First off, you will need to obtain a permit from Hawaii Reserves, Inc prior to hiking the Laie Falls Trail, and you can easily do so by stopping by their offices, located in the Laie Shopping Center (near the Foodland) at 55-510 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI 96762. They are open Monday-Friday from 9 AM-5 PM. More info on them is available at http://www.hawaiireserves.com/about_location.htm. The reason is that it really is private property and you don't want to get into any legal problems with the residents in the area (No Trespassing signs throughout the immediate area). Now on to the hike. You should park at the football field as there is no parking right at the main entrance to the trail. Make sure you have sunscreen and mosquito repellant on you at all times and wear good running/hiking shoes that you're willing to get muddy and dirty. Oh yes, and don't forget about water! Parts of the trail can be a bit muddy and wet. Also look for pink markers on tree branches throughout the trail, as they can really save you from getting lost or overwhelmed. It's about a 3-4 hour hike overall (round trip) and not one of those easy ones either. Along the way, you'll encounter gorgeous views of the valley and even parts of the ocean from a distance. A lot of work and effort to be put in to reach the waterfall. When you get to the part right after all the tall pine trees and that long winding narrow stretch of guava trees, you might be thinking to yourself, "Is this ever going to end!?" It's about another 1-1/2 miles from the pine trees through the guava trees to the falls. And admittedly, I was about ready to turn back thinking I had gone in the wrong direction, but lo and behold, finally came to the sign that directs you to the waterfall. But be really careful when you make your way down to the waterfall and grab onto any ropes available so you don't go tumbling down to the bottom, as it is really steep and dangerous. You will eventually be rewarded with lovely views of Laie Falls. read more

I read a lot of reviews before trying this hike out for myself. A few of them said to get a permit, so I sent in my application by fax to the office and within a week I got an email from them with the permit and it is good for one year. The beginning part of the hike up to the falls is a nice hike - I think it can be considered medium/intermediate. You start by walking from the park on a dirt/gravel road. You pass through two gates and from there it is a walk steadily up through trees and open areas with hard packed dirt and some loose gravel. One of my friends described one of the sections as the pathway for the rock in Indiana Jones (I hope that didn't date me too much) lol. There are great views throughout this whole hike!!! This section can be hot!! After the Indiana Jones part of this hike you come to the pine trees...and they are magnificent!!! So tall and majestic, they sometimes block out the sun. After this you come to the muddy section of this hike and when I say muddy, I mean MUDDY. My friends and I looked like ballerina monkeys trying to balance on roots, hold onto the trees along the side of the trail, and tiptoe our way up. It stays this way until you reach the sign for the falls. By the time we got back to our cars all of our shoes were caked in mud and some of it got into shoes as well. The sign at the falls says it is 2 hours more to the summit. This part of the hike I would consider intermediate/hard. You meander around the two mountains - no real inclines, just a whole bunch of zigzags. However, the trail has a lot of sections where you feel like you're walking on a balance beam and it can be quite muddy if it's been raining. There are a couple sections where there are ropes to assist you, and we only used them on the way down. It is a ridge trail, parts there is just cliff on either side of you, and some there are ferns to one side but when I tested if they were stable enough to lean on, I couldn't figure out where the ground was without feeling like I was going to fall. It took my friend and I three and a half hours to reach the "summit". It looks like it is an intersection for five other trails, which they are I have no idea. If you are going to do this hike, I recommend that you bring snacks, at least 2 liters of water (to the falls), 3 or more liters of water if you're going to the summit. To the falls and back it took my friends and I six and a half hours. We did take our time throughout this hike, so if you're one of those go-go-go hikers it may take you four to five hours round trip. When my friend and I went back to do the summit, it was a 9 1/2 hour round trip hike for us. It was raining the night before and an on and off drizzle while we were hiking so we did not rush. I would definitely do the hike to the falls again, but it would take some serious bribing for me to go back to the summit. read more

