Jack Ass Ginger Falls

backyard secrets

Everyone loves a good secret, but sometimes things are just to good not to share! Jack Ass Ginger Falls is a small swimming hole and waterfall located in the Pali area. To my surprise, it is actually basically in someones backyard! But it is a completely public trail and waterfall! 

To get to this fall you will be hiking along the Judd Trail. There are SO many hikes on this trail. Rashawn and I actually followed the wrong trail to begin with! More on that in a second. This hike is a total round trip of only one mile! So it is a great quick trip to cool off. 

The hardest part of this hike is crossing this stream. It is so important to go slow and be cautious in this part becuase the rocks are very slippery. Also avoid doing this hike in heavy rain fall as this stream is prone to fast waters and flash flooding! Always be aware of your surroundings.  

Like, I mentioned above there are so many trails on the Judd Trail so getting to the falls can be a bit tricky! In the very beginning Rashawn and I made a wrong turn and followed a trail for a while and ended up seeing the most beautiful trees! There were so so many kinds, the ones below were by far my favorite.  

We probably hiked at least a mile before starting to realize we just may not be going the right way ha! It also started to drizzle and I was soo worried about the stream! So we turned around back to the stream. Once you cross the stream turn RIGHT at the bamboo forest!!!! Going left will lead you to these cool trees and many many more, so it't not the worst choice, but it won't take you to the falls. 

Once you cross the river and go right the hike to the falls is sooo short! We were laughing at how long it took us to 'find the falls' because in reality its so quick! Just follow the trail and then you will have to climb down some rocks and there you will be!

These were my second favorite trees we saw. I was so blown away at how many species of trees grow on Oahu alone! Island plants are truly unique here and I love it. 

Most hikes in Hawaii you can do barefoot really! I usually opt in for my slippers on easier hikes that don't include much incline, or tend to be muddy. I usually wear my tennies on uphill hikes or ones including stairs! This hike can easily be done in slippers but if you want to wear tennies I'm sure it helps, just mind crossing the stream in the beginning!  

Once we reached our destination I was so relived. We had the whole thing to ourselves and it was so peaceful. We were mind blown that we were basically in someones backyard! But hey, those are some lucky people! There are two pools to swim in, a rope to jump on, and tons of rocks for exploring!   

It was so beautiful and luscious! How ever the water was a bit brown from the mud run off (common after rain) so we opted in for just getting our feet wet! Also it is aways good to be aware of the Hawaiian bacteria Leptospirosis that is found in waterfalls and streams, so if that water doesn't look safe, getting your feet wet will do! 

These shoes are really my everything! Ha! I think I have worn them for a year straight to every function imaginable. They are a staple shoe here and only like $5!! I don't think I will ever stop wearing them :) Unfortunately they only sell them in-store on the islands and do not sell them online but here are some very similar and still cheep!   

When I finally leave Hawaii I think I will miss the coconut trees and palm tress almost as much as the beach. There are so many kinds here and all so beautiful! Jack Ass Ginger Falls had some super tall ones that I was in love with!

I will be honest and say I am not entirely sure where you swing to on this rope because the water did not look very deep near by. So please be cautious if you try and always make sure it is deep enough first. My motto always is, if the locals aren't doing it, neither should you!

Bring lots of water, a towel, and your good vibes when coming here and you are guaranteed a great time! 

how to get here

 

Getting to the trail head is very easy. You will be driving along the old Pali Road and will see the Nu'uauna Road and turn right you will cross a bridge and see trail head signs on the right. There is no real parking lot or spaces for this hike, but it is safe to park along the road! One you start the hike follow the Judd trail and once you come to a fork in the Bamboo go RIGHT! It is a quick trial that will eventually tun into a downward cascade at which you will then arrive at the falls. 

warning

Always bring lots of water on any hike, including this one. Be cautious of your surroundings at all times and remember you are in a neighborhood so try and refrain from loud and obscene noises. In Hawaii their is a bacteria called Leptospirosis that is found in lots of waterfall water. So always be cautious when swimming in the water, and if it looks brown, has white floaties, or is smelly do NOT get in. Do not refrain from the trail because their are a lot of 'trails' and getting lost is VERY easy :) 

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