Best Waterfall Hikes in Oahu : Family-Friendly Hike to Hamama Falls

A Family-Friendly Waterfall Hike in Oahu

Hamama Falls  lies at the back of Waihee Valley on the windward side of Oahu. My introduction to this hike with through my baby hui. At around 3 miles round-trip, it was slow going with a group of toddlers, but they were in high spirits and we slowly made our way to the falls. The return trip was less fun. I was wearing a newborn Mila in a wrap and as we started our return from the falls, she had an epic poo-slosion. I had no spare diaper. Nothing to even assemble a makeshift diaper. Plus, Micah was tired so I had to carry them both back the last mile.

Attempt number two was with visiting family. This time, we got stuck in multiple rain squalls before, my brother-in-law slipped and hurt his leg. We had to do some kid shuffling and again I ended up carrying both kids back from the falls.

Despite the bad luck, it’s really a good hike so we tried a third time with just our family of four. In my head, this hike was 90% covered so we headed out mid-day. In reality, it was maybe 20% covered and unbearably muggy. The result was an extremely cranky, whiny child that demanded flowers every couple of feet. The only way to get him to move was to carry him.

The combination of too much sun the day before, the sweaty toddler on my back, and just being overall out of shape, made it a long hike to the falls. And just because we have the worst luck on this hike, there was another poo-slosion.

“I’m going to find a nice place to sit with my feet in the water, so I can eat my snack.”

Getting to the Hamama Falls Trail

The hike is along a wide, gravel road used by the Board of Water Supply. It’s officially closed, but commonly gets crowded with families. It is 3 miles round trip and took us about 3 hours. Keep in mind that’s at 4-year-old speed with lots of stopping. We had to investigate all the flowers, the swimming hole, swing on the banyan roots “like Diego”, look over the bridge for fish, take a million water breaks (because hydration packs are fun), and then we had lunch at the falls.

The hike is located in Kaneohe (or just outside Kaneohe in Kahaluu). From Kahikili Rd, you will turn left onto Waihee Rd. (just past the Hygienic Store and old theater). Follow it until the road ends and park in the neighborhood before the gate. Please be quiet and respectful in the neighborhood,. It is a closed hike. Also, note that the hike is commonly referred to as Waihee Falls, but that’s actually a separate waterfall that you can access from the Hamama Falls trail. It doesn’t seem kid-friendly, so we’ve never tried it. Happy trails!

Want More Waterfall Hikes in Oahu?

Check out this cooler, lush waterfall trail that passes through a bamboo forest.

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