Hiking Oahu- Waimano Trail

Lower Waimano trail is a nice family hike that only takes an hour or two. The trail is approximately 2 miles long and forms a loop. When starting out make sure you take the lower Waimano trail, as opposed to the upper trail. The lower trail starts at the same trailhead as upper Waimano, but it it heads down in to the valley and runs along side a creek. It then reconnects to upper Waimano trail and cuts back to the starting point. The beginning of the trail is a very easy down hill decent in to the valley. It is sunny- hats and sunglasses, and of course sunscreen are necessary. The valley itself is pretty well shaded and nice and cool. We were unable to enjoy the creek because there was no water in it! But the hike is very pretty, so very much worth the time.
When the trail reconnects to the upper trail it does get steep, and younger children might need a little push up the hill. To cut to the upper trail, look for the giant mango tree, take the trail up the hill (to the right) and make your way up to the main trail. Be sure to go to the right to head back to the trail head, along the fence line. If you go left you will be in for a much longer hike! Do not go left, unless prepared to be hiking for hours.
One thing about this area that everyone should take note of- it is a public hunting area. Bringing dogs out hiking with you is okay, but you might come across hunting dogs. Be aware of this and wear brightly colored clothes so hunters will be able to see you clearly.

Directions to the trail:
http://www.hawaiitrails.org/trail.php?TrailID=OA+09+021