The Tunnel Trail In Hawaii That Will Take You On An Unforgettable Adventure
By Megan Shute|Published July 19, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are not only home to magnificent beaches, but world-class hiking as well. And with near-perfect summer weather year-round, there’s nowhere better to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails than our beautiful islands. And while love coastal trails, waterfall hikes, and those with panoramic views as much as the next person, sometimes we crave a unique, off the beaten path adventure — and this trail full of tunnels certainly delivers.
Nestled on Oahu near Pearl City is the often-overlooked Waimano Trail. Offering phenomenal, panoramic views, a stunning stream, and the chance to hike through several old irrigation tunnels, you’re in for an adventurous treat on this Hawaii trail.
Depending on where you look and who you ask, this trail is described as either easy or moderate and between two and fourteen miles round trip. Why such discrepancies, you ask?
Luckily, both trails feature scenic views and the opportunity to hike through several abandoned irrigation tunnels, so it’s up to you to choose which trail you’d prefer.
The trails trace the path of an old irrigation system consisting of ditches, flumes, and tunnels. This is one unique adventure you might not expect to find in the heart of Oahu, but that's what makes it so phenomenal!
The irrigation tunnels you will find along the trail can each be considered a mini adventure on its own. Don't forget your flashlight, though, as many of the trails are long and windy.
During your journey, you might also come across the pristine Waimano Stream. O, and did we mention that the entire trail is surrounded by a plethora of tropical plants, some of which yield fruits you can consume during your hike. What's better than fresh guava on a hike? Nothing!
While Waimano Trail may not be as popular as similar ridgeline hikes, it is the perfect example of the hidden gems you’ll find across Oahu — if you know where to look, that is.
And come on, it's hard to deny that there is any better way to spend your Saturday than sitting on this bench, taking a breather, and enjoying the view.
Have you ever hiked through these old irrigation tunnels? You can learn more about both the lower and upper Waimano trails, including directions on where to turn around if you’re looking for a short excursion, on AllTrails. If you’re interested in exploring the best Hawaii trails, check out our hiking bucket list.
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