This was so fun! There is plenty of parking on the side of the road and the entrance is to the left of the security gate. Be sure to check the weather before coming because the path can get pretty muddy. I would also recommend sunscreen and bug spray. The hike is beautiful and well maintained with clear paths. Hike does have ropes at points but it isn't too difficult. You can do the Upper or Lower Falls trail, they do eventually connect and you can do it as a loop. We decided to only do the Lower Falls and it was really cool to see the caves that are along the trail. I want to try the Upper Falls trail next!

Lina A.

We aren't a hiking outdoorsy family. I got a 3, 6, 8, & 10 year old. My 6 yr been begging to go hiking (thanks YouTube) so after some quick googling I found this close by. First day we didn't see the tunnels or stream because of our lack of exploration & not really knowing where to go. We still had fun. I watched this video https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c28PE1pk7pA ( waimano loop trail and tunnels by PhotoLukeHawaii) & got a better sense of the trail. Per my 6yr request we returned the next day, made friends & did the whole upper & lower trail. My tips: Start with the lower trail if with kids so you can see the stream & tunnels when you connect with upper trail. Wear big spray! choke! Carry it with you too. It's VERY muddy on lower trail. Not sure if that's the norm but plan in case. Signs seem to be minimal but they got markers on trees sporadically. Just keep eyes open. WATCH https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c28PE1pk7pA ( waimano loop trail and tunnels by PhotoLukeHawaii .. not affiliated in anyway) Will we return? YES! My 6yr wants to go tomorrow. Thankful they have school so mama bear can prep for the next trip.

Mel B.

#115 of 2017 At the end of Waimano Home Rd is the trail head. Park outside the gate. Trail head starts on the left of the gated compound. It has been raining off and on. It poured last night. However, felt it was still safe to go. Based on what I read, it is a well cleared, maintained trail. There are a few touchy areas but can be overcomed easily without much concern. Lots of mushrooms to see. Many strawberry guavas. Several mango trees too. Saw several trails, almost hidden, hunters used. There is a bench at the top of the ridge affording a nice view of the Waianae range. High above you see the forest canopy below making you feel displaced into another world. Went into 3 tunnels that were amazing to go thhrough all though man made. Easy hike to do for 2.5 hours. Might be able to cut it down to 1.45 hours without so many stops. When the water is flowing need to be careful when crossing. If it is raining hard best to turn back and get out. Will try to come back when the water level recedes a bit to explore the bottom.

Joe C.

Waimano loop trail is a fun and interesting trail. Part of the trail runs on the ridge halfway so you can either head to the upper ridge trail or the lower Waimano Valley trail. Conditions can be wet and slippery throughout. I prefer starting with the lower portion which starts a downhill descent into a rainforest area and runs along the waimano stream, far down the stream is the waimano Falls which is accessed from the manana ridge trail on the opposite side of the valley. I've seen the waimano stream completely dry to raging rapids which covers part of the trail where you have to climb on the rocks as pictured. The trail is pretty easy except the short perpendicular run that connects the upper and lower trails, nothing too serious it's just a steep heavily rooted hill that can be muddy. I find it easier to go up than go down because visually you can see where to step better. Once you reach the upper trail you'll enjoy the expansive view and will head back in the direct where you started. There are three irrigation tunnels along the path that are spooky and fun to explore so bring a flashlight. Some of the cliffs areas can be slippery mud and and it's straight down. So take your time. Just before the end of the trail they'll be a bench on a cliff with a tree which has great views and is a perfect selfie spot! After that they'll be a small hill, you can head down the short steep slope or right before it to the left is a gradual trail. The easiest way to get here is just head towards to GPS the pearl city cultural center, parking is right across the street, trail head is to the left of the security gate down the street.

Cris P.

This trail can be very muddy when it rains. When we went up to this trail it rained 2 days prior so I would not recommend going when it recently rained. You can park on the strets across Pearl City High School. Just keep going straight and follow the signs. There are pink ribbons tied around the trees so just follow them too. Continue to follow the path. I recommend bringing water and please do not litter!! Hate people who disrespect our environment. You are a visitor and must respect any lives that live here. Found tangerine peel at the parking area. Shame on you!! Good hike and fairly manageable for the keiki. Have fun and enjoy nature!

Tim L.

As many have stated, Waimano loop trail is NOT Waimano Falls. Why so many posts for the falls are here makes me wonder about people... I'm reviewing the tunnels trail -- haven't done the loop up to the ridgeline. I've done the tunnels 4 times now. Fun and easy hiking! There's eight tunnels; went through 6 of them last weekend. Two were just too wet to get into the tunnel without getting our hiking shoes completely soaked. We did the upper loop trail until the bench, then headed down to the ditch trail. Hit four of the six short tunnels on this section. Fun. Our friends, virgins to the tunnels, really enjoyed this. Then we crossed the little stream and headed into the two longggg tunnels (at least 200 yards each, I think longer actually). Bring headlights and hats with a towel under the hat to protect your head WHEN you bump it in the tunnels. Our virgin friends did a lot of head bumping but my advance warning to use the hat/towel, and to keep down, minimized their headaches :-). Once out of the final long tunnel, turn LEFT and head up the trail to the picnic bench under a gazebo. Get some water/snacks, then veer left down the trail/roots. You'll see a pink ribboned trail going straight. Avoid that and continue down to the left. In about 5 minutes you'll be back at the entrance area to the first long tunnel you went through 20 minutes ago. Re-cross the stream and then just follow the ditch back the way you came. We brought ziplocks these last two hikes to collect strawberry guavas. Filled 'em both times! And this last time we lucked out to see a Jackson's chameleon in one of the trees. Way cool! If you just do the tunnels out and back, figure 3 hours. With guava picking, add an hour to your hiking time. This is a really easy hike on an easy-to-follow trail. Very shaded and not many bugs (avoid the lower trail which is pretty buggy) and lots of strawberry guava to pick in Oct and Nov.

Tracey A.

The Waimano Loop has several things going for it: 1. A guard station right beside where cars are parked lessens the chance of break-ins. 2. Three irrigation tunnels on the trail provide an opportunity to scare yourself sh*tless. 3. Leashed dogs are permitted. 4. It's a big,easy loop that takes only about 75 minutes start to finish. A little more about each of the above: * To reach the trail, take Waimano Home Road north to its end then park by the side of the road close to the guard stations. The entrance to the trail is to the left of the chain link fence. Stay on the path closest to that fence (Upper Waimano Trail) to begin your counterclockwise hike. When that splits, remain on the upper trail. Past the first irrigation tunnel you'll turn left and begin dropping downhill to the Lower Waimano Trail. Pink plastic strips tied to trees will show you the path to follow but even if you don't see them it'd be hard to go too far astray. * If you're going to hunch over and make your way through a long, dark irrigation tunnel do so at the first one you come to. I was halfway through that one before my hiking partner yelled "I hope there's no bats in here!". There weren't, but the other tunnels looked far more overgrown and foreboding and I'm betting they housed their share. But do go through that first tunnel just to scare yourself silly. * I saw only four people on the trail, all on the Upper Waimano. I saw zero people on the Lower Waimano Trail. If you let your dog off-leash I won't tell. * 2 miles total, with an elevation change of 200 feet means that this is an extremely easy hike and I'm surprised more people don't know about it. It's well-shaded and quick but somehow makes you feel like you've traveled a bit of a distance. This is a good little trail to know about when you've only got a short amount of time in which to hike. (This hike is #37 in Suzanne Swedo's book, "Hiking the Hawaiian Islands").