This is currently my favorite park on island, although this is only because it is connected to my…read morefavorite hiking trail on island. I actually haven't really enjoyed this park as a park proper because I simply transit through it to get to the hiking trail (also the campsite appears to be closed off), but it has enough amenities that I was left impressed. There are benches to sit with overhead shelters. Bathrooms helped me clean up after I got caught up in mud along the trail. The sinks were outside the lockable portion, so running water is always available thankfully. There are places to sit and be in community with the gorgeous trees around. I heard the Oahu Amakihi at this altitude even, which was a pleasant and rather welcome surprise. The park warden is a self-described grumpy old man, but he was responsive and helpful when I knocked on his door to report a water leak at the entrance of the Aiea Loop Trail.

I was surprised I haven't written a review for Keaiwa Heiau State Park but maybe I did and the…read moreYelp Ghost stole it! Anyway this is the park that you enter in order to get to the Aiea Loop Trail with breathtaking views from the coastline thru the beautiful Halawa Valley with H3 smack in the middle. The Heiau is well marked and as a Hawaiian Spiritual place it is noted that it is to be respected as such. When you enter the park the Heiau is immediately on your left and parking in marked stalls is required. There are restroom facilities next to the covered pavilion and walkways from one to another. The path to walk into the Heiau is uneven and not easy to access so watch your step if you intend to walk around. I've seen feral chickens, feral pigs, feral cats and campers here. Permits are required for the campers not so much for the aforementioned animals. Dogs are required to be on leash. Beautiful and cooler temperature wise. The drive up Aiea Heights Drive isn't as perilous as others comment about but you do need to pay attention.

Always a favorite spot, very clean, and well-maintained. This park has beautiful scenery of the…read moremountains! Also, the public bathrooms and working water fountains are extremely helpful. Parking was fairly small but park was nice.

This is an Oahu treasure! It's free, relaxing, and full of wonderment. A great place for a family…read morepicnic, for a stroll to do some casual bird watching or just to enjoy the beautiful plants in this huge Hawaiian garden. On the day we visited, there was a local art show exhibiting some talented local artists' paintings. The weather was perfect, and we spent a little time exploring the beautiful grounds. There seems to be lots of events here, including fishing in the reservoir and meetings in the garden's headquarters. I wish I had had a full day to explore the Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens or lived closer to the park to visit more frequently. But even in the short time I had, I got a sense of things - the serenity and peace that envelopes you as you wander about and explore. I highly recommend a visit when you want some unwinding time. Enjoy!

When hiking the Judd Trail I saw the trailhead for Nu'uanu and decided to hike it another day…read more We went back knowing it would be a longer trail. When researching it on Alltrails found that it connected with a number of other trails and will take you to Manoa Falls as well. Although our plan was to hike awhile a turn back. Interesting variety of landscapes from lush moist creek area, pine trees, ferns to dryer ridge area. The surface moves between roots, mud, rocky, steps to wood planks in marshy areas. Variety of views along the way. The trail can be narrow with steep drop offs. We enjoyed the hike clocking at least 10 miles with elevation change of more than 1700 feet. It's rated hard although I would rate it as intermediate level. Bring lots of water, snacks. Wear sturdy boots, I crampons in case of slippery muddy hills, poles come in handy. Alltrails is handy to stay on the trail.

Went back with a friend and finished the loop. This trail is…read morea decent workout with some great views. Followed most of the loop trail on Alltrails, although we took slightly different route on the right side of loop which did add extra miles and elevation. We ended up hiking 7 miles. The weather was good and not too much mud. We did wear crampons the entire hike. The very long muddy hill down to the stream with ropes for aid is doable, however probably best not to do on rainy day. The stream was easy to cross with water running low in the crossings. Be prepared for long steep climbs up and down. There were a number of downed trees to go over or under. Alltrails rates the hike Hard. Glad I went back to experience the full loop.

One of my favorite hiking spots on the island with cooler temperatures and lush vegetation…read moreproviding shade on most of the trail. It's a nice half day hike taking anywhere from 5 to 6 and a half hours if you're with a group depending on how often your take breaks and if you decide to dip in the streams. We usually take the route with 3 stream crossings and a steep uphill cardio burning climb. It's a great workout overall, they don't call it hills for nothing. I don't recommend this hike unless you are with Someone familiar with this area. It is easy to get lost and disoriented with many side trails.

I really appreciate the way Kamaka shares his knowledge. He's authentic, upbeat, and genuinely…read morefriendly, making the experience both enjoyable and engaging. He has a talent for pointing out and explaining things you would normally walk right past, giving you a whole new appreciation for your surroundings. Hawaii is so much more than a tourist destination. Enhance your visit by having him as your guide! I highly recommend him!

