Nuuanu Stream and Valley have been so intriguing, even though I've laid eyes only at or near street levels.
I doubt I'll venture very far into the Koolaus, but during a short walk to Reservoir No. 4, I unintentionally detoured and got a bit of a hike along Lulumahu Stream.
First, as I learned later, going left from the start of the path, mauka direction, is much more efficient. Second, depending on what map you study, Lulumahu Stream becomes Nu‘uanu Stream somewhere near Reservoir No. 4. Maybe it happens behind the bamboo forest where the stream "pinches" through a concrete structure.
Lulumahu Falls is up the way. Maybe I'll make it there one day. It's beautiful and tall, from what I've seen.
I did get a closer look at Makuku Stream as it feeds Reservoir No. 3. Maybe I can't see it, but it appears to be a dry bed right now. Mo‘ole Stream, on the other side of the reservoir, is far more stocked with fresh water, having a much deeper, higher-elevation source.
Approaching Reservoir No. 4
An amazing history here with the dam, long defunct, and the water that once was piped into town for residents.
Nu‘uanu Valley is home to many legends. The one that sticks out is about five kupua dogs at Kapena (King's) Falls that warned travellers about troublemakers deep in the valley at the Pali. One listened to the dogs and returned to Waikiki. The other did not. Bandits killed the traveller at Pali, which led the chief to send out a party to locate and terminate the criminals.
This spot has been open occasionally, once a year, to fishing. Only 120 allowed out of a list of 1,000-plus. I didn't get close enough to notice any fish, but the place used to get re-stocked after dredging work.
A few years back, a young man died here after diving off the tower. Sad.
The walk back to the bamboo forest leads to the more efficient trail. Windy. Wet. Sunny. Nu‘uanu is a haven for plants and animals. Did not see any wild pigs, though.
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