See all

Very long but a pretty good waterfall at the end! If you are not a experienced hiker I would not recommend this hike, especially if you are only doing it for the waterfall at the end. Go into this hike thinking it is more exercise than anything really. I still personally like this hike! Its just not easy that's all. There is many ropes going down and up cliffs which scratched up my legs a bit. read more

See all

There's a waterfall in La'ie?! That's what I first thought when I heard about this hike from a friend. And yes, there is. Waaaay back there! PROS: + Great views + Variety of terrain + Not too short, not too long + A waterfall! CONS: - Hot - Not a lot of parking near the trail head - Can get muddy in spots We parked and met up with our group at the football field on Poohaili St., then walked along the road towards the mountains. We continued past the driveway that says you will be shot if you pick the coconuts (we did not pick any coconuts), and on the right there was an opening in the fence with a sign that pointed the way to the La'ie Falls trail. We followed the sign, and went up the road. Eventually we walked past the trail head, but luckily ran into a Chinese man and his dog telling us that we were going towards another trail, so we turned around and found the right spot. The first sign marking the way to the trail: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=O7TCR3Hm5SyQP77aC4a-RA#8uft4axCD7x8xkoP_RsSew Another sign showing you're on the right track: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=O7TCR3Hm5SyQP77aC4a-RA#kkPcKWdvIFPCqagW8L6-MA Of course this trail head started off with a no trespassing sign that said we could only enter with permission. I'm sure at least one of the twelve of us had some sort of permission, right??... No? Meh... That's ok. On we went! A weird way to mark the trail head: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=O7TCR3Hm5SyQP77aC4a-RA#sjMCeyIdZ-stSLZkMYrxHg For the most part the trail is a gradual incline going from the road up through the tall grass in the beginning, past ironwood trees, and dirt embankments. There are even some good dirt biking spots off to the sides of some parts of the trail. There were also countless strawberry guava trees everywhere along the trail. Some were even ripe enough to pick and eat! Baby Ironwood: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=O7TCR3Hm5SyQP77aC4a-RA#BFor6rmKBM62fgomT-Ilhw It unfortunately started raining a little bit early in hour trek, and the sun cam out blazing right after, so it was extremely humid. Also, in the lower parts of the trail there isn't a lot of wind because of the hills and trees blocking the soft breezes. HOT HOT HOT HOT! This was pretty killer. The muddiness that the rain had also caused had also made the going a little slower than it should have been. Mud in the making: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg Eventually you'll reach a part of the trail that's full of Cook Pines. By this point you're pretty far in, and you'll be able to see the ocean, valleys, and even some of the giant windmills from the wind farm in Kahuku. We weren't at the falls yet, though. After the Cook pines we had to keep going, and followed a path that ran along the side of the hills. Cook Pines: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#y0Sfzi7i5WIffYBqJIHY_w View from the hillside: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#uJifhZTZqOA85OVchal5OQ After following this path for a while we came to a sign that said if we kept following it we would be heading to the La'ie Summit, so we turned right towards the falls. From this point the path started going downhill to the falls. There were some man made steps and rope to help you down (and keep you from tumbling down the valley). There was also a couple of spots where it's a big step/climb down the path, so don't rush it. After a short journey down the path we finally hit the waterfall. One of the sign at the beginning said it would take about an hour and a half to get to the falls, but I think it ended up taking us closer to two hours from said sign. Summit to the left, Falls to the right: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#EhQOvprzmck4uuMKauELzA The Falls: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#rxa_tfNUkj1CDxjWhmnQKg We spent a while relaxing, taking pictures, and snacking at the falls. When we were all ready to go we headed back out. The way back was a lot quicker than the way in since it was pretty much all downhill, and the sun had dried out a lot of the muddy spots a little. The total round trip (plus the cruising at the falls) had taken us about 5 hours. I had started the journey with a full 3 liter camelbak, and I had ran out a little before we got back out. I drink a lot of water, so it's not too surprising, but I was rationing myself on the way up. As always make sure you bring sunscreen and enough water! read more

