Maunawili Falls  | Hawaii |  | Honolulu County | | Kailua |  |
Guides |
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Address Kelewina Road Kailua, HI 96734 |
Hours Never Closes |
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Take H1 to the Pali Hwy, and follow it to Kailua. Turn right at the second Auloa Road. Keep right after the turn but veer left onto Maunawili Road. Turn right onto Kelewina Road. Park around the corner from the trail head, on Lola Road.
Description:
On the island of Oahu, waterfalls are somewhat rare compared to islands like Kauai, an island blessed with waterfalls too numerous to count. That's why this waterfall and swimming hole, tucked away on a trail in the heart of Kailua on Windward Oahu, is a real treat both for visitors to Oahu and locals alike. The trail is roughly about 1 and 1/2 miles each way, and can take 40 minutes to an hour to complete. It isn't exactly an arduous trail, although it does involve a 500 foot ascent, an obstacle course of large tree roots and multiple stream crossings. My recommendation is to pack some good bug repellent and equally good hiking/mud shoes, because you will get muddy! Oh, and did I mention that a bathing suit is also recommended?
Begin your hike on Kelewina Road, just off of Lola Road which is where you'll park, in a residential neighborhood. After parking, backtrack to the signed gate, where the trail begins amidst a garden of tropical plants. Take your time and enjoy the greenery, where banana plants, ginger and heleconia are found along the trail. Wild coffee trees can even be spotted, after the second Maunawili stream crossing. While the stream crossings are relatively easy (sometimes all it requires is some boulder-hopping), be aware that during heavy rains, it is not wise to attempt these crossings, due to rising water. After the third stream crossing, there are stairs which lead up to some truly breathtaking view of the Koolau mountain range. Once at the top, you will see a bench allowing you to enjoy the views below. Here, the trail appears to split in two. Be sure to go left, where the trail leads you down a flight of stairs to the final stream crossing and on to the waterfalls. There you'll find the waterfalls crashing down 25 feet into a small, lush swimming hole.
It's rare to have the place to yourself, but Maunawili Falls is definitely a treat. Whether you simply want to sit and watch the waterfalls, or brave the cool waters and go for a swim, this waterfall hike is truly a gem. For the more daring, there is also a ledge above the waterfalls that locals like to dive from into the pool below. Either way, Maunawili Falls provides an excellent place to recuperate after a short but sometimes arduous hike. But no matter what kind of hiker you are, Maunawili Falls does not disappoint.
Written By: Shiromi Arserio
Comments
I find it very irresponsible that you do not mention the risks and dangers on this trail, especially Leptospirosis, which could kill if not properly diagnosed right away when symptoms occur, and is often mis-diagnosed in people who swim in these areas, then return home and don't tell their doctor where they went. Indeed, some people have gotten kidney disease and have been in intensive care units. The signs are all posted there, and the people will be surprised that it wasn't mentioned here. Think about it.
- Chris on Fri, March 28, 2008
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