Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
walls and even a few coffee plants—Makiki Valley supported a coffee plantation in the 19th
century. When you meet the Makiki Valley Trail, you can retrace your steps or choose from
the dozens of trails in the area.
MAKIKI-MANOA CLIFFS
★★★
From rainforests to ridge-top views, this somewhat strenuous loop trail is one you'll never
forget. The hike is just over 6 miles, gains 1,260 feet in elevation, and takes about 3 hours. To
get to the trail—part of a labyrinth of trails—follow the directions for the Kanealole Trail (see
above).
The trail starts by the restrooms of the Hawaii Nature Center. Look for the paved path that
crosses Kanealole Stream via a footbridge (Maunalaha Trail). Stay on the trail, following it up
the hill into the forest, where you'll pass bananas, Norfolk and Cook Island pines, ti (pro-
nounced tea) plants, and even a few taro patches. Cross over Moleka Stream and look for the
four-way junction with the Makiki Valley and Ualakaa trails; turn right on the
MakikiVal-
leyTrail.
This takes you through a dense forest, past a giant banyan tree, and then joins the
Moleka Trail. Turn left on the
MolekaTrail
—now you're in the rainforest: Ancient guava trees
reach overhead, maidenhair ferns cling to rocks, and tiny, white-flowered begonias crop up.
Further on, the kukui and koa give way to a bamboo-filled forest, which opens up to a
parking lot on Round Top Drive at the end of the Moleka Trail. Cross Round Top Drive to the
ManoaClifsTrail,
which emerges on Tantalus Drive. Turn right on Tantalus and walk about
100 yards down the street to the
NahuinaTrail
on the left side of Tantalus. As you walk down-
hill, you'll have breathtaking views of downtown Honolulu. At the junction of Kanealole Trail,
turn right and continue back to where you started.
MANOA FALLS TRAIL
★★★
In the misty sunbeams, colorful birds flit among giant ferns and hanging vines, while tower-
ing tropical trees form a thick canopy that shelters all below in cool shadows. This emerald
world is a true Eden—and an easy walk. The .75-mile (one-way) hike is terrific for families; it
takes less than an hour to reach idyllic Manoa Falls. The trail head, marked by a footbridge,
is at the end of Manoa Road, past Lyon Arboretum. The staff at the arboretum prefers that
hikers do not park in their lot, so the best place to park is in the residential area below Paradise
Park; you can also get to the arboretum via TheBus no. 5. The often-muddy trail follows Waihi
Stream and meanders through the forest reserve past guavas, mountain apples, and wild
ginger. The forest is moist and humid and is inhabited by giant bloodthirsty mosquitoes, so
bring repellent. If it has rained recently, stay on the trail and step carefully, as it can be very
slippery (and it's a long way down if you slide of the side). As we went to press, the state of
Hawaii was still assessing the safety of the trail after a series of landslides. Before you venture
out, call
&
808/587-0166
to check if the trail is open.
