Oahu’s Maunawili Falls Trail is Closed: Here’s an Alternate Route
TRAVEL GUIDE: MAUNAWILI FALLS TRAIL, OAHU
The Maunawili Falls Trail became a victim of its own natural beauty. The allure of the falls themselves, plus the swimming hole and the hike through the rainforest with stunning views drew hoards of hikers.
The trail to Maunawili Falls closed in the summer of 2021. The landowner and Hawaiian state land officials figure out a way to rehab the environment and reopen the trail in a more sustainable way.
While Maunawili Falls was set to reopen first in 2023, then 2024, the trail over private land remains closed.
Key Takeaways on Maunawili Falls
- The Maunawili Falls Trail segment crossing private land is closed for restoration work.
- You can still reach Maunawili Falls via the Maunawili Demonstration Trail.
- Access this trail from the scenic overlook just past the hairpin turn on the Pali Highway (directions below).
- Long-term parking is not allowed at the overlook. Plan to get dropped off and picked up.
Hike Hawaii’s Maunawili Falls Trail
The popularity is understandable. The three-mile trail is manageable for most hikers, and offers sweeping views.
It leads to a tropical oasis, complete with a waterfall, swimming hole, and rainforest canopy.
The water is deep enough to jump in off the rocks, and there are plenty of beautiful photo opportunities along the way. It’s muddy and slippery, and everything you would expect on a “jungle” hike.
On our hike in the spring, we saw just a few other people, but I know many days during high tourist times, it’s overrun and crowded.
Directions to Maunawili Falls Trailhead
From Waikiki, it’s about a 14 mile drive to the Maunawili Falls Trailhead. Without traffic, the drive should take half-an-hour.
You can use the map above, or click here for a GPS location on Google Maps.
Again, this trailhead is closed, but should reopen at some point.
Why the Maunawili Falls Trail Closed
When we hiked the Maunawili Falls Trail in the spring of 2021, we noticed the negative impact of hikers over the years. The trail closed shortly after our visit.
Damage to the Environment
Roots of trees were exposed, with the dirt worn away from not just the top, but completely around full sections of root. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen before on any trial.
We did our best to avoid stepping on the roots, but plenty of damage had already been done.
Farther down the trail, steps had deteriorated badly, and hillsides were eroding.
It was all beautiful, hikeable, and enjoyable, but I can definitely see why state officials grew concerned about the conditions.
The area has always been muddy, but the impact of hikers in the mud is evident, with deep ruts and roots exposed.
It’s typical to see roots form natural “steps” on trails in any environment, but the soil under the roots on this trail is completely eroded in many spots.
Just visually, you can see why the DLNR decided the trail needed a break to heal itself.
Luckily, the climate here is perfect, so the experts think the trees will be just fine.
Neighborhood Complaints
People in the nice neighborhood surrounding the trailhead complain about “hikers behaving badly,” and you can’t blame them.
They cite hikers leaving trash, vandalism, and trespassing.
Plus, they deal with a constant influx of hikers (both local and from around the world) who head to Maunawili Falls.
When Will the Maunawili Falls Trail Reopen?
There’s no reopening date, but officials in Hawaii expect the trail to reopen sometime in 2024.
I received this response from state officials in 2023 about the status of the trail work:
DNLR Spokesman
Currently, the planning company HHF have the contract for the Maunawili Falls improvement plan.
They are in the process of assessing the cultural and historical sites within the area and forming a trail alignment that will bypass and protect those sites. Unfortunately, this type of work and the review process take a fair amount of time. Therefore, we have no definitive timeline at the moment. We understand how important this trail is to the hiking community and visitors. However, we have an obligation to inventory and protect these sensitive sites. Hopefully, we can open the trail this year. Mahalo for your patience.
Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to develop more on-site parking away from the neighborhood. Otherwise, the state and the private company that owns the trailhead land have been very quiet about the repairs taking place, and the reopening date.
What’s Changing at the Maunawili Falls Trailhead?
The DLNR has only said they developed a master plan with a company called Helber Hastert & Fee. They went through a community planning process, to develop a plan which will “enhance” on-site parking. It’s also expected to include some sort of facilities for hikers away from the neighborhood.
The state is also coming up with what they’ve only described as “policies and procedures to support sustainable, long-term use of the trail.” State officials say the master plan will prioritize protecting cultural sites along the trail route.