See all

We'd read all the reviews and took on the challenge with a group of 15 people. Some intermediate and a few beginners with my two kids, 6 and 8 years old. The hike is VERY difficult because of the mud and narrow hike. Yes, bring water because it's a 6 hours hike and some very dry area. There are my steep climb that you have to hold on the the rope. Recommendation: 1. Check the weather before going. It's dangerous when raining with muddy trial 2. Bring a lot of water and snack 3. Bring mosquito repellent 4. Bring energy drink even you may not need it. 5. Don't follow the Pink Ribbon 6. Easy to get lost. So ask someone before entering. 7. Wear hiking shoes read more

See all

Only go if you have medium to advanced skills snacks abs lots of water. Oh and 7 hours! Brought my kids little to long and slightly advanced for them. They did it but would not recommend it. It's beautiful but long. Multiple hills of crazy. .... read more

Laie Falls - Fails and pond - Hiking Near Me

My friends & I didn't make it because of the weather (it was pouring) but I absolutely LOVED this hike. Love love love. I totally adore nature so the fact that I got real muddy and everything wasn't that big of a deal to me. The views were gorgeous, especially once you get to the hills. Downside: I'm not an overtly active person so I was lowkey dying when it came to going uphill. Also, bring LOTS OF WATER & some snacks because it really is long. But overall, I really did love the hike read more

See all

All I can say is...WOW! This hike is no joke!! Very long and very hot!! As you get closer to the top, it starts getting muddy and slippery. Make sure you eat a good breakfast before you start your journey and bring lots and lots of water and light snacks to replenish your energy! Suggestion: put a wet towel in the freezer overnight. The next day, put it in a ziploc bag and take it with you to cool you down. Have a great and safe journey!! read more

Laie Falls - The waterfall at the very top!! - Hiking Near Me

One of the "longer-est" (LOL) trails I've done on O'ahu - around 8 miles round trip, I think. I really enjoyed hiking this trail - likely because of the many changes in scenery along the way. - Make sure you have your permit to be on the property you have to walk across. Best to be safe than sorry. I mean, the permit office isn't that far from the trailhead so don't get lazy to make the extra stop. - There should be plentiful parking next to the football field. - Pay attention for the blue sign (will attach a photo). Don't miss it! - Bring food and enough water. You'll need it! - It was muddy when I went so would be good to be prepared for it if you decide to go. - At one point, you might start questioning whether you're heading the right way (like I did - haha)... Don't fret! Just keep going! - Waterfall is not the best, not the worst, but beautiful nonetheless. read more

Laie Falls - Pay attention and look for this sign. It will be on your left hand side. The trail for Laie Falls starts here. - Hiking Near Me

Seriously awesome hike! Went this morning with a girlfriend and we had a wonderful time! Lots of different types of terrain. You will also get to see amazing views of the mountains and the ocean. The total round trip time to the falls is approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on the pace. Make sure to watch the trail markers - bright pink ribbons so you don't get turned around. You get to walk through lots of what I believe to be strawberry guava trees - yum! The waterfall itself is a small waterfall with a small pool at the bottom. We took our socks and shoes off and stuck our feet in - so refreshing! (Many places say this water is fine to swim in!) Once you reach the top where the sign is to the falls.... you follow a sharp right and then getting to the falls is probably the most challenging part of the hike. Steeper, going down and climbing rocks so be careful. They do have ropes in some areas to help you. Beautiful beautiful hike! In terms of difficulty: I wouldn't say it is that challenging of a hike - maybe rate it a medium. However, it is long and it does go up in elevation. And like mentioned earlier to get to the falls is a bit more challenging. Like always, wear the proper footwear and bring adequate food and you'll be fine! Also a snack once you reach the falls is nice to have! read more

