Aloha!
Oahu is filled with interesting and beautiful places. All you have to do is venture out of Waikiki to see the Hawaii you’re dreaming of: vast valley landscapes, waterfalls, luscious tropical rain forests, bamboo forests, and towering cliffs and mountain ranges. You’ll experience all of that at the Maunawili Falls Trail, on the Windward side of Oahu. We highly recommend this hike if only for the experience of playing in a waterfall in the middle of a Hawaiian rainforest.
The Maunawili Falls Trail is of medium difficulty. That is, it’s not paved and there is a bit of up and down, but it’s a relatively short trail and you can do it in about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll cross a few streams, so expect to get your feet wet. It’ll all be worth it, as you’ll end up at a big swimming pool and waterfall. You’ll probably find people jumping into the pool.
This is a fairly well maintained trail that is easy to follow. You can even park close to the trail head, which is in a residential neighborhood. Be respectful of people’s homes when starting or returning from your hike.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear your bathing suit!