An Unexpected Adventure Awaits In The Heart Of The Hawaiian Jungle
By Megan Shute|Published April 09, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are home to more hiking trails than we could possibly count. These magnificent trails climb up the sides of mountains, along the rugged coast, and deep into the jungle. And while we love all of the hiking trails the Aloha State has to offer (after all, who needs a gym membership when they are surrounded by nature’s playground?), there is one trail on the island of Oahu that leads hikers on a truly unexpected adventure through the jungle. This is Waimano Falls, and it definitely deserves a spot on your Hawaii hiking bucket list.
The hidden Manana Trail, nestled in Pearl City, leads hikers on a 2.8-mile journey to the ethereal Waimano Falls and Pool, an unexpected destination in the heart of the Hawaiian jungle.
Hikers are lulled into a false sense of ease during the first mile of the trail: a relatively flat, wide jeep trail that eventually becomes a narrow path. Soon, you will be descending into the valley on a muddy set of switchbacks.
And then, just when you thought you had a hold on the trail, you encounter what has been not-so-affectionately referred to as "Cardiac Hill," a nearly vertical, root-veined red dirt slope devoid of branches and trees to grab for stability.
The moderate trail begins at the top of the Pacific Palisades in Pearl City and leads hikers on a muddy journey to a swimming hole, and occasionally a waterfall.
For more information, including directions to get there, check out Alltrails.com. If you’re looking for an easier waterfall hike on Oahu, check out Manoa Falls or the pools found along the Judd Trail.
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