1/17/2024 0 Comments Waterfall hike honoluluDon't miss this opportunity to get off of Wakiki and see some real Oahu. Drenced in sweat and rain with legs feeling like rubber you can go back to your hotel feeling like you had both your excersise and your Hawaiian rainforest experience. When you finally reach the bottom you will feel both relieved and disapointed the trail has come to an end. Then the trip down among the slippery web of tree roots on the path make every step a possible hazard. Amazing! You will begin to wonder if up is the only direction when you suddenly find yourself among the pines at the summit. The shady trail is a blessing from the heat of other trails on the island. Rain can wreak havoc on the path with exposed rocks and fallen trees. You will cross a few mountain streams and enjoy a few small waterfalls as well. The path is full of beautiful trees and plants. I was lucky enough to have some rain during my climb and it felt wonderful. I suggest starting early so the temps are cool. The trail itself can be rough with mud, roots and slippery rocks to navigate. Take your time and rest if you feel you need to. The loop takes about one and a half hours due to the slow but steady climb. In other words straight up and straight down. The trail rises up to 800 ft in elevation gain for a 1200 ft summit. I found it very challenging but well worth the effort. The trail guide calls this hike "a pleasant, shady loop" and rates it a moderate hike. I was lucky enough to be staying in Makiki and this trail was within walking distance. Absolutely no flip-flops, hiking boots preferred. At the intersection with the Ualakaa Trail there is also a sign that points to the right and left for the Makiki valley trail. We went up the Maunalaha trail (right) which is about 1 hour uphill over exposed roots. Once you cross the bridge and look at the map it does not matter which way you go.just a little up the hill you will find the actual beginning of the trails. It has toilets and a shoe washing station with water and brushes. Skip the Makiki Arboretum Trail.just walk on the road and past the Hawaiian Nature Center to the Trailhead. We started at the parking lot which is easy to find. Looking at the path you can see the water erosion and the "wash outs". One thing it does not have is leisurely strolling over flat terrain. Multiple stream crossings and streneous hiking over exposed roots (depending which way you go at the starting point) either up or down. We are not in great shape but have been on many hikes of varying degrees of difficulty on Oahu and Kauai. No short hike, it took us 2 hours and 40 minutes.
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