HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s that time again. KHON2.com’s Unfit Adventurer made another trek on one of Oahu’s favorite hikes.
This time, we hiked the Waimano Upper and Lower Loop Trail.
The Waimano Upper and Lower Loop Trail is a scenic hikein Pearl City It offers a mix of lush forest and panoramic views.
The trail spans a little more than 5 miles and is considered moderately challenging for experienced hikers. It features steep sections and uneven terrain.
Hikers are rewarded with vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as diverse plant life. It’s a great way to experience Oahu’s natural beauty and enjoy a peaceful retreat from city life.
We Found that very few people hike this trail, and we were only able to talk to a few people.
One of the most interesting things we found on this hike were the number of caves. There are a lot of caves on this hike. After a search online, we only found information on this valley being used as a way to get water to plantations.
We couldn’t find information on whether these caves were Native Hawaiian burial sites that had been desecrated by the plantation owners. So, we reached out to the Department of Land and Natural Resouces to find out what they know.
The DLNR verified the caves were man-made around 1912.
We also stumbled upon a rock formation that looked like a birthing chair overlooking the valley. While it could simply be an unusual rock formation, we have reached out the DLNR to find out more. They are investigating.
On our trek, we met two brothers named Deomar and Eric. They recently retired and moved here from Texas to be closer to Deomar’s son and to seek refuge from the continent.
Deomar had taken this hike with his son but didn’t have time to take in the beauty. So, he brought his brother along so they could witness all that this hike has to offer on their own time.
“I love the beauty on this hike, and it’s a pretty easy one,” said Deomar. Of course, Eric was a bit more breathless from his trek and pointed to all the sweat he’d accumulated.
We found out that there was a very special reason Deomar and Eric decided to take this hike on that day.
“Today is our dad’s birthday; he passed away about five years ago,” revealed Deomar. “So, my brother and me, we came out here to pay tribute to his memory and be closer to nature.”
KHON2.com would like to extend a special e komo mai to you both, Deomar and Eric. We hope you have a wonderful and prosperous life here in the islands.
As we trekked along the trail, we met Nick. He was hiking with two friends.
“I am moving soon,” said Nick. “This trail is on my bucket list, so I wanted to hike it before I left.”
For Nick, this hike has everything: a valley, cliffs, lots of caves and wonderful pavilion to have lunch.
We made it to the half-way point on this hike when we met Yinua and Jinna and their sweet pup Rumble. Yinua is a Ph.D. student in marketing at the University of Hawaiʻi. He confessed that he was on the hike because his wife is the hiker in the family.
“We came up here so we can go to the pavilion and have a bit of lunch,” explained Yinua. “I love the varied terrain, from lush jungle to red earth climbing; and I really love the strawberry guava that is everywhere.”
He patted his belly as he recalled all the treats he’d eaten so far on the hike.
He did express a bit of concern for haunted caves. (We were standing right in front of a cave as we spoke.)
“They’re haunted,” he said as he gave side eye to the one were standing near at that moment. “You have to be careful out here not to anger the spirits.”
Not far from our being done with the hike, we met Clara. She was exacerbated and fighting to hard to breathe.
“I was told this was an easy hike, but I think I’ve cried the whole way,” she declared as she passed by us.
We asked why she decided to do it.
“I made a bet this was an easy hike,” and with that she was off.
The Unfit Adventurer Rating for this hiking trail is: (ratings are out of a possible five hiking boots.)
Ease of hike for unfit folks
Views offered
Friendliness of fellow hikers
Worth the struggle
Feeling of accomplishment
Here is what the Department of Land and Natural Resources has to say about the Waimano Upper and Lower Loop Trail. You can view a map here. You can click here to access DLNR’s Trail and Access Program. You can click here for an interactive map.
So, if you decide to hike the Waimano Upper and Lower Loop Trail, then be aware that the experience for everyone who does it is different. You’ll need to rely on your own physical skills to determine whether this is the right hike for you.
And as always, never hike alone.