Hawaii boasts some pretty impressive waterfalls, but the Maunawili Falls Trail in Oahu is one of our favorites! The waterfall is hidden in the heart of a rainforest, with a pool deep enough to jump in. Swimming in the rushing water of the Maunawili Falls is a true Hawaiian experience!
*Post Update: As of July 2021, the trail is temporarily closed due to a trail improvement project. The trail is expected to be closed for 2 years and trespassing is considered a criminal offense. Please check the official site for updates.
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A Complete Guide to Hiking the Maunawili Falls Trail
Table of Contents
- Maunawili Falls Trail Information
- How do you get to the Maunawili Falls Trail?
- What to expect when hiking the Maunawili Falls Trail
- Tips for hiking the Maunawili Falls Trail
Maunawili Falls Trail Information
- Length: 2.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1007 ft
- Time: Plan for about 2-3 hours to allow for time to play in the falls.
- Fee: No
- Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash
- Kid-friendly: The hike is not too difficult for kids under normal circumstances. However, If it has been raining the trail is very muddy and slippery. The rising river can also be challenging for kids to cross.
How do you get to the Maunawili Falls Trail?
The Maunawili Falls are located within the Maunawili Valley at the base of the revered Pali cliffs. The trailhead can be found in an unassuming residential neighborhood in Kailua.
When you put the directions into your GPS, be sure to enter ‘Maunawili Falls Waterfall Hike’. If you put in ‘Maunawili Falls’, ‘Maunawili Trail, or even ‘Maunawili Falls Trail’ it may take you somewhere different.
From Waikiki, take H1 West and exit onto Pali (Hwy 61). Stay on this road for about 9 miles, then take a right onto Maunawili Road.
Follow the road through a beautiful residential neighborhood until it comes to an end. You’ll need to find parking along one of the side streets then follow the signs to the trailhead.
Just be respectful and courteous of the residents, don’t be one of those obnoxious tourists.
There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. There are also no trash bins, so pack out everything that you pack in.
What to expect when hiking the Maunawili Falls Trail
The Maunawili Falls are one of the most accessible waterfalls on the island. It is also one of the only ones with a pool deep enough to jump and swim in.
As a result, the trail is often crowded, particularly on the weekends. Try to visit during the week if at all possible, especially during peak season.
You’ll often find a collection of walking sticks at the trailhead that will come in handy with all the slippery mud. I would recommend grabbing one and returning it after your hike.
I would also highly recommend wearing amphibious shoes like Tevas or Keens.
These are sturdy shoes with good traction for hiking and are perfect for the mud and river crossings. You will definitely use them on other hikes in Hawaii as well!
The trail initially follows along a service road for a short way, then you’ll see signs directing you to the trail on the right. This is where your adventure begins!
The trail traverses through the rainforest alongside the river.
It is absolutely beautiful as the shaded path is lined with native uluhe ferns and naupaka trees.
The Maunawili Falls Trail is listed at 2.8 miles round trip, but we clocked it at 3.1 miles on our All Trails app.
It takes about 2 hours to hike the Maunawili Falls Trail, but that includes time to play in the waterfall.
The trail is not too challenging under good conditions, with mostly just a gradual incline until the end when it gets a little steeper.
However, when it has been raining the trail turns into a muddy slip-n-slide.
There are a few portions with ropes and wooden steps for assistance, but most of the trail you’ll need to use caution and take it slow.
You’ll also be required to cross the river multiple times. When the water level is low you can often hop across boulders to reach the other side.
We made the unfortunate decision to hike this trail in the rain. The rushing swollen river was brown and muddy and more challenging to cross, especially with kids. The moms and younger kids actually turned around at this point while the dads and older kids forged ahead.
The trail is easy to follow at the beginning, as it is clearly marked and contours alongside the river.
However, a little past the halfway point you’ll come up and over a hill and this is where you’ll need to make your first river crossing.
There is a small white arrow indicating which way to go, but it is easy to miss.
Many people get lost at this point as they continue to follow the trail up the side of the river instead of crossing.
You’ll also see several small trails leading off of the main trail and it can be easy to get lost at times.
Cell service is very spotty here, so I would HIGHLY recommend upgrading to the AllTrails Pro app so that you can download the trail to navigate offline.