Directions: You Can Still Hike to the Waterfalls
During the Maunawili Falls Trail closure, hikers should still be able to access the swimming hole and Maunawili Falls from the scenic overlook on the Pali Highway.
Due to parking availability and a time restriction, it’s best if you can get someone else to drop you off while you hike.
You can click here for the location of the parking spot, or check the map below:
Directions to Maunawili Falls
If you’re staying in the Waikiki area, these are the directions to the Maunawili Falls Trail, which you can still access during the other portion’s closure:
- Take the Pali Highway toward Kailua.
- Pass through the two tunnels.
- After the sharp turn you’ll come to a scenic overlook, where longterm parking is banned.
- Parking here is limited, and signs used to warn of a two-hour limit.
- The trailhead is right next to the parking area at the overlook.
It’s a two-mile hike on the Maunawili Trail to the Maunawili Falls “Connector” Trail. Follow that another mile to another junction, which will lead you down to the falls.
Maunawili Falls Map
This map is provided by the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources.
You can see the parking spot off the Pali Highway, and the red Maunawili Falls trail leading down to the connector trail (in blue).
Maunawili Falls Trail Rescues
The Honolulu Fire Department responds to rescues at Maunawili each year. Several rescues have involved people getting hurt while jumping off the rocks at the waterfall. Here are a few examples:
- June 2021: Shortly after our visit to Maunawili Falls, a 25-year-old woman jumped 50 feet off the rocks into the water. She landed on her back in the water hard enough to injure her back and neck from the impact.
- March 2023: A 20-year-old woman jumped off the rocks at Maunawili Falls, and suffered a back injury when she hit the water. She was airlifted out of the area.
- October 2023: Three teenage girls got lost on the trail. After hiking for six hours, they called for help. They were uninjured and had to be flown out to safety.
- July 2024: The Honolulu Fire Department hiked to rescue a 32-year-old man who suffered a lower leg injury while hiking. A helicopter flew him out.
Generally speaking, hiker rescues are on the rise for the Honolulu Fire Department. By the end of 2022, they’d gone on around 220 hiker rescues. By the end of 2023, that number reached 300.
FAQs on Hiking the Maunawili Falls Trail
How Long is the Hike to Maunawili Falls?
When the trail reopens, it’s about a 2.5 mile round trip hike from the road to the falls. It’s hilly in spots, but the average hiker should have no problem making the trek.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Trail?
Dogs are permitted on the trail, but are required to stay with you on a leash.
This comes with a warning from Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. You may encounter hunting dogs on the hike, which will be off-leash and running free.
Can you Cliff Jump at Maunawili Falls?
Yes, you can jump off the rocks at Maunawili Falls into the water below. I honestly don’t know how deep the water is, so I wouldn’t dive in head-first!
Other Oahu Hikes
If you’re heading to Oahu, I’d recommend these two hikes (depending on what you’re looking for).
My favorite hike in Hawaii (one of my favorites in the world!) is the legal way to get to the top of the famous “Stairway to Heaven.” They’re also known as the “Haiku Steps.”
The old WWII-era metal staircase is closed to the public, but you can still reach the top of the stairs on a much longer (and beautiful) hiking route.
The Moanalua Valley Trail is around 10 miles, and a full-day, challenging hike. It’ll lead you through different kinds of terrain, along a ridgeline, and eventually to the peak.
A warning: police are handing out fines and citations to hikers caught on the actual Haiku Stairs, which are set to be dismantled.
Check out full details on the hike here:
🌎 Jared’s Detours Blog: Stairway to Heaven (The Legal Way)
If you’re looking for a shorter, easier hike, I’d suggest the Lanikai Pillbox hike near Kailua. It’ll deliver stunning ocean views above one of Oahu’s most beautiful beaches.
If you don’t have a rental car, you can book a guide or shuttle to several Oahu hikes:
Wrap: Is the Maunawili Trail Hike Worth It?
It certainly will be, once the trail reopens! I love hiking under the lush tree canopy, and the swimming hole at the waterfall is beautiful.
Having seen the wear and tear on the trail and the exposed roots, I’m hoping the environment has time to “heal” before hikers are allowed back to this special place on Oahu.
Check out some of our videos from Hawaii:
