Maunawili Demonstration Trail

This 10-mile one-way hike stretches from the Pali to Waimanalo. The trail hugs the side of the Ko’olaus and affords great views along the way. At 3 miles into the trail you can turn left on a junction trail to the Maunawili falls. The trail is a good one for kids - it’s safe and shady.

The trail down the ridge to Maunawili Falls is 0.7 miles long and is ok for the kids, although footing can be tricky when wet, and there are some steep parts. The trail from the falls to the Maunawili Falls trailhead is ridiculous - very deep mud, slick, Croc-sucking as we call it. You will definitely go down, even with a trekking pole. It can be funny if you are game for it (we are) but if you have a kid in the pack or in your arms you will be very irritated at the treachery by the end and not having a good time of it. I say that after attempting to fall in love with this well-worn trail with my second child in the pack three years after my initial induction. I did not fall in love. The demonstration trail is wonderful, and so is the ridge hike. From the Pali side of the demonstration trail, it’s 3 miles to the connector trail junction (the ridge to the falls), then 0.7 to the falls, and 5.7 miles total if you go straight through to the Maunawili Falls trailhead. I see most people estimate 2 miles to the connector trail - it’s 3 miles. I carried a GPS today. Funny thing about this trail, if you ask people on the trail for estimates,they are off by about 50% on timing and distance! Carry your own GPS and be informed before you set out.

Exertion:Relatively level trail - walk as far as you like before turning around!
Treachery:Very low - just use general caution near trail edges in case there is a drop-off into the brush.
Sun exposure:Low - it’s fairly shady.
Lunch spot:While there are no picnic tables, you have views at just about every turn. Just find a comfortable spot to turn around and enjoy.

Trailhead
The trailhead is off the Pali Hwy (on the Kailua side) near the hairpin turn lookout. The Waimanalo trailhead is on the right side of Waikunpanaha St. just after Mahiku Pl.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens

This massive park is quiet and secluded. It was designed to catch runoff from the Ko’olaus and many plants from other Pacific islands are featured in the gardens. There is a pond and ducks to feed near the visitor center. Wild pigs do rummage about here, so you’ll see the tell-tale digging marks in the grass. I have not encountered one personally, but just be aware that it’s a bit more remote here and you could stumble across one.

Exertion: Relatively level terrain with a few hills if you choose to tackle them. One has a great view of the windward side and a nice graphic showing how the area is really part of an ancient crater. You can find this uphill by driving past the visitor center and looking for a little road off to the right. It may be fenced off for park personnel only, so just park across the street in the lot and hike back up the steep grade. About 100 yards up you’ll see the sign off on your right near some benches.
Sun exposure: While there is lots of shade available, the park is expansive and you will have to cross some wide open areas. Be prepared with lots of water and sunscreen.
Treachery: Very very low - some slippery roots, maybe a wild pig…
Lunch spot: Many shaded picnic areas available.

Trailhead
This park is in Kaneohe. Visit the Dept of Parks and Rec website for detailed maps and directions.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

This relatively steep, paved trail is about 1.5 miles one way. It climbs to the top of a hill and affords a great view of the windward coast. It is also a good spot for whale-watching in the winter. The lighthouse is not reachable on the trail (although there is a “herdpath” that goes to the lighthouse). The tide pools far below the lookout at the top of the trail are worth a visit during low tide when it’s safe to traverse the crumbly and slippery lava rock. Take extra precautions if you decide to climb down or head around from the base of the trail. I do not recommend doing the tidepool adventure with children.

Exertion: This is a good hike for young kids - they will tire quickly on the way up so be prepared to carry them or push a stroller. It will be a good workout for you, too! I often carried Sam up to get my workout in, then let him stretch his legs on the way down. As you would imagine, be careful if they start running downhill - the little legs may not keep up with the momentum
Treachery: Very low in most areas, but do be alert near the top as there are some steep drop-offs.
Sun exposure: No shade at all on this hike. It can be very dry, hot and windy.
Lunch spot:You can find a few trees at the top for lunch or a snack break, but there are no picnic tables.

Trailhead
This trail is just off the Kalanianaole Hwy between Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo. It’s the southeasternmost point of Oahu. The trailhead is on the right if you’re heading toward Waimanalo.

Aiea Loop Trail

This is a great trail for kids. Sam and I hiked this with our friends - two girls ages 3 and 1 (in the pack). We started at the upper trailhead near the restrooms and walked about 45 minutes before turning around to head back. Based on our usual pace, I think we did about 2-2.5 miles roundtrip. The kids did some “trail running” and hiked the whole way on their own. They enjoyed sticking their hiking stick in the mud puddles to “clean” them We also spotted a butterfly and lots of interesting plants. The entire loop is about 5 miles, returning you to the second of three parking lots. It’s a short (10-15 min) but steep uphill walk along the road to get back to the car if you do the whole loop.

Exertion: The terrain was essentially flat with a few minor ups and downs. There were some roots to step over but nothing a toddler couldn’t handle with a helping hand every now and then.
Treachery: As with any trail, just be generally cautious - there are some minor drop-offs into brush. This one is low on the treachery scale!
Sun exposure: Mostly shady.
Lunch spot: The picnic area at the parking lot is shady and a great place to eat after the hike.

Trailhead

Trailhead: Take Aiea Hts Rd all the way to the top. You’ll enter the Keaiwa Heiau and drive past two parking lots before reaching the top of the loop. Park in the top lot - the trailhead is just to the left of the restrooms. If you start going down hill again, you’ve just missed the lot.