Laie Falls - The falls - Hiking Near Me

See all

We enjoyed the hike. Most of the trail is smooth and wide with an easy grade. The main trail is groomed and marked with fresh pink ribbons so it's easy to stay on track although I think a lot of the side routes eventually rejoin the main route. Along the way there is pine forest, pretty vegetation, wild orchids, and good views of valley and coastline. From the car to the falls and back took us 3.5 hrs. Cons: Finding the trail and figuring out where to park is tricky and right cross the street from the parking area is a neighbor who has posted very hostile signage (e.g. "trespassers will be shot") Also, I didn't like the path that led down to the falls. It was hard but in an annoying way rather than in a fun way. Finally when we went, the water fall was dry and the pool was small and murky so the whole setting was really quite drab. Suggestion: Bring a map or use your GPS to find the trail head. The town is simple, but some of the streets you need don't have signs. read more

This is a great hike. It is about 3.8 miles to the waterfall. The terrain is varied - it is a mixture of ATV trails and enclosed trails in a wooded area. It is not extremely steep so I found myself running most of the trail. I did this is in Septemeber and the last .5 miles were extremely nat filled because of all the fruit on the ground. Honestly, the waterfall was extremely small and I would have been fine turning around before I got to the nat filled trail section. I would do this again! There are a few great open spots that give you fantastic views of the island! I didn't get a permit but had no issue hiking it. read more

See all

Good workout but long journey. Lots of water and snacks. Mosquitos possibly so bring repellent or wear proper clothing. I would recommend a hat especially when your exposed on certain parts of the hike. Careful where you park because there are different gates you could possibly get locked in. Lots of frequent bicycle and dirt bikes so watch out for them. read more

See all

This hike is hard! In order to see the waterfall (after a good 2 hour hike) you must walk down a cliff with a rope?! We heard the waterfall but didn't risk going down the muddy pathway using the rope. The hike itself was amazing as you go past turns and twist which change the climate and greenery. It reminded me of a Disney ride! Make sure you've got tons of water and snacks, good shoes, and sunscreen!!! read more

See all

Definitely a lot of work to reach the falls, but because of the recent rain, the waterfall was worth it! Started about 4:30 PM (I recommend starting earlier because the sun sets completely around 7:30PM this time of year). Took us a total of 3 hours round trip but we were running whole way back so we wouldn't get stuck on the trail in the dark. Just made it! A few pointers: -Definitely follow the pink markers! -Prepare for bugs galore at the beginning of the trail (recommend bug spray) -Prepare for mud (if it was raining recently) My husband and I wore our water shoes and we were happy we didn't have to worry too much about our shoes getting dirty. -Bring water and sunscreen (if it's sunny) When we arrived to the location, we parked at the football field as others have mentioned and walked down the street. You will come to three roads. PLEASE TAKE THE MIDDLE ONE THAT CLEARLY HAS A WHITE SIGN "LAIE FALLS TRAILHEAD." Continue walking down the road and you will see pink markers to your left that will indicate where the fun begins! Beautiful terrains and views. Going to falls is harder because of the inclination most of the way, but the way back is easier as most of it will be downhill. The trail will seem like a "forever" trail," but try not to give up because it is well worth it! When you arrive to the pine forest up on the ridge, you have about 1-1.5 miles left before you reach the falls. The strawberry guava tunnels are amazing! Once you reach the end of the tunnels, there will be a sign. Go right for the falls and then you have just a little bit more before you get to see the falls! Definitely a hike I will do again! read more

Beautiful views - strenuous hike, not for the beginner hiker. Terrain is rough at times, especially near the falls. read more

See all

Pretty hard hike, but so beautiful! Ocean views while in a beautiful tropical forest! Rough terrain by the falls, you have to climb up and down with a rope. The falls themselves aren't super big but beautiful. You're going to feel like you took a wrong turn/ will never get there near the end, keep going. Bring a lot of water! read more

