Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
break. Look for spinner dolphins and whales offshore, and views of Hi'ilawe in the dis-
tance. Midway down you'll have to cross
Waipiʻo Stream
, which flows into the sea; best
to do so by wading in the ocean, where there are no rocks. If there has been rain, you can
see
Kaluahine Falls
cascading down the cliffs from whence you came. High surf makes
getting to the falls more challenging than it looks. Ahead you'll see the Muliwai Trail
zig-zagging up the cliffs on the other side of the valley, on its way to distant Waimanu.
Once you near the base of the far cliffs, you will see a trail that heads inland, next to a
gate. The trail shortly forks, with the Muliwai Trail heading upwards, and the
King's
Trail
further inland, along a fence. If you don't mind a good workout, it's an excellent
idea to climb the Muliwai to the ridgeline for an outstanding view, then return to the fork
before heading along the King's Trail.
As it parallels the valley walls the King's Trail passes through a natural botanical
garden. You'll encounter coffee plants,
liliko'i
(passion fruit), massive monkeypods,
papaya, elephant ear, avocado and lots more, making you realize what a cornucopia the
valley really is. You'll also come across small groups of friendly wild horses, the des-
cendents of domesticated animals left behind following the tsunami.
After 45 minutes or so you'll reach a wire fence, which you can pass through, as the
trail is public. Shortly thereafter the trail reaches
Nanauʻe Falls
, a stepped series of three
pools, and a popular swimming hole for residents, not all of whom see the necessity for
clothes. This is the end of the public trail, so take a dip and head back. Don't forget your
bathing suit.
Muliwai Trail
HIKING
This 8-mile backcountry trail is for strong hikers who can traverse steep, slippery and po-
tentially treacherous ground. Don't underestimate the difficulty or the beauty of this hike,
which takes 6½ to eight hours and requires crossing 13 gulches - brutal to ascend and
descend, but lovely nonetheless, with little waterfalls and icy cold pools for swimming.
Plan on at least two nights (ideally, three or more) of camping in Waimanu Valley.
Hiking there from Waipiʻo Valley takes about six hours, while the return is easier and
faster. You can park your car at the signposted 24-hour parking area. Dry weather is im-
perative for a safe, enjoyable experience.
The Muliwai Trail begins at the base of the cliffs on the far side of the valley; you can
see it zig-zagging up the cliff face as you approach. A shaded path at the end of the beach
takes you to a dual trailhead: head right and up for Muliwai (straight ahead leads to the
King's Trail). The ancient Hawaiian footpath now rises over 1200ft in a mile of hard la-
boring back and forth up the cliff face; it's nicknamed 'Z-Trail' for the killer switch-
