Kuolani Waianu Trail

This hike starts with a short road walk, from which you veer off onto the trail. Early on was a nice view of the windward Ko’olaus.

From the viewport, we made our way down through a tunnel of bamboo. It was dark in there!

In the bamboo grove..

The trail contours through an area with huge albezia trees.

A highlight are the giant bird’s nest ferns, which are epiphytic, and native to Hawaii.

Lots of junctions on this trail. This portion is along an old road. The yellow leaves on the ground reminded me of autumn in NY.

Waianu stream down below follows alongside the road.

Lots of trees, vines, and lichens.

Enjoying the forest canopy.

We made our way across a stream. The water was fresh and clear.

Red ginger, all in bloom, alongside the stream.

Plants growing on plants all over the place!

This portion of trail was a slippery old cobblestone path, once traveled by mules for ditch access.

It’s a wet and mossy place!

A small waterfall required crossing. The water was flowing out of a hole in the mountainside.

Looking down the waterfall.

Not sure what kind of tree this is, with the little green fruits, but it was interesting.

We took a break at one of the major Waiahole ditch intakes. Locked metal grates blocked access into the tunnels.

Was this a pizza oven? By this time we are getting hungry..

At our lunch spot was a nice view of Waikane Valley, looking out towards Kaneohe Bay.