Easy forest loop hike with a small waterfall and swimming hole
DIFFICULTY | LENGTH | ELEVATION GAIN | ROUTE TYPE |
Easy | ~1 mi / 0.5-1.5 hrs | 170 ft | Loop |
Judd Trail is an short and easy loop trail in the Round Top Forest Reserve near the Nuuanu neighborhood of Honolulu. The trail features a forest setting adjacent to the Nuuanu Stream. Throughout the hike you’ll encounter a wide variety of plant-life including bamboo forests, tall Cook pines, eucalyptus, swamp mahogany, and guava trees. You’ll also cross streams, and encounter a small waterfall and swimming hole. This waterfall and pool area is called the Jackass Ginger Pool and is the main attraction of the trail. Here may encounter locals and other tourists enjoying the cold water of the pool, going down the natural rock water slide into the water, or jumping from the rocks into the pool. IF you’re just in it for the swimming and not the hiking, don’t worry, the rock pond isn’t located too far from the trailhead, but you’ll need to take the righthand trail at the junction after your first stream crossing. The trail can definitely get muddy, so be advised, especially after a rainfall.
You can find parking street side along Nuuanu Pali Dr near the trailhead.