I have hiked Manana trail multiple times but not once did I have a chance to veer off down into Waimano Falls. Today Jasmin would show me the way.

Trailhead

No signs of pig hunters or hikers. We must be early.

Water tank

Grafitti magnet. Don’t stand still otherwise you might get tagged.

Good morning

Tree filtered sunlight on the ridge.

Downhill

Jasmin going down the steep tree lined hill.

Keep on rolling

It was a short and steep drop under the forest canopy to the stream.

Top of the falls

The watering hole was dry. Of people.

Upstream

We wanted to explore further up the stream to see if there were more waterfalls tucked deep in the valley.

Awapuhi kuahiwi

Got ginger shampoo. Got water. All that was needed were dirty hikers.

Meandering

We followed the stream to see where it would lead us.

Deeper

Going further into the valley, the stream seemed to be swallowed by the lush forest.

Turn around

The stream seemed endless with no waterfall payoff in sight, and besides today’s hike was only supposed to be a few hours. Time to go back. Group photo of Jasmin and myself.

Watering hole

We followed the stream back to the falls to find a lot of people had arrived. This place is packed on the weekends.

Waimano Falls

Group photo at the empty falls. Everybody was frolicking in the pools below us.

Waimano Pools

Swinging like Tarzan.

Slippery when wet

Jasmin climbing out of the falls.

Water fun

Boys and girls just want to have fun.

Who let the dogs out?

Jasmin making her way back up the hill.

Cardiac hill

Really?

Junction

You take the hill and I’ll take the path.

All pau

Jasmin has left the trail.

GPS Tracks

The trail, stream and waterfall hike covered a scant 4.10 miles. Post hike meal at Aiea Bowl. Best oxtail soup on the island. Sorry Kam Bowl.