I had always wanted to visit this popular watering hole, so to speak, tucked in the back of Kalihi Valley. Jasmin and Matt were my guides for today.
No Trespassing?
After crossing the wooden bridge at the end of Kalihi Street, we came across this “friendly” sign put up by Solomon Enos who took down the “No Trespassing” signs. His reasoning was that the land was “sentient” or alive and we need to treat and care for it as a family member.
Kapu
I guess other people don’t share his feelings.
Sagging lines
Walking down the road, we saw signs of fresh tree cuttings. Helps to prevent power outages.
Grafitti or art?
Call Bart! We found his Dad!
Water down the road
The road is susceptible to flash flooding as runoffs will easily cutoff the road and have stranded hikers in the past.
Same question
Some of the graffiti could be interpreted as being art, in my amateur eyes.
All downhill
We soon left the road to descend down this mosquito infested hill.
Kalihi Ice Ponds
Amazingly, we had the place all to ourselves. I heard it’s usually packed with folks enjoying themselves in the ice cold water. Hence, the falls are also known as Kalihi Ice Ponds. There is a Leptospirosis warning sign tacked onto the tree right before the climb down, the disease can be transmitted through cuts and orifices such as the mouth, eyes and nose. It can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated in time.
Climbing the first fall
Matt and I decided to climb up the falls to see how far she went.
Mosquitoes galore
Stagnant water = Lots of mosquitoes. Bring bug spray.
Second waterfall
The falls were flowing at a decent rate, manageable enough to climb up and down safely. However, if the falls were raging and there was pouring rain, out of the question.
Third waterfall
We topped out at the third waterfall and saw the stream meandered further into the valley, so we turned around. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Need a ride?
Sorry Jasmin, no backseat. Looks like you’ll have to walk back down to the car while we roll in our tricked out convertible. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
Jasmin had Pali Puka on her bucket list of hikes, so off we went to the Pali Lookout. This rooster stopped in front of me after being chased by tourists.
Pali Notches and Olomana
The hike up to Pali Puka is short and sweet, punctuated by edgy and steep climbing. Watch out for the bees! Lucky for us, they were out pollinating flowers or making honey.
Kaneohe view
Windward and town views waited for us at the Puka.
The other side of the puka
Matt climbed on top of the Puka and stuck out my GoPro to capture this view. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.
Kailua view
Hike all pau. What’s for lunch?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Where would you recommend parking for the Naohia falls?
Hi Liz,
Most people park at the end of Kalihi Street right before the trail going to the falls. However, I have heard there has been a crackdown on that spot and it may well be off limits now.
Mahalo
What is the distance for this hike/waterfalls?
Suzette,
It’s a quick hike, roughly 15-20 minutes to the falls from the trailhead. However, I have heard the authorities monitor this location, so hiker beware.
Mahalo