Quote
"Not all who wander are lost."
Updated: October 8, 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: Waiakeakua Falls is located in Manoa Valley, right before the Manoa Falls trail head. Instead of going to Paradise Park, you turn on Waaloa Way. This hike is also known as the Seven Bridges/Seven Falls Hike.
Type: Waterfall hike
Hike Difficulty: Intermediate
Total Time: 2 to 3 hours
Distance: ~2.8 miles
Elevation: ~1200 feet
Things to Consider
- Kid friendly: no
- Pet Friendly: yes
- Bring bug spray. Expect to be attacked by mosquitoes throughout the trail.
- This hike is extremely confusing. No trail markers at all. Be forewarned.
- This hike is also crossing private property and going through a gate with a no trespassing sign. Hike at your own risk, and please pick up your trash.
- Bring extra clothes. You will get wet if you plan to climb the three tiers of waterfalls. Although there is contour trails on the side of the falls.
Your hiking backpack
- Bug Spray
- 2 Liters of water
- Snacks (Something that you wouldn't mind getting wet)
- Towel
- Waterproof case for electronics (I got a Zgear case from Best Buy)
- GoPro/waterproof camera
Directions
Removed.
Our Journey
We started at about 1130am on an overcast day. We were planning to do a hike in Hawaii Kai, but the Honolulu Marathon and the incredible traffic changed our plans. Waiakeakua falls is one of the many hidden waterfalls in Manoa Valley. The hike is well maintained now and I had no problem following the trail. As long as you stay close to the stream, you are on the right path. We never veered too far away from the stream. Some parts will have inclines, and then eventually come back down to the stream. You will never climb up a ridge on this hike. If you end up going to high, you are on the wrong path.
We walked through the gate at the end of Waaloa Way. Along the way you will cross several bridges and see lots of smaller waterfalls and swimming holes. All the trails in Manoa are also connected. You can go to Naniuapo Falls from this trail and even up to the Pu'u Pia summit. You can even head up to the KST to Mt. Olympus and head back down Kolowalu trail. Manoa valley has an endless amount of fun hikes that you can explore. This time, we just visited the three tiers of Waiakeakua Falls and turned around there. Total time for our hike was about 3 hours with lots of picture taking.
Going past the no trespassing signs by the gate.
After a short while, continue straight on the right path. The left takes you to somebody's property. Lol
Head on the left path when you reach this junction.
One of the first bridges we crossed.
Another bridge before entering an open field.
Lots of fallen trees on this hike makes for a cool photo.
The trail is very well maintained.
Another fallen tree. Somebody carved a path through.
We even passed through a bamboo forest.
We crossed the stream a couple of times. A rope to help crossing.
We took a quick dip at Queen's Bath.
A tunnel on the right which fed water to the stream.
Another tunnel on the left. You can continue the trail up the stairs or go straight from the stream to see a waterfall!
Another cool cave. Enter if you dare!
The bottom tier of the falls.
A beautiful waterfall!!!
Some minor rope climbing getting up to the next tier of the falls.
Follow the path on the left to continue up. This is the view above the waterfall. Cross the stream and go up the path on the right.
And finally, the bottom tier of Waiakeakua Falls! We climbed up and around the right side. Be careful it can be very dangerous and slippery!
The middle tier was covered by a fallen tree, but still a beautiful sight!
And finally the top and highest tier of the falls!
Attempting to climb the third tier of Waiakeakua Falls.
It's actually not as difficult as it looks.
*Note: Rope is no longer there.
The water was so clear and beautiful. Lots of waterfalls and bridges on this hike!
Time to head back.
Add a comment about this post! Was it helpful? Love the hike? Comment below.
Since 2014
