Manana Trail/Waimano Falls

 Today my daughter and I decided take on the challenge of the Manana Trail to see the epic Waimano Waterfall. Manana Trail is located in Aiea on Koma Mai Drive at the end of a residential area.

As a disclaimer for your families safety, I strongly recommend only those that are physically fit attempt to negotiate the steep, muddy, slippery, and sometimes grueling trail. Come prepared with appropriate shoes, hiking carrier for small children, and plenty of water.

Parking is free and located next to the curb near the houses in the area. This particular home had a pet goat and a giant pig roaming the yard.

The pig seemed friendly and didn't pay us much mind as he nibbled on the grass in his yard.

 

The start of the hike is easy enough for younger children to walk to the beginning of the decline towards the waterfall. The views surrounding this entry point of the forest are amazing.

Just past the paved trail we came across a sign marking the heading for the Koolau Summit (5 3/4 mi) and Waimano Waterfall that was 1 3/4 mi ahead. From this point the trail is downhill with roots, rocks, and other obstacles to overcome.

For safety reasons, I carried my daughter from this point and took our time to make down to the waterfall. It took us around 45 minutes to reach the waterfall. Follow the signs and markings on the trail. Avoid the unmarked trails that venture down steep hills utilized by hunters.

The steep decent down the trail is appropriately named "Cardiac Hill" by the locals. On the way back up, I quickly figured out why this section of the trail earned its nickname.

Our first view of the waterfall.

There were other hikers there jumping in the tidal pool at the base of the falls. However, this is generally not recommended if you have cuts or open wounds due to leptospirosis

For my daughter's safety we kept a safe distance from the falls. There is a rope hikers can utilize to get down closer if they desire. The short video I took below will give you an idea of what to expect.

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Waimano Trail was our second waterfall hike. If your family is looking for a  physically demanding challenge and an adventure with a waterfall, then I highly recommend this hike.  On the other hand, if your family would rather take it easy or if you have multiple small children, then I would recommend Waimea Falls on the North Shore.

I carried my 3 year old daughter for most of the 3 hour round trip hike and wished I would have had a hiking carrier like the ones mentioned on the Recommended Gear Tab at the top of  the page. Nonetheless, the hike provided a vigorous workout with a rewarding waterfall.

Pacific Islands Art Festival

This weekend we went to Kapoliani Park in Waikiki where they were having the 14th Annual Pacific Islands Arts Festival, featuring the multi-ethnic arts/crafts of the islands, craftmaking demonstrations, Hawaiian music and hula.

Festival features the art and handcrafted products of approximately 100 Hawaii artists and handcraft artisans, including all types of jewelry, clothing, stained glass, ceramics, quilts and bags, wood products, soaps and candles. All products are displayed for sale by the artist personally.

 

Booths included everything from handmade soaps/lotions to beautiful local paintings and children's outfits like the one in the photo above.

The Nostalgic art photos of Hawaii  make great souvenirs or collectables.

After we walked around the booths for bit we decided to check out the live Hawaiian band playing nearby. The performance was very entertaining.

 Hula Dancers prepare for their onstage performance. 

After the Art Fest, our family headed over to Shimazu Store, a popular haunt for shave ice. They are located at 330 N School St open from 11am-6pm.

 

Unfortunately our daughter feel asleep from all the excitement at the Art Festival so she didn't get a chance to enjoy her mango flavored shave ice with ice cream. 

If you missed this weekends Art Festival no need to fret, there will be one every month. For the schedule head to the Art Fest Web Site. 

Makaki Forest Recreation Area

After taking a long hiatus off from blogging, I've decided to continue to pursue my vision of helping folks find things to do with their families in Oahu. I am passionate about helping others find wholesome activities with their families, because frankly- there are not a lot of one-stop resources out there on the Web for those looking for family inclusive activities on the island.  

This week I found time to explore the Makaki Forest Recreation Area, located a short drive away from busy downtown Honolulu and Waikiki.

