Maunawili Falls via Maunawili Demonstration Trail — Attraction in Oʻahu

This is a really wonderful hike. Our total time was just under 4 hours and went through 1.5L of water. Hiking boots are needed for the early parts of the hike, and sandals/similar footwear are recommended when you get to the falls. Use some insect repellent before you get started and be prepared to get muddy if you plan to return via. the more populated Maunawili Falls trail.

We started out near the Pali Hwy, Kailua car-park. This parking spot is less busy than the one commonly used for the falls, and leads to a nice quiet trail with some really spectacular views. about 2.5 miles in, you will get to a junction where you can continue on the longer Maunawili trail(5 miles), or switch onto a connector trail (1miles) to see the Falls. We took the falls route, which led to some pretty overgrown trail, but with some unforgettable views. You will eventually reach another junction with the falls on your right (also the sounds of lots of people splashing) down a pretty worn trail. After visiting the falls, retrace your steps back to the junction, and continue out to the Maunawili Trails exit in Kailua, HI 96734. We then took a ride-share back to our car (21 USD).

The start of this trail, and the connector trail are really spectacular, the waterfall was an experience, but is far more visited. The trail has been severely eroded by the number of visitors , making the ground pretty muddy in places. Worth a visit, but be prepared to change clothing, or carry a towel so your transport...

If you’re looking for the full hike that takes you beyond Maunawili Falls and ends up in Waimānalo, then be warned, it is quite an undertaking. Although it feels flat for the majority of the 10 miles, it undulates a lot, so at the end you will feel tired. The views are amazing, I saw not one single person for the entire hike. However, the path was slippery and at times is tightrope thin. Collapsed trees, rock slides all featured quite heavily towards the end of the hike, meaning there was quite a lot of clambering. Those lovely lush green ferns that you need to walk through enroute to the waterfall are actually pretty EVIL wand sharp. Wear long socks or consider light trousers. My legs suffered! If you want to do the whole hike I would recommend leaving the waterfall for a separate day but take the waterfall turning for 5 minutes to look back up at the view of the ridge. Amazing. It was a full on day. Plenty of trip hazards and slippery paths mean that you’re concentrating hard. The moment my mind wandered, I tripped! Gorgeous views, and it was great having my friend pick me up at the end and then body surf...

Holy cow, this may be one of the most difficult trailheads to find. We tried to find it once and gave up, then I came back by myself and finally found it. The Maunawili Demonstration trail starts off this small pullout parking lot, after the tunnel when traveling towards Kailua on the Pali highway. After a short walk away from the parking lot, you will find the start of the trail. The trail takes you along the mountainside with great views. Part way through the trail, there is a branch that you can take to the Maunawili falls, but if you want to continue, it is almost 9 miles one way. It is a very lonely trail, only saw one other group during my entire 17 mile round trip (had to turn back because there was a good stretch of trees that had fallen and blocked almost the entire trail for a good 50 years or so. Also at the beginning of the trail, there is a warning about explosive hazard. Saw many of these signs around, but I didn't have a problem as long as I stayed on the trail. Not five stars because it's basically a long hike with mostly the same view, but it is there for people who...