Maunawili Falls via Maunawili Demonstration Trail

"IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Park nearby and get an Uber to the trailhead. The scenic overlook parking has lots of break-in’s and anyone there over 2 hours will be ticketed/towed. It’s near impossible to do in 2 hours. Best bet is to start early and do it before afternoon storms and dark. A local warned us about feral pigs that can chase you after dark."

"This trail follows the ins and outs of the Koolaupoko range from the Pali Hairpin Turn to Waimanalo and offers views of Mount Olomana, Mount Konahuanui, and Maunawili valley. The trail is off in muddy and there are tributary streams that cross the path several times, and it is all beautiful."

"Google location was accurate for trailhead. Signage for trailhead was good. Trail was in good shape, nice views and cool jungle scenery. Our family of four hiked for about 70 minutes before turning back, having not reached the waterfall. Our kids had enough and wanted to go to the beach. Upon return to the parking area (small pulloff from the highway for a scenic view), there was a cop present who was making sure nobody left a vehicle for more than two hours (otherwise tow you away), which is pretty lame since the hike apparently takes more than two hours. The cop was a grumpy douchebag, so be prepared for that possibility."

"If you’re looking for the full hike that takes you beyond Maunawili Falls and ends up in Waimānalo, then be warned, it is quite an undertaking. Although it feels flat for the majority of the 10 miles, it undulates a lot, so at the end you will feel tired. The views are amazing, I saw not one single person for the entire hike. However, the path was slippery and at times is tightrope thin. Collapsed trees, rock slides all featured quite heavily towards the end of the hike, meaning there was quite a lot of clambering. Those lovely lush green ferns that you need to walk through enroute to the waterfall are actually pretty EVIL wand sharp. Wear long socks or consider light trousers. My legs suffered! If you want to do the whole hike I would recommend leaving the waterfall for a separate day but take the waterfall turning for 5 minutes to look back up at the view of the ridge. Amazing. It was a full on day. Plenty of trip hazards and slippery paths mean that you’re concentrating hard. The moment my mind wandered, I tripped! Gorgeous views, and it was great having my friend pick me up at the end and then body surf as the sunset."

"Holy cow, this may be one of the most difficult trailheads to find. We tried to find it once and gave up, then I came back by myself and finally found it. The Maunawili Demonstration trail starts off this small pullout parking lot, after the tunnel when traveling towards Kailua on the Pali highway. After a short walk away from the parking lot, you will find the start of the trail. The trail takes you along the mountainside with great views. Part way through the trail, there is a branch that you can take to the Maunawili falls, but if you want to continue, it is almost 9 miles one way. It is a very lonely trail, only saw one other group during my entire 17 mile round trip (had to turn back because there was a good stretch of trees that had fallen and blocked almost the entire trail for a good 50 years or so. Also at the beginning of the trail, there is a warning about explosive hazard. Saw many of these signs around, but I didn't have a problem as long as I stayed on the trail. Not five stars because it's basically a long hike with mostly the same view, but it is there for people who enjoy long hikes."