Lulumahu Trail – Oahu’s Natural Wet-n-Wild Waterfall Paradise

Beautiful Waterfall Hike Just Minutes from Honolulu

My hands and feet were swollen with heat when I woke in the morning.  It’s August in Hawaii and the breezes are rare, the air thick and heavy with humidity.  The first thought in my mind, after coffee, of course, was where to escape before the sun rose high and the real heat of the day hit.  Too much sun at the beach I thought imagining the shades of tomato red my children would return with. Time to head for the hills, the cloud-topped green peaks of the Ko’olau mountains would offer a natural respite from city, sun, and heat.

Hiking Lulumahu Falls-HonoluluVibes.com Photo Ronen Zilberman

We packed the kids up into the car for Lulumahu Falls, a short 10-minute drive up the Pali from Honolulu with easy access off the hwy. shortly before the tunnels to the windward side of Oahu.  We were bathed with light rain as we emerged from the car – a blessing shower as we headed into the bamboo forest that marks the head of the trail.  Bamboo stalks moaned and creaked above our heads in the wind as we wove between the vertical poles.

The trail opened up into a dirt road at the end of the bamboo and led us on into denser jungle terrain, and mud. Lots and lots of mud! We’ve done this hike in January and in August – it seems that no matter the time of year the trail is bogged with sticky mud.  When hiking in Hawaii it’s wise to choose footwear that won’t be easily sucked off your feet when gripped in the gooey mud.  (Slippers are a no-go on this trail, better to be barefoot.) Between stretches of mud, there are multiple stream crossings that allow you to rinse off and refresh, just prepared to get wet and dirty as is usually the case when hiking on any jungle trail in Hawaii.

As we made our way along the trail we were happy to find that the abundant yellow ginger was in bloom filling the air with intoxicating fragrance.  A scent that has come to signify waterfalls in my mind as its presence along the trails is so prevalent.  As we neared the final destination, a cascading waterfall flanked by towering lava rock walls lined with a blanket of green ferns, we heard the cavernous echoes of rushing water and playful squeals of other adventurers as they stood beneath the column of water descending from 50ft above.  We rounded the last turn of the trail and a modern renaissance scene opened up before us as bathers lounged on rocks of all sizes in the shallow pool at the feet of the waterfall.

It had taken us an hour to reach the falls and the heat of the city was long forgotten now as we waded through the pool to cleanse ourselves beneath the pounding icy water – chicken skin never felt so good.  Body, mind, and souls refreshed we packed up to head back down the trail, ready to return to our busy lives with the comfort of knowing this amazing natural reprieve is always just a 10-minute car ride away.

Hiking Lulumahu Falls Honolulu photographe in Honolulu soullenz; photography; ; Caspi media LLC Honolulu VibesPhoto Ronen Zilberman

Practical Details for Hiking Lulumahu Falls

• Unless you’re already familiar with the trail you can expect this to be about a 3-hour excursion: 1 hour in, 1 hour to enjoy the waterfall and 1 hour back out.
• This trail is going to be a challenge for young kids so if you’re planning to bring any little people say 5 and under, be prepared to carry them much of the way and know that they’re going to need help climbing over several areas of large rocks, steep slopes, and slippery stream crossings (the water is very shallow). Our kids are older (9 and up) and often look for more adventurous routes choosing to walk directly in the stream, enjoying the cold water and challenges of navigating over and around boulders and fallen trees.
• Even if the sun is shining everywhere else on the island, be prepared for rain on the Pali overpass.  The clouds love to settle here dump moisture on a daily basis so, you’re likely to encounter off and on showers for the entirety of your excursion.
• There are regular car break-ins in the parking lot so don’t leave valuables in the car and put any excess stuff in the trunk and out of sight.

by Erica McMillan