Maunawili Falls Mud Romp – A family-friendly waterfall hike on Oahu

A Maunawili Falls Winter Mud Romp

Hiking Maunawili Falls was not on our list for winter break. We had big beach plans and camping reservations with friends, but no hikes were on the radar. On the first day of break, however, we all got sick. And then it started to rain and didn’t stop. As school break came to a close, we found ourselves in Maunawili looking at an apartment rental. Side note: finding a home to rent on windward Oahu with two kids is hard. If you have children, you’re moved to the bottom of a very long list for a tiny, overpriced rental. Someone with four oversized dogs would have better luck.

The rental house we were scoping was adjacent to the Maunawili Falls trailhead and I found myself admiring the muddy, happy hikers heading home. I decided that our only chance to salvage the final days of vacation was to embrace the rain and play in the mud. So that’s what we did. If you don’t like playing in the rain you can find rainy day alternatives here.

What Makes Maunawili Falls So Unique and Perfect for Families?

1. Beautiful Scenery. The hike takes you through lush, dense rainforest dripping with vines and fruit trees. Guavas are great for snacking! You get a closeup peak of the Koolau Mountains before descending to the waterfall (and a link to the Maunawili Trail).
2. Waterfall Fun. The icing on the cake is Maunawili Falls. Imagine a waterfall cascading into a cool pool waiting for you to dive into. Kids (and grown-ups) like to jump into the pool from the surrounding cliffs. Not that I recommend it, but it’s fun to watch.
3. Not Too Long. Don’t worry, you won’t need marathon-level stamina. The trail is just about 1.5 miles each way. Long enough to feel like a real adventure, but short enough that nobody’s dragging their feet.
4. Challenge Accepted. Okay, there are some parts where you might slip and slide a bit (especially during the wet winter months), and things can get muddy. But that’s part of the fun! It’s like a mini jungle obstacle course. At least it’s not a ridge hike so there are no steep drop-offs to worry about.
5. Nature Lessons. Your little explorers will get to see all sorts of cool Hawaiian plants and animals. It’s like a living science lesson in the wild.
6. Hang with Locals. This trail is a local fave, so it’s common to run into other families. It’s a chance to soak up some island vibes and maybe even make new friends.
7. Kid-Friendly Adventure. Kids love the muddy parts, stream crossings, and, of course, splashing around in the waterfall pool. It’s like nature’s playground!
8. Easy to Find. You won’t need a treasure map to get to this trail. It’s pretty accessible, even if you’re staying in touristy spots like Waikiki.
9. Bonus. Five-year-old Micah wants me to add that it’s also fun to float the bamboo boat – that you’ve painstakingly carried from the beginning of the trail – under the waterfall.
   

Preparing for your Maunawili Falls hike

The Maunawili Falls trail is a little over 3 miles, but the mud can really slow you down. It took us almost 3 hours and that was with 5-year-old Micah walking one way and being carried back on the return trip. Here are some steps to help you prepare.

Pack essential hiking supplies

• Reef-safe Sunscreen. Much of the trail is covered, but there are exposed spots so if you’re going midday, you may want to cover up.
• Rain protection. Rain can surprise you on the sunniest day. I bring a lightweight drybag to keep valuables and camera gear safe. A long-sleeved shirt and quick-dry clothing is usually enough to keep you comfortable if you get caught in a rainstorm. Some people just hike in their swimsuits.
• Mosquito repellent. With all that rain comes mosquitoes.
• Shoes with grip. You can leave the clunky hiking boots behind. Most important for slippery Hawaiian trails is shoes with flexibility and grip. This hike involves several stream crossings so prepare to get wet and dirty. Personally, I like trail running shoes paired with lightweight wool socks.
• Alltrails.com. An excellent hiking app to help you navigate and prepare. You can also learn about current trail conditions and any closures, permits, or fees.
• Geocaching app. Speaking from personal experience, kids can get whiny on hikes. Our fail-proof anti-whine strategy is to hike with friends or, when that’s not possible, search for geocaches along the hike. Don’t forget to brink some trinkets to swap out.
• Water and snacks. Even short hikes can take longer than anticipated. Bring more water than you think you will need.
• Basic First aid kit. You can pick one up at Target or Long’s if you forgot yours
  

Can you swim in Hawaii’s freshwater pools?

If you stumble along a fresh water pool, waterfall, or stream in Hawaii, you will usually find a group of kids or adults playing in the cool water. However, it’s not without risk. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease present in freshwater puddles, ponds and streams. It’s passed through open cuts or through soft tissues (nose, eyes, mouth). Decide where your comfort levels is, but don’t go in if you have open cuts, avoid putting your head under water and definitely don’t drink the water.

How to get to Maunawili Falls and Key Information

Maunawili Falls is located on windward Oahu, about a half hour drive from Waikiki. As of fall 2023, the trailhead to Maunawili falls (in the Maunawili neighborhood) is temporarily closed for repairs. However, there is a workaround (hike around?). You can still access this trail from the Maunawili Trail. About 2 miles into the Maunawili trail you will find a connector trail that drops down toward the ocean. After that turnoff, the falls are another mile away. It will make your hike twice as long, but you can enjoy a crowd-free hike and maybe have the falls to yourself!

Heads up, the parking lot for the Maunawili trail is small and has no amenities. It’s also prone to break-ins so leave valuables at home.

Looking for More Family-Friendly Activities Near Maunawili Falls?

The windward side of Oahu is full of opportunity! Check out some nearby options to make your day even better.

Best Alternative to Maunawili Falls hike?

Likeke Falls Hike. If Maunawili is more trail than you can handle, opt for nearby Likeke Falls which is short and sweet.

Local Eateries to Enjoy Near Maunawili Falls

Tasty eats await you in Kailua town! You can spend an easy afternoon browsing surf boutiques while sipping boba along Hekili Street and Kihapai Street. A Whole Foods, Target, and Long’s Drug are clustered here for convenience too.

• Kalapawai Market. A friendly place located in the heart of Kailua town to grab anything from a morning cup of coffee, a delicious deli sandwich or pizza to an award-winning full-service dinner that includes burgers, locally caught seafood and the freshest salads.
• Kono’s. Hawaiian kitchen preparing slow-roasted pork sandwiches, platters & more in laid-back surrounds. Nalu Health Bar and Cafe, a few doors down, is a more vegetarian/healthy alternative.
• Kailua General Store. Come for the tastiest shave ice and shop local goods.
• Chad Lou’s Coffee Roasters. Fresh and delicious local coffee!

Local Beaches near Maunawili Falls

The windward side of Oahu is known for its family friendly beaches so you have many to choose from. Here are two personal favorites.

• Kailua Beach. The quintessential family-friendly beach stretching the length of Kailua. Showers and bathrooms are located at Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park.
• Waimanalo Bay Beach Park. A little more off-the-beaten-path with a wild feel and big views. It has a steeper shore break and bigger waves so it’s harder for little kids to play along the shore.

Best non-hiking family activities near Maunawilli falls

• Kailua Farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets pop up throughout the week with local fruit and dishes, but my favorites are the Lokahi Market on Sundays from 9am to 1pm and the Kailua Night Market on the third Saturday of the month.
• Family photos! Let me plan a fun morning for your family doing something you love so you can take home happy memories and beautiful images. Contact me today.

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