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Trip 3

Waiilikahi Falls

Distance: 2¼ miles

Elevation gain: 200 feet

Hiking time: 2⅔ hours

Topos: Honokane 7½

Difficulty: Moderate, hiking boots mandatory

Highlights: Waterfalls are enchanting! Too often, Hawaiian waterfalls are inaccessible unless you can afford a helicopter flight—and even then, you can only look but not touch. One of Waimanu Valley’s thundering waterfalls is accessible on foot—with a little patience and navigating skill.

(Of course, for viewing it, rather than splashing in it, this waterfall, like waterfalls anywhere, is much more impressive when seen at a distance, where its long, silky white plumes of water are fully revealed to our admiring eyes. In other words, the best view of this waterfall is not from its base but from the ford of Waimanu Stream.)

Warning: Wild pigs live in Waimanu Valley, and you may encounter one on your way to these falls, as I did. It’s reported that wild pigs can be dangerous if they are surprised and are unable to find a safe escape route. Make some noise as you go to warn the pigs to get away. (I whack the shrubbery and rocks with my hiking stick.)