Thursday Trails: Lower Waimano Trail

Installment three of Thursday trails brought me and my weekday hiking buddy to Waimano Trail (Upper and Lower). The last time I did this trail was in 2010...back when I only had one kid. 

This time I only had one kid, as the older one (that I previously did this hike with) was traveling in Washington, D.C. 

I remembered this hike because it is minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Pearl City and easy for kids (and moms). 

This trail was better maintained the last time I hiked it, but was still enjoyable this time around. Introducing new people to new hikes is also a thrill. 

We trekked through tall leaves and grass, were surrounded by trees and rocks, and stomped through dark, thick mud. 

We snapped some photos for Instagram, ate a small snack, and enjoyed the stream (and mosquitoes). 

We only encountered one other person (and her dog) along the way, which was a nice change from the highly trafficked Manoa and Makapu'u trails done on previous Thursdays. 

This hike is great to come back to again and again as it is not too strenuous and a really good way to introduce young hikers to nature. 

If you are curious about what my previous experience on this trail was like, check out my post from January 2010 entitled: Waimano Valley Hike. 

Directions to Waimano Trails:

Take Waimano Home Road (in Pearl City) towards the mountains, all the way to the end. Park on the left hand side of the road. The trail entrance is by a chain link fence. Look for the official brown and yellow state sign marking the trail entrance. We took the lower trail to begin. And if you forget your hiking boots, maybe you'll find a pair like we did! 

Or shoes and a ready made sling-shot...