Maunawili Falls

The trailhead at the end of Maunawili Road is closed, and so is the part of the Maunawili Falls Trail that crosses private land; the part in the Forest Reserve is open. DLNR closed that access with the landowner to protect cultural and archaeological sites in the valley, such as heiau, farming terraces and ʻauwai, while work goes on to realign the trail. The way in now is the Maunawili Trail, also called the Maunawili Demonstration Trail, from the scenic overlook just past the hairpin turn on the Pali Highway: follow it to the Maunawili Falls connector trail, go down the connector to the next junction, and take the trail down to the falls. Do not go straight on at that last junction, which leads to the closed private land. There is no exit through private land, so return the way you came, and the overlook has no long-term parking, so plan to be dropped off. Expect slippery rocks, stream crossings, a narrow trail, sudden drop-offs and a flash flood risk. Helicopter rescues of hikers headed to the falls were common before the old access closed. Alcohol, camping and commercial use are not allowed. DLNR reopened all of Oʻahu's forestry and wildlife lands in late September, and it asks hikers to take care, since hazards it has not yet found or fixed may remain.