Judd Trail Hiking Guide
The Judd Trail is a short loop in upper Nuʻuanu Valley, a few minutes off the Pali Highway, through bamboo, eucalyptus and a tall grove of Cook pines. It is one of the gentlest hikes in the Honolulu Mauka Trail Network, but it starts and ends with a crossing of Nuʻuanu Stream that you should take seriously after rain.
A Short Loop With Two Crossings
Nā Ala Hele lists the loop at about a mile with under 100 feet of gain; AllTrails maps it at 1.3 miles and 170 feet. From the clearing on Nuʻuanu Pali Drive, drop to Nuʻuanu Stream and cross immediately. On the far bank a signed junction in a bamboo grove marks the start of the loop. Go straight to contour through eucalyptus and Cook pines into the Charles S. Judd Memorial Grove, descend gentle switchbacks, follow the stream back through bamboo, and recross to the road.
When Not to Cross
The state warns that the rocks at the crossing are unstable and slippery and lists flash floods among the trail's hazards. Nuʻuanu Stream drains the wet Koʻolau crest, and after heavy rain it can rise quickly; city first responders have warned that swollen streams remain dangerous well after the rain stops. If the water is fast, brown or above your shins, walk the near bank and come back another day.
Jackass Ginger and the Water
Near the end of the loop an unofficial path drops to the Kahuailanawai pool, long known as Jackass Ginger. Nā Ala Hele marks it as a makeshift side trail, not part of the loop. If you go, remember that the Department of Health tells people to stay out of all of Hawaiʻi's streams and ponds because of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that gets in through broken skin or by swallowing water, and that open wounds raise the risk.
Parking and Theft
There is no lot or fee. Park along Nuʻuanu Pali Drive near the concrete bridge and the open area in the ironwoods; the road is narrow with blind curves, so pull fully off the pavement. Nā Ala Hele calls this a high-theft area. Leave nothing in the car, not even in the trunk.
Dogs and Longer Options
Leashed dogs are allowed; pick up after them. Midway around the loop, the Nuʻuanu Trail climbs out of the valley to Pauoa Flats, where it connects with the ʻAihualama and Mānoa trails and the rest of the 18-trail Honolulu Mauka network. That makes Judd a good warm-up for a much bigger day.
Hiking tips for Judd Trail
- Check the stream level before you commit; both ends of the loop cross it.
- Wear shoes you can get wet; the crossing rocks are slick.
- Leave the car empty; Nuʻuanu Pali Drive is a known break-in spot.
- Keep out of the pool if you have any open cuts.
- Add the Nuʻuanu Trail if you want a real climb to Pauoa Flats.
Nearby trails to explore
- Mānoa Falls Trail
- Maunawili Falls via the Maunawili Trail
- ʻAiea Loop Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Short loops like Judd are a low-key way to meet a new hiking partner. Use TrailMates to find Honolulu hikers heading into Nuʻuanu Valley. Download the TrailMates app to connect.