Kamananui Valley Road

The Kamananui Valley Road is a perfect hike for all ages and offers access to many other hiking trails in the Moanalua Valley. The trailhead is located in the back of the Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park and crosses seven old cobblestone bridges while making its way up the valley floor. The valley itself is historical, with the earliest human inhabitants dating back to the 1500s. A short walk from the trailhead lies a marked offshoot to the old ruins of the Douglas Damon house, where the grand staircase lanai and fireplace are still standing. The Damon Estates were among the wealthiest trusts in Hawaii, and the heirs have been battling over the billion dollars worth of assets, loosely providing the basis for the movie The Descendents. Back on the main road path the road crosses several more bridges, with the seventh crossing marking the revered petroglyph site, known as Pohakukaluahine or "Rock of the Old Woman." Legend states that during certain times of the month, any sound was forbidden, or "kapu." Dogs', chickens', and other animals' mouths were tied shut, and breaking kapu was punishable by death. During one kapu, an infant child cried out and, knowing the consequences, the infant's grandmother ran off with the child and hid behind this boulder until the kapu expired. The stone was considered sacred, and offerings were often placed before it. Stone etchings of stick figures unique to Kamananui Valley are weathered but still visible. Approximately 2.5 miles into the hike you will come across the trailhead for the Kulana'ahane Trail on the left. Continue to the right, following the road to the end, about another 1.5 miles up the valley. Note that streams in the Moanalua Valley are prone to flash flooding with little or no warning. Stream crossings are safest during dryer periods.