Quote
"It's not the years in your life that counts,
it's the life in your years."
Updated: August 26, 2019
Disclaimer: If this hike is not a part of the Na Ala Hele "State Maintained" Trails, it may be illegal or dangerous to hike, so do not attempt or HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Hik3beasthawaii is not responsible for any injuries, fines, violations you may incur. This website is solely to showcase the beauty that nature has to offer on the island of Hawaii. *****
Location: This hike is located on the Maunawili Falls Trail. Past the original falls and over a hidden old bridge brings you to some fun times at the moss slides.
Type: Waterfall hike
Hike Difficulty: Beginner
Total Time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 3.2 miles + less than a mile from the falls to the moss slides.
Elevation:
Things to Consider
Your hiking backpack
Directions
Take Kalanianaole Hwy towards Kailua side. Then turn onto Maunawili Road. *Note: This road is also where the Olomana trail head is. Follow the road all the way and then take a right onto Aloha Oe Dr. Then take a left onto Kelewina St. The trail starts at the end of Kelewina St.
Our Journey
I have done this hike so many times, and I love each time I come here. It is always fun times at the moss slides! However, each time I have came back, there are less and less steps on the bridge. So please, do not use the bridge and head upstream from the Maunawili Falls instead. They both will lead you to the moss slides. However, this write up will include directions from the bridge side.
After you reach the falls, you may head up the left side to where the high jump is located. Following the hill up will lead you to the pipe that you need to cross and then to the bridge. After the bridge you follow the stream and within ten to fifteen minutes, you reach the moss slides. I haven't been to the slides recently, but I would assume there are other people that will be there now. Each time I went, we had the slides to ourselves.
So heading up from the waterfall, you just swim across the pool and climb up the falls. Follow the stream, and eventually you will see the bridge above you. From here you may merge back onto the trail to the moss slides.
I tried to explore more upstream, but didn't find anything interesting. Maybe there is another moss slide or bigger waterfall at the end of the valley! I will leave the exploring up to you!
Heading towards Maunawili Falls from Kelewina St. The trail is more maintained and easily marked now.
Inside a tunnel leading to another side of the valley?
A little bit of rock hopping before reaching the falls.
Maunawili Falls!
Across the pool to the side with the falls.
Jump in! The bottom is about 15 to 20 feet deep.
This is another spot where you can jump from. A little sketchy. There is also a jumping spot on the right side, which is even higher!
This is after heading up the hill on the left side of the pools below.
Leads you to the pipe.
There were some thorns the last time I went, so please be careful of the plants you hold onto.
It's about a ten feet drop crossing the pipe. Definitely scarier than it looks!
Closely after the pipe, comes the bridge.
The hidden bridge, old and raggedy. The steps are broken and the bridge swings back and forth. Definitely sketchy.
Going down...
That's one way to cross the bridge. Lol
Almost no steps left on the bridge.
Explored under the bridge as well.
Watching my friends cross the bridge from below. Lol
Heading past the bridge, just follow the stream.
The stream is man-made here.
Continue to follow the stream for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, ended up at the moss slides!
There are two slides, the left and the right side.
Some POV action!
There's also a cool waterfall right above the slides.
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