Lulumahu Falls Hike

Lulumahu Falls seems to always be crowded, and for a good reason: It's one of the most straightforward hikes through lush forest to a towering two-tier waterfall. This 2-mile round trip walk through the woods is great for adventurous hikers that are not interested in spending all day on the approach. However, those seeking solitude should look elsewhere, as its popularity has only grown in the recent years. There are multiple entrances to the trail: one to the far right, near the Nu'uanu Pali Drive, through a fence and along a gravel path, an another by the dirt parking lot, past a more obvious trail sign. Both entrances lead to the Nu'uanu Reservoir, but first make their way through the dense bamboo of the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve. At the reservoir, the trail climbs the dam and heads along the dirt road, past the tower structure and barbed-wire catwalk. At the end of the reservoir is a remnant parking area with stairs leading up to the right. Follow the stairs and narrow path up as it makes its way through a fenced enclosure and out the other side. From here, the trail follows a riverbed, crossing multiple times, and can be very wet after a good rain storm. Use good footing to avoid falling into the river. The first crossing is along a narrow concrete dam through an inch of flowing water. At the second crossing, stay to the left, following the pink ribbons. After a mile of meandering, the falls appear rather suddenly from around a bend. The pools below the falls are shallow and small, but wading in them is a refreshing break from the tropical heat. Make your way to the falling water for a high pressure shower from above. Lulumahu Falls has multiple tiers, two of which can be seen from the pools below and are fed from the flanks of Konahuanui, or K2. Return the way you came to complete this highly accessible waterfall journey. Parking is in the fairly obvious dirt lot off of the Pali Highway, which is usually crowded with cars, especially on fair-weather weekends. Head out early for a better chance of having the falls to yourself!