Waimalu Ditch

We descend steeply, then follow the remnants of the old water ditch trail into Waimalu Valley. Our wandering ends at a nice lunch spot next to a fresh water pool suitable for swimming.*

A $5 donation is requested for each non-member, age 18 or over.

Elevation Gain: 2,722 ft.

Trail Conditions: Steep dropoffs, narrow trail, stream crossing, rock hopping.

Trail Features: Swimming hole.

Trail Route: Out and back.

Native Plants: Ulei and alahe’e.

Moku & Ahupua’a: Ewa & Waimalu.

Hawaiian Name Meaning: Sheltered water.

Historic Information: The Honolulu Plantation Company (HPC) wanted to expand its sugar cane fields upslope and investigated the flow of Waimalu, H?lawa and Waimano streams. In 1915 HPC began construction of a ditch and access trail in Waimalu on land owned by Lincoln McCandless. The ditch was completed in 1917 and ran entirely underground except for periodic access openings. HTMC first scheduled this hike in 1921 enjoying mangoes and mountain apples, and swimming in the pools.

Waimalu Ditch Trail in the News: John Parsons missing hiker HTMC Waimalu Ditch Trail story 2008

*The club takes no responsibility and disclaims any liability for the contents of hike descriptions including any inaccuracies, omissions, errors, misleading statements, incompleteness, or incorrect information. (click here to read our full disclaimer)