Makiki Valley Loop Trail — Attraction in Honolulu

I was in Waikiki for 8 days and this was by far my favorite part of the whole trip. it may be a short distance but everywhere I looked was so stunningly beautiful...I stopped over and over again to take more pictures... to breathe, to do yoga, and to just listen to the surround sound of the wind, rain, and waterfalls. I spent several hours enjoying myself deep in the solace and beauty of forest, mountains, waterfalls. it was the most luscious three dimensional green I have ever experienced: walls made of leaves, floors coated with flowers, forests that soar to the sky.

I worried that with it's close proximity to Waikiki Beach that this hike would be crowded with tourists seeking adventure and shade from the hot Hawaiian sun. not so. I went ten, fifteen minutes at a time between passing hikers and it never felt the least bit crowded or overrun with sightseers and selfie sticks. on the flip side, there were enough people hiking I never worried that I would be completely alone in the woods with an injury and no help to be found: there were enough hikers to feel confident on the cliff sides and mud that if I fell I would be rescued. (!!! there are some really steep sections of trail!!!!)

I read lots of reviews about crowded tourists but realized afterward many of them were for the nearby Moana falls hike from Jurassic Park. I am assuming that hike is more crowded with tourists....also diamond head is a crowded hiking spot and requires reservations.

I would not feel comfortable taking my three year old on this hike, the terrain is way too steep, slippery, rocky, and treacherous along the cliffs for a toddler. it is relatively short mileage wise but it is very steep incline and decline--- you essentially climb up one mountain, down into a valley by a waterfall, up another mountain and then follow the water down from the top of that second mountain. so I think the mileage makes the hike sound much easier and more accessible than it actually is. my older kids would be fine, happy, adaquately challenged by the terrain, so I would gladly bring my teenagers. I think 7 or 8 years old is about the youngest I would want to bring here. (with some hiking experience and stamina-- this is not a first hike if you ever want them to come hiking again) however. having said all that. the first trail from the parking lot is accessible for even the littles, it's even stroller or wheelchair friendly with a ramp and bridge to the first water fall. you could go 20 minutes up the trail and turn around. but I do not recommend attempting the entire loop with young preschool...

This was one of the most beautiful trails we did in Oahu! There are plenty of amazing areas for landscape photography. It can be a challenging hike, so if you have bad knees, I don’t recommend it. Lots of uphill, tree roots, steps, and mud. Use good hiking shoes, I’ve seen lots of tourists make the mistake of trying to do local hikes in flip flops. Bring plenty of water/electrolytes and maybe a few snacks to keep your energy up. Restrooms are near the trail offices, they were fairly clean. The women’s restroom only had one stall but that’s ok. There weren’t a lot of people the day we went. There’s a water dispenser also. They also have a wash station to clean off your shoes, they advise using this so you don’t carry invasive plant seeds to other areas- you’ll see this frequently in Oahu. Easily one of my...

If you're looking for a very good workout and connecting with nature while enjoying a spectacular scenic view, you must hike this trail. I went with a good friend and we were challenged with navigating the terrain as you first venture a long and somewhat gradual incline. Be prepared and bring water, fruits, sunscreen, repellant, and most importantly good hiking shoes.

We enjoyed very nice cool breezes in the shade as we stopped to cool off and then we're later rewarded with a slight rain mist that just helped cool us even more. That was probably the best part for me. But with rain comes mud and this trail can then become a bit challenging as you navigate your way back down.

If I lived in Oahu, I would make this trail part of my...