Laie Falls / Laie Ridge Trail
Image Credit Leonard S Jacobs|https://www.flickr.com/photos/leonardsjacobs/15399553683
Image Credit Leonard S Jacobs
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Phone (808) 293-9201
Address Poohaili St, Laie, HI 96762
 
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Moderate to difficult ridge hike with waterfall payoffs and ocean views.
Features
• General: Photo Opportunity • Hiking: Length: 8-10 Miles • Hiking: Level: Difficult • Hiking: Level: Moderate • Hiking: Major Elevation Changes
• Hiking: Out & Back Trail • Hiking: Ridge Hike • Sightseeing: Waterfalls
The Laie Ridge Trail, located in the town of Laie on Oahu's northeast side, is an 8 mile long, out and back hike (4 miles each way) that leads to Laie Falls. The waterfall at the end isn't huge, about 15 or so feet tall, and splashes down into a small pool. As with all fresh water streams, the threat of Leptospirosis is real so swimming or drinking the water is not advised. The flow of the waterfall can be anything from a small trickle to some serious water. It just all depends on the season and current weather conditions. Always check weather conditions first and be aware of the possibility of a Flash Flood and read our Hiking Safety & Essentials before you go.

Image credit: Leonard S Jacobs

Along the trail you'll walk through pine tree forests as well as on exposed ridges. If it's raining or just rained this is a hike to avoid as the trail gets very muddy and slippery. Most would consider this a moderate to difficult hike which really just depends on your hiking skill level and experience.

Image credit: Leonard S Jacobs

Amazing ocean and valley views can be seen as you ascend the mountains, around 1,200 feet above sea level where you started. So be sure to bring a camera to capture the views as you go. Expect to spend anywhere from 4 to 7 hours doing this roundtrip hike.


The map above gives a rough idea of the hiking trail. You'll be starting out just behind the Laie Hawaii Temple - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You'll want to park at the Laie Park rather than driving closer and through the first set of gates. The trailhead is pinpointed on our map page and will be marked with a sign when you're there.

Another important note on this hike is that it is on private property and thus you must acquire a permit from the Hawaii Reserves company (website and contact info at the top of this page).