Maunawili Falls Oahu | Family Guide to the Waterfall Hike

Maunawili Falls is a waterfall hike on the windward side of Oahu, about 30 minutes from Waikiki. The trail winds through dense rainforest dripping with vines, crosses several streams, and ends at a tiered waterfall with a cool pool at the base. It’s muddy, it’s lush, and it’s one of the better family hikes on the island. The direct trailhead in the Maunawili neighborhood is currently closed with no confirmed reopening date. Access is now via the Maunawili Demonstration Trail, which makes this a significantly longer undertaking. Plan accordingly.

About the Hike

Maunawili Falls wasn’t on our radar for winter break. We had beach plans and camping reservations, but then everyone got sick and it rained for days (see rainy day ideas here). As school break came to a close I found myself in Maunawili looking at a rental house, watching muddy, happy hikers come down the trail. That was enough. We abandoned the beach plans and headed into the forest.

The kids were not immediately impressed. Mud, it turns out, is not universally beloved by small children, despite what I assumed based on my own childhood mud pie experience. They tolerated the slipping and sliding with varying levels of disgust right up until we reached the waterfall, at which point Micah launched a bamboo boat under the falls and all complaints were forgotten.

I’ve done this hike more times than I can count, including one ill-advised barefoot attempt during grad school. The mud was bad enough that I decided bare feet would give me better grip. They did. They also left me with a stubbed toe, a close encounter with a sharp stick, and legs so sore the next day I could barely walk. Turns out hiking barefoot activates every small muscle in your ankles and calves that regular shoes never touch.

What to Expect on the Trail

The trail winds through some of the lushest rainforest on Oahu. Dense canopy, hanging vines, guava trees along the path. You’ll cross several streams and the mud can be significant, especially after rain. Shoes with grip and flexibility matter more than waterproofing here. You’re going to get wet regardless. The trail gains elevation gradually before dropping down to the falls, giving you close views of the Koolau Mountains along the way.

The waterfall itself is tiered, with a cool pool at the base deep enough to swim in. Locals and visitors alike jump from the surrounding rocks into the pool. The falls are the payoff for the mud and the miles and they’re worth it.

One note on the water: leptospirosis is a bacterial disease present in freshwater streams and pools across Hawaii. It enters through open cuts or soft tissue. Don’t go in if you have open cuts, avoid putting your head under water, and don’t drink the water. Most people swim here without issue but it’s worth knowing.

How to Get to Maunawili Falls

The direct trailhead in the Maunawili neighborhood is currently closed. It was announced as a temporary closure for repairs in fall 2023 but has not reopened and there is no confirmed timeline. Access is now via the Maunawili Demonstration Trail, which makes this a significantly longer outing than it used to be. The original hike was a manageable 3 miles with a waterfall at the end. Via the Demo Trail the shortest option is 6 miles. The falls are worth it if you’re already out there for the hike. If you’re specifically chasing a waterfall, Likeke Falls is nearby, short, and delivers. Read on for the current access options.

Choose Your Adventure

There are three access options depending on your starting point:

Pali Road Trailhead. About 6 miles round trip, 4 to 4.5 hours. This is the most accessible option but comes with a critical catch: parking is limited to 2 hours. You will need to be dropped off or arrange a pickup. Do not leave your car here and expect it to be fine when you return from a 4-hour hike. We sometimes park here for a 2-hour out and back on the Demo Trail without continuing to the falls — it’s a beautiful stretch on its own.

The trail begins at the Pali Highway and follows the base of the Koolau Mountains toward Waimanalo. You’ll pass a water tower early on. As the trail winds in and out of the valleys it opens up to sweeping views of the windward side — the full valley from Kailua to Waimanalo, Olomana’s three peaks, and moments where the mountains feel close enough to touch. The trail crosses boardwalk sections, mud, and streams before opening onto a plateau with open views. There you’ll find the Maunawili Falls Connector Trail dropping down toward the falls. There is sometimes a sign, but not always. Download an offline map before you go and watch your location carefully at this junction.

Likeke Falls Trailhead. About 8.9 miles, 6.5 to 7 hours. A longer approach but parking is more manageable. The Likeke Falls trailhead gives you a reasonable starting point without the parking time limit.

