Maunawili Falls Trail

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Phone (808) 973-9782
Address 6301 Pali Hwy, Kailua, HI 96734
 
Long, 10 mile (each way) hiking trail in Kailua.

Features
• General: Cost: Free • Hiking: Hiking • Hiking: Length: 8-10 Miles • Hiking: Level: Moderate • Hiking: Minor Elevation Changes
• Hiking: Out & Back Trail • Sightseeing: Great Views • Vehicle Activities: Biking

The Maunawili Falls Trail is a 10 mile long (each way), out and back style hiking trail in the Kailua of O'ahu. The trail isn't particularly difficult for most hikes and is said to be of moderate difficulty mostly due to the length and often muddy trail. Total elevation change is around 500 feet.


Since this is an out and back style trail, if you do the entire hike you're in for about a 20 mile round trip hike. If that's too much you can hike in a bit and just turn around and hike back out.


Getting here is easy but there are a few options for accessing the trail. The most common way is to get on the Pali Highway (heading east from Honolulu to Kailua. One you pass through the tunnels (right after the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout) you'll curve right and then encounter a hairpin left turn. Stay in the right lane and pull off at the scenic lookout and you'll be at the main trailhead. Our map / directions page marks this trailhead.


Another option is to head to Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, which is right before the tunnels mentioned above. From there you can park (parking fee required) and hike to the trailhead but this will add some extra length to the hike. Another option is to take the Maunawili-Waimanalo Road Trail which will connect to the Maunawili Falls Trail or the Maunawili Ditch Trail which will run into the Maunawili-Waimanalo Road Trail and then the Maunawili Falls Trail.

As with any hike, be sure to bring plenty of water and read Hiking Safety & Essentials before heading out.