Looking for a Hawaii hike that feels “off the beaten path” but still is easy to complete? You should check out Likeke Falls on Oahu!
Likeke Falls Trail Quick Facts
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip, out-and-back
Location: East Oahu near Koʻolau Golf Club
Cost: Free, but you may need to pay about $10 to park
Your Journey Through the Hawaii Forest
Water springs from a rock wall and cascades over moss-covered rocks in a secluded spot along the Likeke Trail. Peace envelops this space. The sound of the water at Likeke Falls provides a calming soundtrack for the lush green foliage and tropical flowers at hand and the starkly beautiful backdrop of the pali cliffs.
Likeke Falls Trail snakes along the sheer Koolau mountains on the windward side — the side away from Honolulu, facing the top of Oahu as you look at the island on a map.
We were able to enjoy this experience as part of a hike that began at the Koolau Golf Course and continued on to a clearing that was once a heiau — a sacred worship space.
Likeke Falls: A Hike for Everyone?
There are two important aspects of this hike. First, the trail is open to anyone. We saw individuals and families setting out on their own, and passed a guided adventure tour on the path. The hike I took is considered a cultural heritage tour — led by a local of Hawaiian descent (Hawaiian is a specific ethnicity, not just a current resident of the state).
Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club sponsored the hike to Likeke Falls. I prefer to support civic groups in their efforts to preserve and protect important cultural sites and I enjoy the cultural/historical perspective they provide. There is certainly nothing wrong with other paths to the experience.
The second point. Our hiking group included a pregnant woman with her husband who carried their young child in a backpack and a handful of us well over 50.
That said, it was not an easy stroll. It is not paved or graded — the hike is mostly along a narrow footpath of damp (but not muddy) ground covered with large roots. We crossed one stream — the one below Likeke Falls.
Most of us balanced on rocks, others walked through the water. It seems that this is a fairly standard hiking trail in Hawaii.
If you hike in other places, you will not be uncomfortable. If you’re looking for an easy stroll, it will be a little more challenging. But it provides a glimpse of Hawaii from a time when it was even more of a slice of paradise.
Hiking Recommendations for Your Hawaii Vacation
There are so many hikes you can enjoy while on Oahu. Likeke Falls is comparable to Manoa Falls in beauty and scenery. Likeke Falls is about half the distance, but the terrain is far more rugged.
If you want a waterfall hike with a swimming hole, information on plants and animals, and full accessibility, then Waimea Falls could be perfect for you. This paved hike requires a paid admission, but it’s one of our favorite Oahu vacation activities.
If you’d like personalized recommendations for your Hawaii vacation, work with our team of local planners at Hawaii Aloha Travel. We’ve been on lots of great hikes and can help plan a trip that’s perfect for your vision and ability!
photos by Daniel Ramirez on Flickr
