There are much larger streams that begin high in the Koolau Mountain Range. Sourced by mighty waterfalls (by Hawaii standards), pouring into the valleys with magnificent force during torrential downpours. Niniko Stream begins next to someone's backyard on Niniko Place in Nu‘uanu.The path dips immediately under the road and puddles on the makai side of Niniko Place. From there, it proceeds makai and provides residents and passers-by a unique view of a modest, yet beautiful waterway. Eventually, the stream weaves ewa direction and turns makai again along Pali Highway.
I didn't venture below that point, but I will eventually. Niniko Stream goes under the highway and resurfaces at Oahu Country Club. Down the way, Niniko merges into Waolani Stream.
It was fun to explore a bit on the streets of picturesque Nu‘uanu Valley. The satellite view on Google Maps didn't show a lot of Niniko Stream, and sometimes this is due to the stream going under homes. Seeing this little gem up close was a treat.
Niniko Place
Mauka side of road.
Makai side.
Gartley Place
Mauka side.
On the map, Niniko Stream travels through Paris Place. In person, nowhere to be seen, so it must be under the surface. Bummer.
From Paris Place, Niniko Stream stays off the streets for several blocks. Then it shows up at Ala Kimo Drive.
At Nu‘uanu Pali Drive, a block from Pali Highway, there is road work underway. Toho No Hikari Hawaii, at the corner of Nu‘uanu Pali Drive and Pali Hwy., has a large expanse and I turned into the parking lot in the back, roughly 100 yards mauka of Nu‘uanu Pali Drive. The bamboo forest is a nice touch.
Also adjacent to Nu‘uani Pali Drive, this is the only pic I got of the mauka side as Niniko Stream dips below street level. Driving through this area many times recently, I never noticed any semblance of a stream. The clue was probably the makai side, with a pretty thick forest sitting on a corner.
The makai side has a fountain-like structure that gushes strong. It sounds amazing. (Video later.) I'm not sure if this is part of Niniko Stream or not, but it definitely funnels under the roadway into the the stream across the street, so I think it's an independent source. From where, I don't know.
This (above) is on the east side of the lane, which has no name. On the map, the lane is labeled Nuuanu Pali Drive. The west side of the lane is where Niniko Stream widens and ekes through the woods for a final time. After that, it's residential/recreational areas. The bridge is pretty cool. I didn't walk on it, though.
Kepola Place
The size of Nu‘uanu Valley makes its streams and bridges so eye-catching. This bridge on Kepola Place is unique. I haven't seen work like this in the pillars (?) anywhere else. And it is long, long, long. The consistent rains of the valley lead to the growth of moss and other foliage in every nook and cranny. Very cool.
Makai side.
Dowsett Ave.
This name was embedded in our brains as kids. Riding TheBus route No. 4 NUUANU / Dowsett Ave. was part of our lives. I never actually walked or rode on Dowsett, however, until recently. One side of the road shows no Niniko Stream. Across the avenue on the makai side, tall bushes hide the view of the stream. But there it is.
Wood Street
Blink and it's gone. Niniko Stream tapers down a bit, but still cuts through this quiet neighborhood. With Waolani Stream on the ewa side of the valley and Nu‘uanu Stream on the other side, Niniko Stream is a necessity during heavy rains. Just about every time I've been in the area, here and closer to the Koolaus, it has been wet in the late afternoon and early evening. The ditch form of Niniko makes sense, too, in the midst of residences. Similar to other valley neighborhoods on Oahu.
Mauka side.
Makai side.
Can "Lube Guy" from "The Watchmen" TV series on HBO make it through this gutter?
Pali Highway
This is where Niniko Stream curves behind International Baptist Church and goes under the highway to the ewa side.
More of Niniko Stream later. One thing that was different here compared to Manoa and Palolo: no ducks. I've seen ducks deeper in the valley at one of the reservoirs, so maybe that's why they don't need to occupy the stream in residential areas.
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