Mariner's Ridge

This weeks hike I would like to recommend is Mariner's Ridge located in Hawaii Kai on Oahu. This hike, I believe is for people of all ages. Also, a wonderful addition is that this hike allows dogs! The length is also perfect for a quick workout. Roughly 1.5 - 2 miles to reach the top of the ridge. There are no major inclines but there are a few rocks to climb over from time to time. As you summit the top of the ridge the views of the coast line are awesome and you can see KokoHead across the valley.

The directions are also very easy to follow to the trail head. Heading towards Hawaii Kai on Kalanianaole Highway take a left on Keahole St. Following that road you will pass the Hawaii Kai Post Office on the left hand side and thats your cue to take a left entering Mariners Ridge Housing Community. Follow that road to very top to where the street ends. There is a chain in front of the trail that says No Trespassing but the trail is OK to enter. Parking is limited.

I love this hike and my dogs did too! It's a a great hike with rewarding views at the top!

Lulumahu Falls

Lulumahu Falls is located on Oahu and is the best waterfall I've seen yet on this island. However, this is also the trickiest trail head to find. There are no true directions to finding this trail head and if you are a hiker and know your way around a bit... I actually ended up parking at the trail head of Jackass Ginger and accidentally hiked to that pond. Haha--- way off!!! So back to the car we went venturing further up the Pali Road and found the parking lot which is where the road connects back to the highway and is in its own little spot to the right.

I dragged my little sister along and mind you she is NOT a hiker. This hike I would say is for anyone- just be careful crossing some rocky points. A man we saw said a woman had just slipped and broke her arm in 2 places so definitely be careful (this area is nearing the waterfall).
Once you enter the trail head simply go left, its a tall grassy area but looking above you , you will see a telephone line that you follow for a few short minutes and then you come out in a beautiful hillside area. My sister loved this because she said it reminded her of Ireland. There you go up a small hill go right and walk along a graveled road where you will see a small lake to the left. It is very pretty. Then getting to the hike you come to 2 drainage pipes and take the left one.

Now, this is where I made a HUGE mistake. When you get into the trail you can either go left or right. There are 3 different colors of markers throughout the trail. Blue, black, and pink. And again no real explanation of this trail that I could find and so I decided to follow blue and black. Bad idea! That goes right and do not do that. It was a mess. We took my two dogs and remember my sister that hates to hike..she was to say the least real pissed at me half way through. It was so steep, and muddy, allowing no traction to get up the hills, with branches all throughout the way. So imagine this- hiking uphill with 2 dogs pulling me like crazy because they just want off their leashes, a sister that is so mad at me, slipping all over the place in the mud, and maneuvering over branches under trees, and sliding down steep parts. Honestly, I thought it was hilarious but I was the only one. haha. However with about an hour of uncertainty where we were going we found our way to the incredible waterfall! So blue/black will take you there but only if your up for the hard way. Left is easy (pink) and about 1/3 of the time.
The waterfall was so beautiful!!!! Roughly 80-100 feet.  Heading back we went the correct way-pink- and were laughing because it was so easy and fast. The waterfall is another must see and remember GO LEFT!

Waimoku Falls, Maui

One of my favorite hikes in the islands of Hawaii is Waimoku Falls located on Maui.   We came across this trail from a article in a travel magazine that recommended it as a definite must see! We started our day renting a convertible (such tourists, haha) and made our way through the "Road to Hana." Make sure to leave early in the morning because with the extreme narrow roads, sharp turns, and often stops for picture taking this is definitely an all day adventure.  We started at about 9a.m from Lahaina and drove to the north side of island and made our way around the east of the island. With most of the day complete we arrived at Kipahulu National Park- south side of Maui. This was what we had been waiting for all day and time was becoming short. We arrived to the park at 4:30p.m. and we knew we had about an hours worth of good day light. We ran to the trail head and started the 2 mile trek to the waterfall. Along the way, about .5 miles in, we saw Makahhiku Falls which was breathtaking. On Oahu, you definitely don't see waterfalls of that magnitude and we were in heaven with the views. A few pictures and we continued on.  We ventured though high grass areas, ran across 2 bridges with waterfalls on all sides, saw a large banyan tree, and then entered a beautiful world of bamboo. There's a narrow metal bridge that allows you to walk across for better footing while passing through the world of bamboo trees. At last we maneuvered over rocks, crossed a creek, and there ahead shown a spectacular mystical waterfall. It was truly unbelievable!

Entering the private area home to the waterfall you can get as close as you prefer just be careful as the water is powerful. The waterfall is accompanied by grand walls that enclose this valley. Waimoku Falls is at least 300' high with significant water flow.   We made it just in time with enough light to enjoy the views. Now, if you cut it close for time like we did please go prepared. Especially heading back through the bamboo forest it was pitch black- so we used the flashlight app on our cell phones. A traditional flashlight would have been much more useful. The whole trip is 4 miles and a MUST SEE if adventuring to Maui. Enjoy!