During my book research, I learned that Waikahalulu Falls was a favorite picnic spot for Queen Lili'uokalani (whom the garden was named after). She was the last Hawaiian Monarch (overthrown in 1893, five years before the U.S. annexation of the Hawaiian Islands). After her death in 1917, the City of Honolulu expanded her garden to its current size while complying with her desire to open the grounds for the public's enjoyment. Although the site seems more like a quiet park for picnickers, recent plantings of Native Hawaiian plants along the banks of the Nu'uanu Stream are fueling hopes to turn the developing garden into a sanctuary for the endangered endemic flora.

The key to getting to the falls involves finding School Street and heading towards the very small Waikahalulu Street from the east (since School St is one-way heading west). Once you're done finding the urban park, you can see it from Waikahalulu St or get a closer look walking into the picnic grounds.

From Waikiki, you can go west (left) on Beretania St (a one-way street) after heading north via Kalakaua Ave or McCully St. Then, take Beretania St until it intersects with Nu'uanu Ave. Turn right onto Nu'uanu Ave and take it to the intersection of Vineyard Blvd and Nu'uanu Ave (i.e. the Foster Botanical Garden).