Maunawili Trail: An Unforgettable Oahu Hike for the Whole Family

Maunawili Trail

The Maunawili Trail on Oahu is a captivating adventure that immerses hikers in the heart of Hawaii’s lush tropical beauty. As you trace the base of the Ko’olau Mountains, you’ll find yourself enveloped by dense, green forests, their canopies creating a cool and serene atmosphere. You will cross over small streams and through enchanting groves of bamboo with panoramic glimpses of vast Waimanalo along the way. Create your own adventure by adding different connector trails and access points.

A Family Hike

At over 9 miles in length, Maunawili Trail (not to be confused with Manuawili Falls Trail) may not seem like an ideal family hike. However, the trail is well maintained (along most of its length) and is fairly level with diversity and great views. You can turn around at any time.

In fact, we have hiked the first 2-3 miles more times than I can remember. At the point, the kids start to whine and complain and we have to relent, but the trail pulls me further every time. Ones of these days we’ll make it all the way to Waimanalo.

Preparing to Hike the Maunawili Trail

Where to park

The easiest place to park for this hike is the lot at the hairpin turn along the Pali highway, however, it’s plagued by break-ins. If you can get dropped off at that lot, that’s your best bet. Follow along the inside of the guardrail until you see an official trailhead.

Alternatively, you can access the Maunawili Trail from the Old Pali Road. Park at the paid lot for Likeke Falls. Instead of taking the service road to the water tank, head left down a narrow, slippery (but short) path to the Old Pali Road, walk up the road, under the Pali Highway, up the ladder, then turn left where you will eventually connect with the Maunawili Trail. Of course, this will extend your hike but in a good way.

And finally, you can park at the Waimanalo end of this one-way trail. If you plan to hike the entire length of this trail, you will need to arrange transportation on the other side (or double the distance!).

On the trail

The first 3 miles or so from the trailhead at the Pali Highway is fairly easy and well maintained. This is the section we most often hike as a family. The next 4 miles are less visited and the trail is more slippery, narrow, and overgrown. Finally, the trail opens up again around the 7 mile mark and easy to the end of the Maunawili Trail in Waimanalo.

If you’re short for time I suggest hiking the first few miles to get the lush rewards and great views before turning back.

What to bring

When hiking in Oahu, expect a variety of trail conditions and changing weather conditions. As the Maunawili Falls Trail hugs the Ko’olau Mountains, it tends to be rainy, muddy, and wet. The middle section is often overgrown and narrow so lightweight pants and even a long-sleeved shirt can keep your skin on your body.

• Shoes. Light hiking shoes or trail running shoes with big lugs are good for most Hawaii hikes.
• Sunscreen. Parts of the hike are exposed and if you’re hike the whole thing, sunscreen is recommended.
• Water + Snacks. Always bring more water than you think you will need and snacks because they make hiking more fun.
• Protection. Native uluhe fern along this trail can scratch up your legs and arms if the trail hasn’t been maintained recently. Pants and long-sleeves will save your legs.
• Alltrails.com. An excellent hiking resource with great trail descriptions! Heads up, they suggest starting at the Pali lookout but that access point is fenced off.
• Geochaching. This worldwide scavenger hunt. Keep kids moving with geocaching fun.

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