Nu'uanu Trail: a Trail in a Trail in a Trail..in a Trail!

One of my favorite areas on island to hike is Tantalus.  Located close to Honolulu, Mount Tantalus has numerous trails to explore.  The trails range in length, views, difficulty, plant life, and terrain.  Many of the trails merge with one another and lead you to unexpected places.  Recently I found myself hiking with several ladies on a personal favorite trail called Pu'u Ohia.  The thing I love about Pu'u Ohia is that it provides access to a number of other little trails that you can not readily access from a road, in other words, you have to take a trail to a trail to another trail to find some hiking trail gems.  Hiking Pu'u Ohia last week with the ladies reminded me of a gem I had yet to explore, Nu'uanu Trail.  

Nu'uanu Trail follows a ridge beside the Pali Highway but you can access the trail two different ways (that I have found).  My first attempt to hike along this connector trail was yesterday.  The sun was out, few clouds in the sky, but humidity was high due to recent weekend showers.  My original plan was to access Nu'uanu Trail from a short trail called Judd Trail.  I have hiked the Judd Trail Loop (to include a waterfall sighting and stream crossing).  I have also hiked Judd Trail to another waterfall oasis known as the Jack-ass Ginger Pool.  Both of these quick adventures were great, but yesterday the bestie and I decided to try to reach Nu'uanu Trail from Judd Trail (not stopping for waterfalls or Jackassery).  Parking was plentiful (surprisingly) and we set off on our Tuesday Trail adventure.  In the first five minutes we saw a family photo shoot taking place by the first mini waterfall and could hear the stream raging rapidly around the corner.

When we reached the area where we needed to cross the stream, we realized that all the recent rains had caused the stream to look more like a raging river.  We decided to err on the side of caution and utilize plan B...hop back in the car, drive up Tantalus and try to reach Nu'uanu Trail from the other side.  The extra driving placed us a bit behind schedule, but we made up time quickly through the bamboo forest of Pu'u Ohia.  Once we reached the Manoa Cliff/Pu'u Ohia junction, we continued on Manoa Cliff to the Pauoa Flats junction.  Technically we had hiked two trails and were about to hit our third trail in search of the fourth and final trail...Nu'uanu Trail.

We walked the planks of Pauoa Flats and chatted away and a short time later reached the destination, the beginning of Nu'uanu Trail.  The trail was pretty uneventful at first, some roots and mud, a few mosquitos and shrouded in shade.  And then we came across a hiker who had bravely crossed the stream we avoided earlier, exchanged pleasantries and directions (she was searching for the waterfalls) and continued deeper into the forest.  A few more minutes in and we were greeted with beautiful green valley views.  Ferns for days.  And just beyond the ferns, views of Honolulu and the famous Punchbowl Crater, home to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
 

I was very excited to take in new perspectives.  The air had become cooler as we gained some elevation and the thrill of exploring a new path kept our momentum going.  We found ourselves at Biens Bench, a memorial for a runner named Kent Bien.  It's a peaceful spot surrounded by greenery and peek-a-boo views through the trees of the Ko'olau Mountains (my favorite, especially on a clear day).

The bench marked our turn around spot (the trail continued on).  I look forward to returning to this trail with my boys and attempting the trail from the other side (Judd Trail side) one day soon.  Nu'uanu Trail (the portion I hiked) is a good trail for all hiking levels.  It is relatively flat, straight forward, and has shade.  Be prepared (depending on the time of year) for some bugs and mud.  The only preparation you'll need for this trail is accessing it from another trail.  If you are up for an adventure, starting at Pu'u Ohia or Manoa Cliff and then taking Pauoa Flats Trail to reach Nu'uanu, then by all means do it!  Our route, although I've hiked portions of it several times, was a wonderful escape into nature.  And all of our extra trail walking meant we could enjoy lunch guilt free.

After trekking back the way we came (Nu'uanu to Pauoa Flats to Manoa Cliff to Pu'u Ohia), we drove down Mount Tantalus and ended up picking a new favorite in Kalihi called Ha Long Pho Noodle House for lunch.  Thanks to the bestie for introducing me to their delicious sandwiches and fried rice---over easy egg and all.