One of the Best Walking Tours We've Ever Experienced!…read more My husband and I were fortunate to be among Kamaka's "guinea pigs" on his walking tour along the Ala Wai Canal. It was a complimentary tour--his third time refining the experience before officially offering it to the public--and it far exceeded our expectations. Kamaka has a relaxed, engaging, and easy-to-understand presentation style that made the three-hour stop-and-go tour both enjoyable and informative. Throughout the walk, he shared historical photographs that beautifully illustrated how Hawaiʻi has changed over time. He also provided QR codes at various stops, allowing us to continue learning more about each topic on our own. Such a thoughtful touch! What stood out most was Kamaka's genuine passion for his Hawaiian heritage. His extensive research was evident, and he shared fascinating historical facts alongside heartfelt stories from his beloved Tutu, who was born in 1916. Those personal stories brought the history to life and made the experience even more meaningful. Kamaka also thought of every detail to ensure everyone was comfortable. He provided sunscreen, umbrellas, hand sanitizer, granola bars, ice-cold bottled water, and even collapsible seats for anyone who needed a break. His hospitality and thoughtfulness were truly exceptional. At the end of the tour, he surprised each of us with a beautifully designed lapel pin featuring a red and yellow seedling--a symbol of growth, renewal, and the unyielding drive to rise upward. It was a meaningful keepsake and a perfect ending to an unforgettable experience. My husband and I have traveled extensively and participated in walking tours all over the world. We can honestly say that Kamaka's tour ranks among the very best. The care, preparation, knowledge, and genuine aloha he pours into every aspect of the experience are remarkable. I highly recommend Now and Then Tours with Kamaka!! A job exceptionally well done, Kamaka! Mahalo nui loa!

What better ways to be one with nature than hiking? This relaxing trail is an easy hike even…read morewithout proper shoes, which I don't recommend. It happened that I forgot my walking shoes and had on a pair of Birkenstock, and I was able to hike without difficulty. The view is beautiful and very relaxing. Not a lot of people here so it's not overwhelming with crowds. Plenty of parking. Feel so much better after the hike...in hopes of burning excess calories, of course.

Kalaepohaku lower trail--…read more Download the trail, make sure you pay attention to your map!! There are so many trails that shoot off this trail you can easily take the wrong one!!! Wear good shoes, slippery, with some rock climbing/steps. Shaded most of the time. If you follow the map you will take a steep hill down and up that you can cause you to slide and fall. I was not impressed with this trail, so many out there that have much better views and trail conditions.

I love the waterfalls and we attempted to chase all 7 of them but i had to rate this hike lower…read morebecause it is very easy to get lost and some of the trails have eroded where it could be dangerous for novice hikers Another warning is that there is no parking on this side of Pali Hwy so you have to illegally run across or get dropped off Most of the falls are small but if you like exploring, this is a fun hike. Since we went with one of our groups that had done this before, we managed to navigate the trails. The scenery is always beautiful on Oahu trails but don't expect sweeping views on this trail. The second falls is the most beautiful simply because it is higher. Warning: this trail is not easy to find so skip it if you are not with someone who knows how to navigate it. If you chose to go to all 7 falls, expect to take 6-8 hours due to the trail conditions.

Yes easy to get lost-muddy- and plz bring a headlamp or use cell phone flashlight in the short…read moreabout 3-5 minute slosh tunnel- knee deep in some parts and watch your head! I would rather just go to Lulumahu's spectacular falls and easier to get to....i went with a group that started at 9:30 amd we finishwd at 2:30 .....after the 4th waterfall I stayed back because I didnt want to climb up on the side to get to the other falls...someone did fall there and had to be helicoptered out- the rest of the group seemed fine and they told me that further up was a bit sketchy but they enjoyed it because they are alm avid and advanced hikers....think I will stick to Diamond Head, Manoa Falls, and the like from now on...oh and lots of mosquitoes! Bring spikes, they help!

3.5 stars Okay so,…read morefirst off, THE TRAIL IS SUPER LONG. roughly about 14 miles roundtrip or maybe 16 if you go to see the Haiku stairs. The trail itself isn't all that visible and it's pretty dangerous. and obviously, don't stand too close to the side bc there are false ledges. Definitely BRING GLOVES because there are ropes along the way during some of the narrower parts of the trail and you could easily get cut and then possibly an infection from touching the dirty rope if it cuts you. Also, don't use the railings to support yourself because they're very old and they'll probably break with some pressure. Bring lots of water and snacks because this hike will take a longg time. Some parts may be muddy if you go in the early morning or after it has rained. The view was very nice being able to see all the greenery and tree tops in the mountain. It's a fun hike if you're with people that are fun and make sure everyone knows what theyre getting into because again, this is a super long hike.