![]() ![]() Once back at the sign, we went left and immediately all hell breaks loose. We went 30 minutes the wrong way, had to double back, this ate up a lot of our daylight. At the 2.8 mile point you come to a fork in the road, go LEFT. The first 2.8 miles is a nice little hike, ANYONE can do it. (Note - If you do this trail, the whole thing is 10-12 miles in length, start no later than 0830 am, have plenty of water, food, good boots and gloves for climbing the last sections). Very little water, no food, a little candy, cameras and fortunately GOOD hiking boots. We were there, so not realizing what lay before us, we started the hike. We thought that the hike we were attempting (Paki Palu) was an easy 2.2 miles out and 2.2 miles back. This hike is the "legal" way to gain access to the Stairway to Heaven (Otherwise know as the Haiku Stairs). Problem was we got confused with directions and ended up at the parking lot for the start of the Moanalua Valley Trail Hike. I challenged her to do something a little more challenging. My daughter wanted to hike from the Hilton Hawaiian Village up to the top of Diamond Head. Mind you, I'm a very fit guy (I cycle for 100km without issue), so I was fine, but the rest of the family kinda struggled. Navigating the steps was hard, as we had to tread in the puddles (no way to avoid them) and the parts with the ropes were super difficult. This turned the mud / clay path into absolute slop and made the descent that much more difficult. ![]() However, at the very top, after 10 minutes, the clouds descended and we had a fairy heavy rain shower fall for about 10 minutes. Given our 7 year old made it up fine, I'd say you'll be safe. We ascended in perfect conditions (dry, blue skies) and despite some difficult sections with very steep & uneven stairs, and about three sections where the trail was so steep, you had to hoist yourself up with a rope. Total moving time was 2h25m (according to Strava). We (wife, myself, 7 & 10 year olds) did this in 4 hours. The total length was 8km return, with the first half of the walk fairly easy, yet once you hit the steps and mud, it becomes a real challenge. We arrived at 8:30am and were only the third car in the car park (there's room for at least 20 cars). It's totally safe, but you have to be comfortable in these settings. If you have a fear of falling down the side of a cliff - this hike isn't for you, as there are many narrow sections with sheer vertical drops either side. Skip if it's been raining, otherwise you'll get very muddy. If it's dry (and has been dry for a few days before), this is an amazing hike. This hike was so rewarding and yet so difficult (but only because we descended during rain). I hv mild asthma & nearly had a panic attack trying to breathe at that point. Would recommend catching breath before going in to tunnel on way up. You will be out of breath before entering tunnel & it felt like not enough oxygen to catch yr breath. Worst bit was a set of steep steps followed immediately by the tunnel. ![]() I was a bit nervous only recently recovering from an Achilles injury I did want to turn my ankle over. That included time for photos & rests.Įxcellent viewpoints on way up & from top.īit steep in places & quite uneven. There is a taxi rank there so easy to get one back after walk. We managed to book a ticket for following day 7-8 am start. He has walked from his apartment & paid on arrival but it’s recommended to buy a ticket time slot on line. Our son had done this walk before we arrived so knew best time of day to go. Highly recommend the hike.ĭefinitely worth going. There is a nice clean up area, bathrooms, snack bar, etc. We went earlier in the morning, when we finished, definitely more people. They put "do not go beyond" signs at the end of the trail, but plenty of people scramble to the water's edge. At the end, we were rewarded by nice flowing 150 feet drop Manoa Falls. We spent about 2 hours or so enjoying this area. It just amazes us how Jurassic Park this "feels". But as far as waterfalls trails go, we thought this one was EASY! It is a trail to waterfalls, be realistic people!! Some areas will be steep and steps required. Even with rocks on the trail, our shoes got a little bit dirty. ![]() We went prepared: umbrellas, dark colored good walking shoes (do not wear anything white or nice). We debated back and forth on if we wanted to do this hike so glad we decided to go! Yes, even with sunny Waikiki, this rain forest will be misty and showery. ![]()
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