Naohia Falls (Kalihi Ice Ponds)

This past weekend we set off on an adventure like none other to experience Naohia Falls, commonly called Kalihi Ice Ponds among locals.

 Kalihi Ice Ponds are a set of three-tiered waterfalls and pools located in the back of Kalihi Valley. Pictured above is the entrance to the easily accessible and short hike that leads to Naohia Falls.

 

The mile long path that leads to the waterfall is partially paved and easily accessible by tots. For safety reasons, we  wouldn't recommend this hike for children under 4 or those who have physical disabilities.  

Along the way there are various native plants and birds for children to observe while chugging alongside a bustling stream.

After about a mile or so, we reached the most difficult part of the hike on the right hand side of the path which consists of a 60ft section requiring rope to climb down to the fall. This is the entrance to the Kalihi Ice Pond.

Parents will want to exercise extreme caution when trans versing down this path and make sure to take their time with the little ones and utilize the ropes for support.

The end of the path will lead to a surreal waterfall where locals enjoy cliff diving and swimming in the ice cold water. It is generally not recommended to enter any stream of water in Hawaii if you have any cuts or abrasions of any kind due to Leptospirosis.

Kids can enjoy the view from a safe distance, while the adventurous can climb the waterfall or jump off the surrounding rocks like some of the locals. 

Directions to the Kalihi Ice Ponds (Na Ohia Falls) Trailhead: From the H1 freeway take the Likelike exit towards Kalihi Valley.  Continue pass the intersection of Likelike Highway and N. School Street. Just past the intersection,  veer slightly right and then make a left turn on to Kalihi Street. From there, simply follow Kalihi Street to the very end. Nalanieha street will intersect with Kalihi Street. Find street parking at the end of this area. It is a residential area so please be mindful of where you decide to park, i.e. carefully obey the No Parking signs.


Tips: Use plenty of mosquito repellant, really - please cover your family with it! Do Not attempt this hike when it rains, as it is a valley where flash floods are a possibility. Overall, a fantastic hike for active outdoorsy type families!

Koko Crater Botanical Gardens

Koko Crater Botanical Garden is one of five botanical gardens on the island providing visitors with a peaceful escape from the hectic pace life sometimes keeps us on. From parents rattled with busy schedules at work, to the kids with  their school, everyone in the family can find a relaxing escape here at the Koko Crater Botanical Garden. Best of all it's Free!

The family can take a self guided tour along the 2 mile loop trail which takes about 1.5 hours. Come prepared with drinking water, there is a portable restroom available about 1/4 way into the hike.

 

Koko Crater was formed about 10,000 years ago, and was one of the last volcanic activities on Oahu. Koko Crater is technically a tuff cone, formed by gassy eruption of ash and tuff (fine ash.) Ash, not lava , erupted from the volcano because cool seawater entered the volcanic vent. 

The ash and tuff settled into the ground, solidified into layers of cinder and eventually became the crater that is now this beautiful garden.

 In 1958, Koko Crater was set aside for development into a botanical Garden.  Collections like these occupy 60-acres of the inner slopes and basin of this 200-acre crater site. 

The remnants of the ash create nutrient- rich soil to produce beautiful flowers from all over the world in this garden.

 

The list of the plants that the family can view on this tour are broken up by region. The family can explore plants from Africa, The Americas, Madagascar, Pacific, and of course Hawaii. 

 The hot and dry climate in East Oahu makes this garden the ideal location for dry land plants like these giant cactus.

Agave plants like the ones in the photo above are native to Mexico and produce tequila and agave syrup. Kids will really enjoy viewing all of the plants and learning about their origins.

 Koko Botanical Garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. They are closed on Christmas and New Years Day.

Guided groups can be arranged by appointment (808) 522-7063. Also, it's worth a mention there is a horse stable located directly next to the entrance where guided horse back tours are available. If you are interested in booking a 30 minute tour with the family, their website is here.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden is located at the end of Kokonani St. Follow Hawaii 72 all the way down past the , Hanama Bay, Halona Blowhole, and Sandies Beach. Take a left at the first stop light past Sandies Beach and follow  that street through a residential neighborhood. Eventually you will run into the sign for the KCBG.

Enjoy Ohana!