Hikers planning a Hawaiian vacation: Put Judd Trail on your agenda
I’ve heard people talk about the Judd Trail (AKA Judd Memorial Trail) for almost as long as I’ve been in Hawaii. But for some reason I never did it, despite its perfect location just between Honolulu and the Windward side of Oahu. It wasn’t until I heard about how extra beautiful the forests were along the trail that my determination to take this hike took a step up. I’d seen some pictures from the area, and that piqued my interest too.
Turns out I went along with some friends for a hike and didn’t ask where we were going – and it was the Judd Trail! So that was a nice surprise. Since then I’ve been back a second time, but not for the entire hike.
When you Google the hike, you get a map of the area and a map of the actual trail. I suggest you print off the maps, as they might come in handy, as they did on my hike.
Judd Trail is part of the Honolulu Mauka Trail System, the most maintained trail system in the state, so it is well documented in the literature. And you’ll most likely not be alone on it since it’s so popular.
Judd Trail Quick Facts
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 1 mile round trip loop
Location: Nu‘uanu Pali Drive, Honolulu
Cost: Free
Nu’uanu Pali Drive
This favorite Oahu hike follows the Lulumahu stream as it flows down the hillside And an added bonus is that it’ll bring you to one of my favorite roads on the island, the old Nu’uanu Pali Drive, a preserved part of the old original path that went from downtown Honolulu up and over the Ko’olau ridge to the Windward side. Seeing this beautiful old road is worth driving up the Pali road (rt. 61), even if you don’t do the Judd Trail hike.
Coming off the very busy and urban part of Nu’uanu, you’d never expect to see this extremely shaded, overgrown, moody, curvy, almost scary rainforest road. The trees reach over the street and touch each other, making a green tunnel that you drive through. It’s actually fun to do at night too, if you let your imagination run with you. The first time I did it this way, I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up! I take all my guests visiting Hawaii to do this.
Learn more about popular stops along the Pali Highway here!
What to Expect on Judd Trail
Once you’ve traveled along Nu’uanu Pali Drive, you’re ready to begin your hike along Judd Trail. If you do the short loop it probably takes well over an hour. Take a hiking stick to help you cross over the stream. If there is no way around the stream, it must be crossed. I take my shoes off and wade rather than hop rocks.
Judd Trail is not a steep hike and it takes you through a fascinating bamboo forest. If the wind is blowing, stop and listen to the music the bamboo makes when it’s moving. As you go a little higher the trees change. Further up the path is a magnificent grove of Cook pines. These introduced but naturalized trees tower up 100 + feet over the path, making a fascinating canopy.
Jackass Ginger Pool
Just past the pine grove, you’ll find one of Honolulu’s favorite swimming holes: Jackass Ginger Pool. Be aware of leptospirosis risk in the water and recent weather patterns. But if you understand the risks and are up for a swim, you may decide to take a careful swim in this natural pool.
Hiking Trail Near Honolulu
At this point I’m actually content with turning around and going back, as I’m happy as a clam to just see this much forest. But if you finish up the Judd Trail loop, you’ll see lots of water, rocks, and forest (but no vista) and will feel as though you’ve been touched by prehistoric Hawaii – all this just a few miles outside of downtown Honolulu. So drive and look, or drive and hike. Either way, be sure to check out this great Hawaii hike.