 Makiki Forest Recreation Area is the location of three trail heads: Maunalaha Trail, Kanealoe Trail, and Makiki Loop Trail. Today, we hiked Kanealoe. There is plenty of free parking in the adjacent parking lot at the base of the trail, or the overflow in front of the sign.

 We started with the mini hike near the parking lot, a very short trail ideal for children and novice hikers.

Along the gravel paved trail there is plenty of beautiful native vegetation and exotic birds chirping away as you make your way through the peaceful hike. This hike provides a great non- strenuous way to enjoy nature and relax.

About a quarter of the way through the trail, my daughter and I came across a family size swing made from bamboo cut from the surrounding bamboo forest.

 

This trail provides plenty of benches to take a rest if the wee ones get tired or the grown-ups need a rest. 

I found this Hawaiian pepper on the ground near a pepper tree near the end of the hike. After we finished with this hike, we moved on to the Kanealoe Trail near the Hawaii Nature Center.

 After we crossed the bridge with the Kanealoe Stream we took in the calming sounds of birds chirping, the lull of the stream under our feet, and the scent of wild eucalyptus.

Here is a short clip of the beginning of the hike so you can get an idea of the surroundings.

We headed left at the base of two trail heads towards the Kaneaole Trail (0.7 mi/1.1 km), whereas right would have taken us on the Makiki Loop Trail for a total distance of 2.2 mi/1.8 km.

The terrain was semi- muddy due to the rains we have been having on the islands. Rocks and boards are there to assist with footing. Sorry Moms and Dads, you can't bring your strollers on this hike, but check out the recommended gear tab for ideas for great hiking carriers for small children.

The trail has plenty of diverse plant and wildlife to see. We came across this vine canopy that provided us with some cool shade while we took a rest.

Inside the massive canopy.

My daughter came across this sign describing the feral pigs that can sometimes be seen taking drink of water near the stream just off the trail. Apparently, wild pigs have become quite a nuisance to the native Hawaiian Plants and the local government authorizes periods of hunting to keep the population under control.

We were hoping to catch a glimpse of the pigs, but no such luck today.

The peak of the trail ends at the top of the Makiki Loop. We decided to turn around and head back towards the entrance of the park. We were treated with a partial view of downtown Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

At the end of the hike there is a station to clean your hiking shoes before jumping back into your car.

Makaki Forest Recreation Area offers plenty of diverse hikes for the family to explore. Take a break from the traffic and hustle of Honolulu to get back in touch with nature. I recommend waiting for a few days with no rain to ensure the trail isn't muddy. Also come prepared with some mosquito propellent and water for the Keikis.

Check out the Nature Center for inexpensive and informative family tours of the trails.

The address for Makaki Forest Recreation Area  is :

2131 Makiki Heights Dr
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

Friendship Garden

Located in Kane'ohe, the Friendship Garden is known for its one kilometer (0.6 miles) of non-strenuous hiking trails that take visitors through groves of macadamia, banyan, mahogany, strawberry guava and eucalyptus trees in a peaceful setting. 

Friendship Garden is part of what began in the 1920s as Hawai'i's first multi-racial community, called Kokokahi ("of one blood"), a place where people of all ethnic backgrounds would come together to live, work and play. It was the inspiration of the Rev. Theodore Richards, who together with his wife, Mary Atherton, acquired the land and built the community. source.

The garden is free and ideal for for family and small group hikes. A hiking carrier like the ones mentioned on the recommended gear tab at the top of the page is highly recommended if hiking with small children.

lava stone platform steps lead to the trail loop above.

One of the first sites my daughter and I came upon was a wild Macadamia Nut Tree.

A close up of the Macadamias in their raw form.

Further up the trail we came across a bamboo forest. The variety of plants, flowers, and trees will keep the family entertained on the way up to the summit of the hike.

Through the bamboo forest we were treated to a sneak peak of a view of Kaneohe Bay.

