Hanakaipiai Falls Advice from a Kamaaina

This post was in response to Hanakapiai Falls

I’ve made that hike four or five times, over the past 40 years, at various times of year. At times, there’s a rope to help you cross the stream, as the water will be up to your thighs or higher. Also, there are often nudists here. I recall a fairly awkward moment in a very narrow section of trail where I had to cross paths with a rather large naked girl.

I myself have been skinny-dipping in the pool at the base of the falls.

However, when I tried to take my wife, she slipped and fell on one of the stream crossings, breaking her tailbone. That made for a very painful return hike.

I have twice seen people come out via rescue teams. One girl had broken her arm. Another had broken her leg.

Another time, as my buddy and I ate lunch on the beach, a helicopter deposited a drowned swimmer on the beach. We’d crossed paths with his weeping family as they were hiking out. A seasoned swimmer and airline pilot didn’t make it home that day.

So the lesson is: don’t take this hike lightly. No small kids, no older folks, be in good physical shape, and maintain situational awareness at all time. Wear good, grippy canvas shoes.

There is real danger here. Stay OUT of the ocean.

The falls are wonderful, though!