Hike to Likeke Falls
May 25th, 2008 by KimTwo friends and I decided to do a hike to Likeke Falls yesterday morning, starting from the Pali Lookout.
We started off following the old Pali road which winds off to the right of the lookout. The path is pretty overgrown in some places, and at one point covered with huge boulders. We weren’t quite sure what to do when it led us right down to the current Pali Highway.
Our directions said to climb down underneath the highway, and walk under the two huge overpasses with cars racing by at high speeds just a few feet overhead. So, to get under the highway, we descended a metal ladder that someone had kindly set up as an alternative to a set of makeshift wooden stairs. That was one of the more exciting parts of the hike!
We emerged on the Old Pali Highway and followed the route as it led down to a “Y” in the road with a small bridge to the left. The switchback trail leading into the forest starts right
next to the bridge.
From there, it was about a 15 or 20-minute hike before the sound of rushing water reached our ears and we came upon Likeke Falls, a beautiful 30-foot waterfall with a shallow swimming area.
Because the hike is not as well-known as some other hikes on the island, like Manoa Falls, your hiking group has a good chance of being alone with this awesome waterfall — even on a Saturday afternoon on Memorial Day Weekend.
Growing up in Manoa, I have a special place in my heart for Manoa Falls. Unfortunately, some trails like Manoa Falls have become busier and busier since they began to appear in more hiking guide books. Now, you’re never alone when you hike Manoa Falls.
The Likeke Trail continues for several miles past the Falls, but we stopped there to cool our feet and eat some oranges before heading back up to the Pali Lookout — and to Kaka’ako Kitchen for a well-deserved lunch.
Hope everyone’s getting out of the house and enjoying the long weekend and the nice weather!
Click here for more info about the Likeke Trail.
May 25th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I didn’t even know about Likelike falls. It looks like a great hike.
May 26th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
how long did it take round trip? with the rest in between?
May 27th, 2008 at 9:26 am
cool tip!! the hubby and i were just commenting that we don’t see enough of our island home. i’ll be sure to put this on the list of things to do this summer!!
May 27th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Chawan: I think we probably could have done it in under two hours, starting from the Pali Lookout. There is also a way you can park closer to the start of the Likeke Trail that leads into the woods…. and that makes the hike a lot shorter, maybe an hour or so. As we were hiking down from the old Pali Highway, we saw people who had parked on the old Auloa Road (on the left as you’re coming down the Pali from town, just before the Pali intersects with Kamemeha Highway). A sign on the road says it is closed, but people park there and hike up to the waterfall.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:39 am
try kuliouou ridge, dude
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Just a suggestion - you might try Wa’ahila Ridge, up at the top of St. Louis Heights. It’s nice and peaceful up there, and the view is great - even the drive up is scenic. It never seems that busy - not compared to Manoa Falls.