Laie Falls - Hiking Near Me

See all

I love this hike, I've done it twice already. It can be about 3-4 hours, since most of it is all up-hill. So bring plenty of water and sunscreen, maybe a little snack for when you come back down. And there is a waterfall of course. There will be muddy spots, especially if it rained the day before, that's inevitable, but not the end of the world. Don't forget the bug spray, they'll get you quick. The second time we went, it was raining on us, and we planned on going all the way to the summit. It was pouring up there, so we didn't venture too far from where the falls were. The view is gorgeous, not all beautiful views have to be of the ocean, ya know. Beautiful views of the valleys, pine forest, you can see the ocean as well, but I loved the pine trees. Lots of green! There's also a mountain biking trail along the side, which looks really fun! read more

Laie Falls was definitely beautiful! It was about an 8 mile hike round trip. The terrain changes frequently leaving you with new views every 10 mins or so, it was a unique experience. The entrance of the hike was covered in lots of tall bushes or grass with a yellow metal fence blocking it so you just need to go through it. I read someone's instructions before the hike and they said to just keep going straight don't go off the beaten paths witch definitely helped. Towards the end it is really sketchy and super muddy so make sure you have good shoes with some grip!! (My mom didn't and ended up face planting at the end lol) anyways, whenever you feel like you're on the wrong path don't worry you're fine just keep straight! You do have to heavily rely on the ropes that are there when you finally are to the falls but just hold on and watch your step because you don't want to trip down the hill! Good luck and don't forget to sigh the waiver at the Laie market place before you go on the hike or else you'll be trespassing. Make sure you don't have any big plans that day so you don't have to rush the hike! It took us about 3 hours but thats only because we were speed walking and running down the hills to make sure we caught our horseback riding reservations! (I don't suggest going if you're out of shape, with little kids or with any pets- it is a dangerous and long hike!) read more

See all

If you're doing this hike in the winter, prepare to be attacked by mosquitoes. Those little devils swarm. Other than that, the hike to the falls is lovely. There are some pretty rad views on your way up, and the falls are nice, and the water at the base is a good 6 feet deep. Which means swimming is a go! Some of the markers are gone, so go with someone who's done it. read more

Such a fun hike! Lots of hidden spots to check out around as well. Medium difficulty. Some say the falls are not worth the long trek, but you really should just go to enjoy the trek. The falls are just an extra reward at the end. read more

This hike is probably my least favorite on the island. It's long, has a weak payoff at the end and isn't even good for chatting!! So bad ... read more

Beautiful scenery but very muddy. Areas of high errosion made it difficult to know which way the trail was. This was more than a moderate hike in my opinion. The trail just gets more difficult as you go and the last section to get down to the falls is at a 80 degreen angle over slick rocks. I would not recommend this to just the casual hiker, kids or the elderly.....paticularly when its been raining. We clocked this to be just short of an 8 mile hike. read more

See all

Great hike for exercise (6 miles round trip) but views and flora are average for Oahu. Two species of orchids on the way up were nice. Waterfall was unimpressive and the water was too dirty to swim. You must hike for a while through a tree tunnel stepping on rotten strawberry guavas, which are delicious but the flies are in great number. I won't do this hike again. read more

Would not do this hike again. Way too long for the payout of the falls that wasnt even that good. I did this hike a few months ago and fell down while on the rope going down the cliff towards the falls and I still have that bruise on my leg. It was beautiful on certain places with the scenary but still too long with not a good few of the waterfall at the end read more

Best hike of my life. Be sure to wear waterproof hiking boots and give yourself plenty of time. Seriously incredible. read more

This hike was a workout one. Plenty of up bills and down, small and right places. I was surprised the talks was easy to find all the way down. Thank you too the people who keep the flags up and running for us people do find easily. I recommend to wear covered clothes unless you can handle the mosquitoes biting you. Bring lots of water you well surely need a few drinks of that!! As for the views irs wonderful feeling the beautiful nature around and cool breeze. I don't recommend this hike to b people who don't like long walks its pretty intense. In the end you got the small one go around to the path on the right and theres a rope to get down to the fall. I don't recommend swimming unless you can handle huge crawlfish in the water lol. Don't forget start early take a while and plus breaks ten sounds perfect to get in and out. Parking is right at the park except sundays its closed so be prepared to park by someone's house or street parking. You pass into a gate than a sign that says do not enter, do not ask for cocunuts pass that sign, wait for a remaining sign should say laie falls. Go straight in..Hope you enjoyed my review great for photo shoots nice places also. read more