This banyan tree was so huge, I was unable to get the whole tree in the photo.

After about 5 minutes into the hike, we came upon a fork in the trail marked by a sign that read: "Loop Trail"

We chose the path to the left and pressed onward to see what lay ahead.

Eventually we made it to an un-manicured trail that led to an incredible view of Kaneohe Bay.

On the way back down it was little steep, therefore I highly recommend shoes appropriate for hiking and a carrier for small children. This is a short hike and a great way to get immersed in nature to help clear the mind.

Address for GPS:

Kokokahi Place
Kaneohe, HI 96744

Directions: from Honolulu take H3 or Likelike Hwy until you get to Kaneohe Bay Drive. Follow Kaneohe Bay Drive until you get to Kokokani Place St. Take KokoKani Place St. through a narrow residential neighborhood until you see the entrance to Friendship Gardens. Parking is limited alongside of the entrance.

Kukaniloko Birthing Stones

Located near the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa, Kukaniloko Birthing Stones is a sacred site of cultural significance in Hawaii.

In 1925, Kukaniloko became the first ancient site on Oahu to be officially recognized and preserved. Parking and admission are both free.

Kukaniloko is one of the most sacred places in Hawaii. The Ali'i (high chiefs) wanted their children born here for its spiritual power to ensure their children would achieve high ranking status. Only Ali'i were allowed to set foot upon this ground. Special markers were set out on the boundaries.

As we walked down the path surrounded by the sugar cane field, I couldn't help but feel a strong sense of history in this place. I could immediately see why the kings thought this place was sacred- it was very a tranquil and peaceful environment.

Thirty-six stones guard the entrance: 18 on the left, 18 on the right. These stones are NOT part of the originals, but were placed here by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

These stones represent the 36 chiefs who witnessed the birth. A total of 48 chiefs witnessed the birth and rituals.

                    
More than just stones. Watch the video above to get a true understanding of what this site was used for and how amazing it really is.

At the entrance of the birthing site there were two stones that guarded the entrance.  Only High Cheifs and the mother of their children were allowed past this point.  Multiple barriers were set up to protect this land, to ensure that if one got past the first boundary, one would not get past the second. The Hawaiians believed that the gods recognized a child born here

The Hawaiian word Kukaniloko means: "To anchor the cry from within." It was believed that those who gave birth here would do so with ease and no pain.

In order to achieve this, the mother needed to follow a strict diet and exercise regime recommended by the Kahuna. Many Hawaiian plants were ingested also to prepare the mother for a painless birth.

It is common for locals to leave a Ho`okupu (offering) on the birthing stones. 

For seven centuries, this outcrop of more than 80 rounded stones became the hallowed grounds for the birth of the Aili (chief) of Oahu. Some of the stones were also used to map stars and mark seasonal changes.

The mother would be transported to the Kukaniloko birthing stone on a finely woven mat. She would not actually touch the rock; it was a gravity-type birth. The she would drink a sap mixed with water so the birthing process would be painless.

There are indentations in the stone where the retainers would place their legs for leverage to hold the mother. Two more retainers stood at the foot of the rock. The mother would place her feet on their hipbones for support. Another Kahuna would stand behind the mother and she would push down on the retainers' shoulders. One last Kahuna would receive the baby.

source

We recommend stopping by Kukaniloko Birthing Stones on your way to Dole Plantation or the North Shore. This is a peaceful site in the country and is a great place to take the family for break from the tourist traps.


Take H1 West bound to H2. Take H2 north to exit 5 (Wahiwa). Take Kamehameha Hwy north through Wahiawa to Whitmore Avenue. Turn left onto  Whitmore Avenue and the dirt road leads into a pineapple field. This is an unofficial parking area marked by a chain fence and a sign describing the site. The stones are located a few yards down this road.



These sites are sacred to the Hawaiian people and should be treated with the utmost respect. Please do not move or remove anything from these sites and  do not climb or walk on the rock walls and platforms.