Waiawa Ditch trail offers view that comes with price
By Richard McMahon
Special to The Advertiser
A spotlight of a camp site, trail or other hiking information, courtesy of author Richard McMahon
LOCATION: The trail begins at the mauka end of Komo Mai Drive in Pacific Palisades. It is the same trailhead as for the Manana Trail.
DESCRIPTION: This nine-mile, partial loop hike provides an excellent tour of the upland forest behind Pearl City, to include a relaxing stroll along the Waiawa Ditch (old Ahrens Ditch). But that stroll comes at a price.
Two valleys must be crossed, and their steep sides climbed, both on the way in, and again on the return.
The trip can be shortened to seven miles by not taking the loop at the end, but the two valley ups and downs are still there on the way back.
At the end of Komo Mai Drive, walk around the vehicle gate, along the single-lane, paved road, passing the hunter/hiker check-in box on the right.
After about a quarter-mile, turn off the road at a large triple-towered utility pole on the left, leaving the Manana Trail.
Follow the narrow trail around the tower and down a steep descent, going left when the trail forks. A long rope provides assistance at the steepest portion, more for footing than safety.
At the bottom of the valley, the trail crosses a stream and quickly begins climbing. At the top of the ridge, a second utility tower marks where the trail begins a more relaxed traverse of a grassy plateau, switching between an eroded jeep track and a narrower foot trail.
Another steep descent soon begins, leveling out somewhat when the trail reaches an old fence and turns right to follow it.
The second valley floor is wider, and there are two streams to cross.
A second huff-and-puff ascent ends at a copse of paperbark trees, where the route intersects a much wider trail, which is the loop portion of the route.
Turning right, the trail becomes an almost level walk along the no longer used Waiawa (Ahrens) irrigation ditch.
Entering one last gulch, the level walk ends and the trail — much narrower now — makes a short switchback up an uluhe-covered slope to a small clearing on the edge of a ridge, with views into valleys on each side.
This is the turnaround for those not interested in the loop.
For hikers wanting more exercise, the trail continues to climb through the uluhe, circling left and back along the ridgeline.
Much of the route can be seen from the turnaround. After several ups and downs along the ridge, the trail widens into an eroded track frequented by motorized trailbikes, before turning sharp left and returning to the copse of paperbark trees. From here, the two steep valleys lie in wait.
SPECIAL COMMENTS: The route through the motor bike area can be confusing, due to the many side trails made by bikers.
Keeping to the left at all turns and junctions is good advice. Hiking with someone who knows the route is even better.
Be alert for bikers when in this area, and get well off the road when you hear them coming.
By positioning two cars, it is possible to make this hike a complete loop, and avoiding the grueling second trip across the two valleys.
The second car can be parked along the road to the Waiawa Correctional Facility (H2, Exit 2). Hikers can then exit via the trail used by the bikers. Again, this is best done with someone who knows the route.
