Bamboo Forest Oahu | Family-friendly Lulumahu Falls

Into the Unknown

Have you ever seen a jumble of cars parked at a seemingly random spot along the road? There are a few places like this around the island – cars jammed haphazardly into tiny dirt lots or a long line of cars balanced on the edges of a narrow road. It’s fun to explore these areas. What kind of secrets lie beyond? Yes, I know we could look it up online but where’s the fun in that? This time, we explored the crowded dirt lot at the junction of the Pali Hwy and Nuuanu Pali Drive. We discovered Lulumahu Falls and we weren’t disappointed.

A Popular Waterfall Hike

The slippery mud and boulders make it a slightly challenging hike, but there were crowds of families with babies and young children making the trek. Micah (age 5) managed it in slippers. He’s not a hiking savant, so it’s very doable. It took us about two hours in total, but we spent time investigating plants and fungi and lunched at the falls.

 

The Falls : Getting There

You officially need a permit for this hike. No worries, it’s cheap and super easy to buy your hiking permit online. Although, park at your own risk. It’s a high theft area and you will notice broken Just past the trailhead, you have the option of going straight through the dense (ahem, claustrophobic) bamboo forest or bypassing it to the left. This was once overgrown and muddy, but recently the trail has been cleared and fairly dry. On this particular wet day, we opted for muck as the creaky forest spooked the kids. Either route leads to a steep ridge that you will follow past the Nuuanu Reservoir and into the valley. Across from the Menehune, you will find a set of cement stairs that lead to a fenced pond. Beyond that, follow a trail that parallels the stream through dense forest and over boulders. At this point, you will be happy this is a popular hike. The trail isn’t clearly marked, so it helps to follow the crowds.

Looking for More Bamboo Forests on Oahu?

Get a quick bamboo forest fix with this nearby one-mile hike. Looking for more suggestions like the Lulumahu Trail? Sign up for the Little Bird Post below and receive monthly tips for off-the-beaten-path family fun in Hawaii.