See all

Top 5 reasons why you should do this hike: 1. Want to escape paradise? It's like walking through a trash can of hot sun and old mud! 2. Personally, I love wasting my time. If you want to waste an entire day of your life doing something NOT worth it, PLEASE DO THIS HIKE. IT IS SOOO NOT WORTH IT! 3. You don't even need to bring shoes because you're walking through ankle deep mud, filled with pointy pine needles! 4. Like views? No? Good! You'll be stuck in a thick vine tunnel infested with bugs! 5. Tired of crystal clear water? GREAT! You'll love the green slime that drips from pebble to pebble in the mud puddle you thought was going to be the waterfall you hiked hours and hour to get to!!! read more

i really enjoyed this hike! I love the scenery and the views of the ocean on long the way. My fav part was the end.. before the end though it was very muddy and narrow pathways close to the edge ..yikes!!! When we did reach the end i stuck my feet in the water...it was like ice water! before we left i had to jump in and swim to the waterfalls! omg my body turn to ice! it was that cold anyways a great exp! read more

This was an excellent hike. It's challenging for a beginner hiker but totally doable. It's gorgeous and offers lots of different terrain as well as varied scenery. A good 1/3 of the hike is in the shade. About 25 minutes of the trail near the top is sloppy mud and narrow. My kids were losing faith in finding the waterfalls. We hit mud and they had a renewed sense of purpose. We took a small backpack with water and power bars and we're glad we had them. The views are unbelievable. So glad we made the effort. Life is about the journey. If you're just in it for the waterfalls, you'll miss all the fun. PS - read other reviews for directions to trail head and ignore the signs that say 'private property' read more

Went yesterday and no one checked for a permit but I'd suggest getting one anyway, it's free. We parked by the football field and walked up the road to the hike. This is by far the longest hike I've done on the island. Its not too difficult just extremely long and extremely muddy. Be prepared to be ankle deep in Mudd so wear good shoes. Bring bug spray and plenty of water, it gets extremely hot. It took us almost 2 hours to actually get to the waterfall and personally I don't really think it was worth it. Beautiful views on the climb up though. read more

This is a very long hike for a small waterfall so it is best to hike it after it rains so the water fall is going. Be ready for some mud.

Nice hike, need to start early and enjoy the journey because we had to turn around 90 minutes in for about a 4 1/2 mile total without making the falls. read more

This trail was a nice variety of landscape, and some beautiful views that initially I wasn't expecting to see on this hike! Yep, you go all the way up there! In some parts you can even get some great shots with the ocean! So we parked at the football field toward the end of Poohaili street, headed down the road toward the mountains, walked across a bridge, followed the pavement awhile, came to a gate (for vehicles) stay straight through that fence! Follow the main road until you see the blue notice sign that says hiking with permit only! It must be to detour a lot of people but we ignored it once we saw a people coming back from there! This is the point where the pink markers start! First part of trail is wide and min incline! Check point #1 is the weeping pine trees (someone referenced them as ironwood, I couldn't find much on them) Checkpoint #2 the red dirt hills, checkpoint #3 the cook pines that are up on the ridge, checkpoint #4 the strawberry guava trees that create a tunnel that keeps you from going over the side! I got a little claustrophobic after a while! Seems like the end of trail is never going to end! Then finally you reach where the path splits to either continue on to the summit or the falls! Not much further to the falls, but can be dangerous and slick so use caution and the ropes and vines, whatever you can grab, but before using it give it a good strong test pull before trusting it! Voila, you're at the falls! Cool hike all in all! read more