Maunawili Falls via the Maunawili Trail Hiking Guide
The short route to Maunawili Falls through the Maunawili Estates subdivision has been closed since 2021, and the old trailhead at the end of Maunawili Road is off-limits. The state's open route is longer and prettier: about three miles each way from the Pali Highway along the Maunawili Trail and a connector trail, ending at the same falls.
Why the Old Trailhead Is Closed
In July 2021 DLNR shut the section of the falls trail that crosses private land, planning a two-year project to realign the route and protect the valley's cultural sites; a consultant had found heiau, agricultural terraces and ʻauwai throughout the valley. The reopening has slipped repeatedly. Nā Ala Hele's trail page still says the private-land portion is closed, the Forest Reserve portion is open, and hikers may not exit through private land. Do not hike in from Maunawili Road.
The Open Route
Start at the scenic overlook just past the hairpin turn on the Pali Highway, heading toward Kailua. Follow the Maunawili Trail about two miles, contouring through wet gulches below the Koʻolau cliffs, to the junction with the Maunawili Falls Connector Trail. Descend the connector about a mile to another junction, then take the trail that drops down to the falls. Don't continue straight there; that path leads onto the closed private land. Return the way you came. AllTrails maps the round trip at 6.1 miles with about 1,270 feet of gain.
Parking at the Overlook
Nā Ala Hele limits parking at the Pali Highway scenic overlook to two hours, and its falls page says long-term parking is not permitted and hikers must be dropped off. AllTrails estimates three hours or more for the round trip, so plan a drop-off and pickup rather than leaving a car there. There is no fee for the trail itself.
Mud, Streams and Flash Floods
This is windward Oʻahu, where the trade winds wring showers out of the Koʻolau and winter storms bring the heaviest rain. Expect boardwalk sections, deep mud and several stream crossings. The state flags flash floods, slippery rocks and stream crossings as hazards on the falls trail: if the water is brown or rising, don't cross. Wading and swimming in the pool carry a leptospirosis risk, which the Department of Health warns about for all of Hawaiʻi's fresh water, especially with open cuts.
Respecting the Valley
Maunawili Valley holds Native Hawaiian sites the closure was meant to protect. Stay on the designated trails, leave stone walls and terraces as you find them, and do not take shortcuts toward the old Maunawili Road trailhead. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Maunawili Trail; hunters may be working nearby with dogs off leash. Bikes share parts of the Maunawili Trail, so listen for them on the contours.
Hiking tips for Maunawili Falls via the Maunawili Trail
- Arrange a drop-off at the Pali overlook; parking there is limited to two hours.
- Turn around at the final junction if you see a path leading onto private land.
- Wait out high, muddy water at stream crossings instead of wading in.
- Keep cuts covered and think twice before swimming in the pool.
- Budget most of a morning; the open route is three miles each way.
Nearby trails to explore
- Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail (Lanikai Pillbox)
- Judd Trail
- Mānoa Falls Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
A long route and a drop-off-only trailhead are easier with a partner. Use TrailMates to find Honolulu hikers heading to Maunawili Falls. Download the TrailMates app to connect.