Waimanalo Trailhead. 15.6 miles. A serious undertaking for experienced hikers only.

For most families the Pali Road option with a drop-off is the most practical. Check AllTrails for current trail conditions and any updates on the direct trailhead before you go. The Maunawili Demo Trail parking lot is small and prone to break-ins. Leave valuables at home.

Preparing for your Maunawili Falls hike

The non-negotiables. Water, more than you think you need. The hike takes longer than anticipated and stream water is not safe to drink. Snacks. A basic first aid kit.

Footwear. This is the most important gear decision for this hike. You need shoes with grip and flexibility, not waterproofing. Trail running shoes are ideal. You will cross streams and your feet will get wet, plan for it. Wool socks help. And for the record, barefoot is not recommended, despite what curiosity might suggest.

On sunscreen. Most of the trail is covered but there are exposed sections. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Most sunscreen sold at drugstores contains chemicals that damage coral reef ecosystems. Hawaii banned several of them in 2021. They’re not great for humans either.

Rain protection. Rain can arrive on the sunniest day on the windward side. A lightweight dry bag protects your phone and camera. Quick-dry clothing or a swimsuit works fine if you get caught in a shower.

Mosquito repellent. You know how mosquitoes always seem to target a specific person? If that’s you, bring some repellent.

Navigation. Use AllTrails for the current route via the Demonstration Trail. The connector trail junction is easy to miss.

For kids. The geocaching app is a reliable anti-whine strategy on longer hikes. There are caches along the route. Bring trinkets to swap. Also see this post for more on geocaching in Hawaii.

Looking for More Family-Friendly Activities Near Maunawili Falls?

Best alternative waterfall hike

Likeke Falls is short, sweet, and manageable for small kids. A good option if the Maunawili distance feels like too much.

Where to eat in Kailua

Kalapawai Market for coffee, sandwiches, or a proper dinner. Kono’s for slow-roasted pork plates. Nalu Health Bar next door for a vegetarian alternative. Kailua General Store for shave ice. Chad Lou’s Coffee Roasters for local coffee.

Beaches nearby

Kailua Beach is the obvious post-hike reward. Showers and bathrooms at Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is wilder and less crowded, though the shore break is bigger and less suitable for small kids.

More things to do nearby

The Lokahi Market runs Sundays 9am to 1pm. The Kailua Night Market is on the third Saturday of the month. Both are worth timing your trip around.

Family Photos in Kailua

If you’re the kind of family that spends a day hiking through mud to reach a waterfall, you’re my people. That energy comes through in every frame. You can see what a morning adventure looks like here, here, and here. And if it looks like something your family would be into, here’s where to start.

Maunawili Falls FAQs

Q: Is the Maunawili Falls trailhead open?

A: The direct trailhead in the Maunawili neighborhood has been closed since fall 2023 with no confirmed reopening date. Access is currently via the Maunawili Demonstration Trail. Check AllTrails for current conditions before you go.

Q: How long is the Maunawili Falls hike now?

A: It depends on your starting point. From the Pali Road trailhead it’s about 6 miles round trip and 4 to 4.5 hours. Important: parking there is limited to 2 hours, so you need to be dropped off or arrange a pickup. From the Likeke Falls trailhead it’s 8.9 miles and 6.5 to 7 hours. The Waimanalo trailhead is 15.6 miles and for experienced hikers only.

Q: Is Maunawili Falls good for kids?

A: It depends on the kids and your starting point. The original 3-mile hike was manageable for families with young children. Via the Demo Trail the shortest option is now 6 miles. Older kids who can handle a half-day hike will love the mud, stream crossings, and waterfall pool at the end. Small kids may need to be carried on the return. Pack snacks and the geocaching app for the long stretches.

Q: Can you swim at Maunawili Falls?

A: Yes. The pool at the base of the falls is deep enough to swim in and locals jump from the surrounding rocks. Be aware that leptospirosis is present in freshwater streams and pools across Hawaii. Avoid going in if you have open cuts and don’t put your head underwater.

Q: How muddy is the Maunawili Falls trail?

A: Very, especially after rain. Shoes with grip and flexibility are more important than waterproofing. You will get wet at the stream crossings regardless. Trail running shoes are ideal. Barefoot is not recommended, despite what curiosity might suggest.