UPDATED MAR 2020. Maunawili Falls is one of the most popular waterfall trails on Oahu and it is one of my personal favorite waterfalls to visit. You can expect to get wet and muddy as well as hike through a gorgeous setting and swim under a jungle waterfall. Here’s a practical guide with everything you need to know to plan an adventure on the Maunawili Falls trail. I hope it can help you.
Maunawili Falls Trail – How To Hike To This Jungle Waterfall On Oahu
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
FAQ for the Maunawili Falls Hike
Where is it located?
Kailua, about 35 minutes drive from Waikiki.
Is there a cost?
No, it’s free.
How long does it take?
Approx 3 hours depending on your pace.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but they must be on a leash.
What skill level is required?
Beginner but pay attention so you don’t lose your way.
What should you bring with you?
- Good hiking shoes (I use the New Balance Minimus
) - Water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Waterproof Camera (I use a GoPro – the photos in this post are not very good because they are stills from videos)
- Lightweight towel
)
How to find the start of the Maunawili Falls trail
The trailhead is at the end of Kelewina St in Kailua.
You can use this in Google Maps to get you there.
Where to park
Parking for the Maunawili Falls trail is street parking.
Because it is a popular trail, it’s usually hard to get a park on Kelewina St. Park on one of the other streets further back and walk down to the trailhead.
Make sure you are respectful of the people who live in the area and don’t park people into their own driveways.
How to get to Maunawili Falls trail using the bus
It will take about an hour to get to the Maunawili Falls parking area using the bus.
You’ll get bus #56 toward Kailua and get off at Kalanianaole Hwy + Auloa Rd. Then transfer onto the #70 toward Maunawili and get off at Aloha OE Dr + Mei Pl. From there you will have a short walk to the trailhead.
Check with the bus driver or staff at your hotel to make sure this is current. Also, I recommend checking what would be the best route from where you are staying.
What to expect
It is a slippery trail and you will definitely get wet and muddy.
Don’t wear anything too precious that you wouldn’t want to get dirty. During the trail, you also have to cross a couple of streams, so lightweight and breathable shoes are the best choice.
The trail is semi-easy to follow. I say semi because the tracks are well worn for you to follow, but there is some erosion and there are also a lot of little side trails that could easily take you off course.
The trail itself is not the most well-marked, so just to keep it a safe venture into the outdoors.
I would recommend going with someone who has been before. If that’s not possible, at least go on a weekend where there will be other users on the trail that you can get help from if need be.
You will need insect repellent when you hike the Maunawili Falls trail as there are a lot of mosquitoes. You’ll probably need to reapply after you reach the falls.
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Maunawili Demonstration Trail
You can also get to the Maunawili Falls using the Maunawili Demonstration Trail. This is a much longer hike though.
Safety tips
There is Leptospirosis in the water. If you have any open cuts, don’t go swimming. Make sure your pet is vaccinated against Lepto if you bring them with you.
This is a muddy and slippery hike so be ready for that and go at your own pace.
There are rocks at the bottom of the pool. It is deep enough to swim in, but when you jump you can touch the bottom. Jump at your own risk and never dive headfirst.
Avoid this hike if it has been raining heavily or if rain is forecasted for the day you plan to go as flash flooding can occur.
Other things to do in the area
If you would like to do other waterfall hikes and perhaps others that are better marked, there are others in the area. I recommend:
- Waimano Falls
- Manoa Falls
- Likeke Falls
- Lulumahu Falls
Some other non-waterfall hikes in the area are:
There are a lot of good beaches to choose from. I recommend:
- Lanikai
- Waimanalo
- Alan Davis
- Sandys
For food in the area I recommend:
- Crepes No Ka Oi or Cinnamon’s for breakfast
- Paniolos in Kailua or Serg’s Mexican in Waimanalo for lunch
- Ai Love Nalo for smoothies
Here’s my guide on the best waterfall hikes on Oahu for more waterfall hike ideas.
Where to stay on Oahu
I recommend staying in Waikiki because it’s got such an energetic buzz to it and there’s always something going on. I stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and really loved it.
If you prefer guesthouses or want to stay at a different hotel, I recommend searching Booking.com. I use it to book accommodation when I travel and can always find a good deal there.
I hope this has been able to help you plan your own adventure to the Maunawili Falls.
As always, stick to the trail, take your trash with you, check the weather, and use your best judgment on whether this is a good hiking choice for you.
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