![]() Your visit to this tropical paradise can include a myriad of watersports, delicious food, and scenic bike rides, but to elevate your trip from standard to Instaworthy, I invite you to explore the island by foot. This is especially true on Oahu, Hawaii’s political, economic, and outdoor hub. More often than not, those sights are hard-earned and endlessly rewarding. Wherever you are, seaside serenity is always just a short hike away from dramatic sights. Soft sandy beaches caressed by the blue Pacific give way to lush jungles of the interior, while volcanic mountains-crumpled, cracked and overgrown with vegetation-rise above it all. How to get there: Take Likelike Highway to Kahekili Highway, which becomes Kamehameha Highway and drive to Kokololio Beach Park.If I had to describe hiking in Hawaii with just one word, it would be-electrifying. Before you embark on your adventure, pick up a permit at Laie Shopping Center, and some snacks and water for the all-day excursion. The entire trip can last you about eight hours, depending on your pace and the weather. Of course, you’ll have to make your way back eventually, which means fording back over the stream. While it's extremely hard work getting here, the lush falls are totally worth the trip. Venture left for a small waterfall and pool, or venture right, where you’ll pass smaller pools before arriving at a split-level, 100-foot waterfall. Seriously not for the faint of heart, this eight-mile trail starts in an open ridge along the Koolau Range, and requires hikers to rock hop through the Koloa Stream more than 20 times, passing through native plants, fruit trees, a smaller waterfall, and a pool before reaching a fork. Maunawili Falls | Andrew Korson/Shutterstock Take the trail towards a graffiti covered water tank and turn left towards the falls. Alternatively, you can take another trail from the parking lot at the Koʻolau Golf Club. How to get there: From Waikiki, take the H-1 Highway west and merge onto the Pali Highway to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout and park in the Pali Lookout parking lot. Don’t stick around after dark as many say the fallen Hawaiian warriors haunt the area. You’ll descend an old, paved road traverse under highway tunnels and through a canopy of trees before climbing an old cobblestone path, which leads to a moderate, 20-foot cascade, framed by kukui and hau trees. Tucked along a busy highway, the hike to this hidden waterfall passes the scenic Nuuanu Pali Lookout, where King Kamehameha and his invading warriors forced the opposing defenders off the 1,000-foot cliffs to their deaths, thus uniting all the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. Construction is coming to an end, but check the road conditions before venturing out. The highway has been closed for many months in both directions due to a massive rockslide earlier in 2019. Make sure not to block anyone’s driveway.Īs of this publication, the next three hikes might have limited access due to the Pali Highway construction. Continue to Punahou and Manoa Road Park in the Paradise Park lot for $5 or park for free in the residential area outside the park area. How to get there: From Waikiki, going westbound, take H1 to the Wilder exit. ![]() But crowd-ruining Instagram photos aside, this dramatic waterfall is still totally worth visiting. The beginner-friendly path almost always swells with crowds, so you’ll have to do some advanced selfie gymnastics to crop strangers out of your photos. But with great, easy-access waterfall glory comes great foot traffic. Hikers only need to travail a well-maintained, 1.6-mile trail to reach a glorious 150-foot waterfall pouring down a massive rock wall. This waterfall hike is one of the most popular since it’s close to Waikiki and a very easy walk. Waimea Valley Park | MNStudio/Shutterstock If you follow these simple rules and respect the land of Oahu, it will repay you ten-fold with some of the most amazing waterfall views on the planet. ![]() ![]() Don’t venture off trails as you might harm the already stressed ecosystem and always carry out your trash. So make sure you research the hikes and go with a group, wear good shoes, use mosquito repellant, and bring plenty of water. Wet conditions can lead to nasty falls and flash floods can change that trickle of a stream you just crossed into a gushing river. It can be very treacherous - even on the simplest of trails. A bit further brings you solace from Honolulu’s fast pace, and if you have it in you, wonderful waterfalls that are in no need of an Instagram filter.īut hiking on Oahu is no joke. A simple hike on a trail can bring you under a green canopy filled with chirping birds hidden in the treetops. Rain makes rainbows and turns all things green - and that rain also makes wonderful waterfalls. Alongside Oahu’s stunning beaches are her equally amazing scenic wonders.
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