This trail is also usually heavily trafficked so don’t hesitate to ask other hikers if you’re heading in the right direction!
Up until this point, the trail is fairly easy. However, the last quarter of a mile or so is a little more challenging.
After the first river crossing, you’ll soon reach a set of stairs and a muddy uphill climb. From the top, you can take in the impressive views across the valley out to Kailua and Waimanalo.
The trail will have a small fork at this point, one trail leads onward while the other trail leads to a second staircase on the left and a slippery descent back down to the river.
Make sure you take the trail leading down.
You’ll need to cross the river again at this point and walk upstream a little ways to reach the trail on the other side leading to the waterfall.
It does take some effort to reach the falls, but once you get there it will be worth it!
Hidden under the shade of the jungle canopy, you’ll discover a Hawaiian tropical paradise with a 20-foot waterfall plunging into a deep pool of water.
It may not be the tallest waterfall in Oahu, but it is one of the only ones that you can jump into and swim.
The water was particularly muddy when we visited, due to recent heavy rains and flooding. Under normal conditions, it is much more clear.
At the beginning of the trail there is a sign warning of possible leptospirosis contamination in the water and to swim at your own risk.
This is common in most mountain swimming holes and streams in Hawaii. Just don’t enter the water if you have open wounds and be careful that you don’t swallow any water. It is also not recommended to let your dog swim in the water.
With that being said, many people still choose to jump from the cliffs and swim in the pool.
The water at the base of the falls is about 10-15 feet deep. It is deep enough to jump, but you will most likely touch the rocks on the bottom so never dive headfirst.
As with all cliff jumping, use caution and common sense, you are jumping at your own risk.
You can jump from the lower rocks to the left of the falls. For those brave enough, you can even climb to a higher cliff about 40 feet above the falls on the right.
Just use caution as the wet rocks can be quite slippery.
My younger boys jumped from the lower rocks and my oldest jumped from the top.
Of course, I was nervous but they all loved the adrenaline rush and said that this was one of their favorite things that they did in Hawaii!
Take some time to enjoy a cool dip on a muggy summer day and soak in the surrounding beauty of the falls before heading back down the trail.
If you want to continue exploring further past the waterfall, this portion of the Maunawili Falls Connector Trail eventually intersects with the 10-mile Maunawili Trail that leads to the Pali Lookout.
This forest path has several access points and is a favorite among the Obama family when they visit Oahu. It is less crowded and less muddy than the Maunawili Falls Trail.
And if you’re looking for more things to do in Oahu, check out our guide to the Ultimate Oahu Bucket List!
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Tips for hiking the Maunawili Falls Trail
- Be sure to pack extra shoes and clothes for the car ride home, and plastic bags to put all your muddy and wet clothes in. You’ll also want to pack wet wipes or paper towels to clean off the mud.
- I would also bring lightweight towels if you plan to swim in the waterfall. These Turkish towels are our favorite, they are absorbent but don’t take up much room in your backpack.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with deep tread. Trekking poles would also be very useful as the trail is quite slippery.
- As with any hike, bring plenty of water and snacks and always pack your trash out.
- Avoid the trail on the weekends, particularly during peak season.
- There are often swarms of mosquitos on the trail so you’ll want to cover your arms and legs and bring bug spray.
- Avoid hiking the trail after heavy rainfall when the trail is particularly muddy. Flash flooding can also occur, check the forecast and avoid hiking if rain is in the forecast.
Other things to do nearby:
- Kualoa Ranch offers a variety adventure tours to filming locations for Jurassic Park and other movies.
- Visit Hanauma Bay or hike the Diamond Head Crater.
- Cliff jump at China Walls.
- Hike the incredible Crouching Lion Trail or Olomana (Three Peaks) Trail.
- Grab a bite to eat at one of Oahu’s best restaurants.
- Hang out at one of the North Shore’s incredible beaches.
- Check out our 3-Day North Shore Itinerary for more ideas!
I hope this guide has helped you better prepare for hiking the Maunawili Falls Trail. I have a feeling it will be a highlight of your visit to Oahu!
[…] are some important details and tips you should know before attempting this hike. See our Maunawili Falls Trail Guide so that you can be prepared! Despite the mud we all decided that this hike and Crouching Lion were […]