UPDATED MAR 2020. Hawaii is a land of natural wonder and seems to have it all. There are the crystal clear waters to swim in, ridges to hike, golden sandy beaches to laze on, and of course, waterfalls nestled away in the mountains. There is just so much variety. Unfortunately, the waterfall in this post, the Kalihi Ice Ponds, is now closed. However there are still so many other hikes and adventures on the island, so check out my other blog posts for adventure ideas.
Kalihi Ice Ponds – [NOW CLOSED] Hidden Waterfall Treasure Of Oahu
Disclaimer
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FAQ for the Kalihi Ice Ponds
Where are they located?
Honolulu, about 30 minutes drive from Waikiki.
What is the status of the trail?
2019 update – CLOSED with a guard at beginning of the trail.
What skill level is required?
Beginner. There is just one slippery section.
Is there a cost?
No, it’s free.
How long does it take?
1-2 hours depending on how long you spend at the waterfall.
What should you bring with you?
- Good hiking shoes (I use the New Balance Minimus
) - Waterproof camera (I always use my GoPro and this floaty selfie stick for water adventures)
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Lightweight towel
- Snacks and/or lunch
)
for water adventures)
Gorgeous nature at the Kalihi Ice Ponds
How to get to the trail
Parking for the Kalihi Ice Ponds is on Kalihi Street.
Walk to the end of the street and you will see the path to the right side of the fence.
This is the start of the trail to get to the Kalihi Ice Ponds.
What to expect on the hike
Once you have passed the fence, walk along the service road. There’s a little incline, but it’s very easy to walk up since it is a paved road.
Keep an eye out for a path on the right. You can look for a small path and/or trail ribbons to mark it.
This part of the trail is the only semi-difficult section because it’s steep and can be a little slippery. It’s a very short section though and there are ropes to help you keep sturdy.
The Kalihi Ice Ponds
It’s such a peaceful setting that you wouldn’t think you’re right near a highway.
The main waterfall is small with a pond big enough to swim in. If you’re adventurous you could also try jumping the rocks into the pond, but do this at your own risk and use your best judgment.
You can also climb the rocks to the side of the waterfall to see the next tier or the blue pond. They can be a little slippery so just take it at your pace.
Ice Ponds is not just a catchy name either. The water here is super fresh, but it’s refreshing for a dip!
Safety tips
I recommend wearing bug spray because there can be a lot of mosquitoes. You’ll probably need to reapply after you swim too.
If you do any jumping into the pond, check for rocks first, and use your best judgment.
Always check the weather beforehand and avoid waterfall hikes if there has been heavy rain or if rain is forecast. This is due to the risk of flash flooding.
Don’t swim in the water if you have any open cuts or sores as Leptospirosis is in most of the freshwater on the island. If you take your dog, make sure they are current on Lepto vaccinations.
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Other open waterfalls on Oahu
Since this hike is now closed, here are some ideas for other waterfall hikes on Oahu.
- Maunawili Falls
- Hamama Falls
- Lulumahu Falls
- Kapena Falls
- Laie Falls
I also have a guide to the best waterfall hikes on Oahu here for more ideas and information.
Where to stay on Oahu
I recommend staying in Waikiki during your visit to Oahu because it’s always got a lot going on and has a good central location. I have stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village before and would absolutely stay there again. It was a great experience.
If you’d prefer to stay somewhere else, I recommend searching on Booking.com. I use this to book accommodation when I travel and can always find a great deal through their website.
I’m sorry that this hike has been closed and you can no longer visit the Kalihi Ice Ponds.
There are lots of other great adventures to be had on the island, so be sure to check out my other posts to give you ideas.
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