When you think of Oahu, dense tropical rainforest may not be the first image to spring to mind. Or if you're a fan of "Lost," which filmed entirely on Oahu, maybe it is — the series' stars spent a lot of time running away from The Others and the smoke monster through some impressive island greenery.
Interested in an easy hike that delivers on this beauty and rewards you with a small waterfall and swimming hole at the end? Read on about Jackass Ginger in the lush upper Nuuanu Valley.
Known formally as Judd Trail (named for a 19th-century missionary and advisor to King Kamehameha III), this trail is more commonly known as Jackass Ginger, a name that (according to "Place Names of Hawaii") came from local youths 100 years ago — for a donkey tethered nearby and the yellow ginger growing by the pool. It's roughly a mile roundtrip through wild groves of guava, bamboo, island pines and swamp mahogany, and runs alongside and intersects the Nuuanu Stream. The canopies provide excellent shelter from the sun.
The entrance is easily found after turning onto Nuuanu Pali Road off the Pali Highway, near a bridge on the right; the state-maintained trail is well marked. Be advised that the Nuuanu Valley gets a lot of rain and the trail is often slippery, especially over the rocks that allow you to cross the stream and over large tree roots. (Wear running, hiking or reef shoes for traction.)
The refreshing swimming pool at the end (pictured) is the real attraction, with a rope swing, depths of up to 8 feet and lots of room. At only 10 feet high, the waterfall isn't impressive by Hawaii standards, but is nonetheless pretty. My family and I played here most weekends when I was growing up nearby — this trail is perfect if you're bringing the kids on your visit to Oahu.
A few precautions:
Don't drink from the stream or pool, and don't swim if you have any open cuts. Bacterial infections from Giardia and Leptospirosis are possible.
Use mosquito repellent if it's been rainy.
Check the weather report before you go, aim for a drizzly or sunny day. Better to enjoy the hike when the valley isn't actively collecting its 300 inches of annual rainfall.
The entrance is easily found after turning onto Nuuanu Pali Road off the Pali Highway, near a bridge on the right; the state-maintained trail is well marked. Be advised that the Nuuanu Valley gets a lot of rain and the trail is often slippery, especially over the rocks that allow you to cross the stream and over large tree roots. (Wear running, hiking or reef shoes for traction.)