Let’s just get one thing out in the open here: there are very few lakes in Hawaii. It’s obvious, isn’t it? After all, the state is an archipelago of small islands, and while we do have some of the best beaches in the entire world, we lack many freshwater bodies of water. There is, however, one hikeable lake on the island of Oahu sure to take your breath away.
Correction, there is one small reservoir on the island of Oahu you can hike to.
Tucked away off of Oahu’s Pali Highway in the lush Nu’uanu Valley, approximately a mile from the famous Nuuanu Pali State Wayside (where you’ll find breathtaking views of Windward Oahu), is a magnificent natural oasis that will certainly offer a welcome respite from the stresses of daily life.
This is the Nu’uanu Reservoir, and it is simply stunning.
Surrounded by the majestic Ko’olau Mountains, the reservoir is found smack dab in the middle of a gorgeous field: standing in front of the reservoir, you will find the Pali Highway to the left, a dense jungle to your right, and a bamboo forest behind you.
(This photo was taken from further down the path towards the jungle, and gives you an excellent vantage point of the reservoir, field, and mountains.)
Your hike will begin in a parking lot off the side of the Pali Highway. You will hike through old hunting grounds and a picturesque bamboo forest before emerging and being confronted with a small hill.
Scramble up this hill on your own, or find the makeshift stairs, and climb to the top. Here, you will find the picturesque Nu’uanu Reservoir.
The reservoir was built in the late-1800s or early-1900s and was once a popular spot to go fishing.
Today, the reservoir is gated off and access is restricted. NEVER attempt to access the reservoir’s water tower. It is not only off-limits but can be dangerous. When you type "Nu’uanu Reservoir" into Google, the first search result is the story of a man who died after jumping 50 feet into the reservoir.
You can, however, walk around the base of the reservoir and pretend it’s a real lake. The way the clouds roll over the mountains certainly makes for a dreamy photograph, doesn’t it?
Rumor has it that the reservoir will undergo construction and eventually be opened for fishing again, though we can’t be sure when, or if, that will happen.
If you follow the dirt path to the right into the jungle, you will ultimately find the stunning Lulumahu Falls, a 50-foot waterfall cascading down a greenery-covered rock face into a shallow pool below.
The trail is in a restricted watershed area, and hikers need to apply for a permit in order to make the trek legally, but trust us, it’s totally worth the hassle to grab a permit in person at 2135 Makiki Heights Drive, or the $2.50 processing fee it costs to secure a permit online. Learn more about the stunning Lulumahu Falls here.
Important Note: I’ve read that visiting the reservoir is strictly off-limits, however, the hike that leads there can be done legally with a permit. I, myself, have walked along the banks of this reservoir many times while hiking to Lulumahu Falls, and have never seen anyone get in trouble, though I don’t doubt that it happens. Please keep this in mind if you plan on visiting either the reservoir or the waterfall — and never hike without a permit!
For information about another hikeable lake in Hawaii, click here.
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