Breathtaking views and beautiful waterfalls This hike is only for people that are experienced hikers. It has a pretty high elevation gain close to 2000 feet which requires using ropes to climb up. Don't attempt this climb if it has recently rained. The trail isn't safe it is muddy. It was dry when I went and I never felt unsafe but at times I did basically crawl or scoot on my butt when it was steep and certain parts are always a little muddy. The first waterfall is slightly off trail but you will see concrete box and several ribbons ( see photo) that mark it. You don't have to climb up the third waterfall, there is trail to the left that is a little longer but a safer option read more

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Very pretty! The view is amazing and it's Hawai'i so it looks like Jurassic Park. I would go again and walk the area to see more

If u are not an intermediate hiker do NOT attempt this trail. Took about 1 1/4 hr to go 1 way with steady climb of wooden slats unevenly spaced uphill. I am an intermediate hiker who is 61 and my hubby 71 yrs of age accomplished it but if u have any knee issues do not attempt this hike. It's a beautiful view but there are much easier hikes with better views, it a hike of accomplishment for most on trail. read more

It's a cool hike, probably in my top 5 for long hikes on Oahu, after Mau'umae Ridge right next to it, Moanalua Ridge, and Mount Ka'ala. good views south to Diamond Head, and glimpses north to Kaneohe and Kailua, but the views didn't match the other hikes I mentioned. As others say, you follow the pipe up and that means you're going counterclockwise after the first half-mile or so, before you get on the loop. I was concerned i wasn't on the right side, but when i came back to the joined trail it was hard to see where the clockwise path even was. either way is fine, but theres one spot, a steep hill climb on fairly loose dirt between the second waterfall and the first glimpse of the crater, that o wouldn't have wanted to come down--there were no ropes and it was pretty nearly vertical. going counterclockwise makes for a nice, quick, easy trail after you leave the crater--quickly downhill but lots of roots. going around the crater is muddy, and thats where one might want micro-spikes and gloves for the mud and ropes, but i made do without. It hadn't rained for about 4 days in town, and the forecast didn't call for rain, but there were a few minutes of rain on the trail and plenty of mud, so its raining up there even when you think you've picked a dry time. It took me about 5 hours total, and I moseyed, although I didn't take any long breaks anywhere. the trail was easy to follow. Parking is very limited at the TH, so i ended up down the road a bit. read more

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Amazing waterfall hike with Jurassic Park-like views at the top. Be prepared to bring tons of water with you, a backpack, snacks, good shoes with traction, and download the All trails map! The trail is unmaintained with pink ties to mark the trail and the water pipeline, but I would definitely recommend downloading the offline map. We accidentally went up the left side rather than the right side of the crater and the right side has arguably better views. Each waterfall involved scaling up the side (almost vertical) rocks with the help with ropes installed on the side. This hike took us four hours and we are pretty experienced hikers. read more

Ka'au Crater - Love this hike! - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I just wanted to share how incredible my Saturday afternoon hike was. Being surrounded by the beauty of nature and the sight of waterfalls filled my heart with joy. It's amazing how connecting with the outdoors can be such a healing experience for the soul and spirit. Let's cherish these moments of serenity and connection with the natural world. Challenging slippery hike with some ropes on the way... if you do a loop. Waterfalls are incredible especially the last loooong one. We finished in 3.5 hours. read more

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A truly magnificent and unforgettable hike! One travels through a Jurassic-like rainforest to three waterfalls and up to a jaw-dropping crater! HOWEVER, that comes with a HUGE caution for the inexperienced. First of all, there is a chance that this unmaintained hike isn't even legal. After all, the description of "on private property, but open to the public" felt vague and unofficial. Some things to keep in mind: -You hike at your own risk! This in an unmaintained trail. -If you are not an advanced hiker/ adventurer don't even bother coming! None of that "for the gram" BS. Honestly, if you aren't even going to bother to bring a pack to hold water, food, and gear, you're an idiot. -The entire loop is ~7mi+ with 2500ft of gain. However, you will likely be trudging through mud, scraping by vegetation on a narrow trail (wear pants!), and traversing up steep climbs with ropes along some of it, so it will be a very SLOW 7mi. It took me 6 hours. -MICRO-SPIKES are the only things which will prevent you from slipping especially along the steeper and muddier parts. And no, micro-spikes are not the same as Yaktrax. -If it is raining, don't even bother scrambling to the "summit" as you will likely get fogged out. -Thankfully, you have options on this hike whether you want to aim for the first falls only, three water falls and crater, and/ or the whole loop to reach the "summit". I think the first waterfall is appropriate for beginners, so long as they bring the essentials and have the proper gear. After the first falls, you'll need to rely on some ropes so others might find it scary. To reach the summit, there are some harrowing climbs which will absolutely require the use of ropes. The ropes are installed by passerby's so use at your own risk. I would test them out before trying them. -You'll need to have some basic trail finding abilities. There are also some pink ribbons tied onto trees to guide your way plus a pipe that the trail runs parallel along. I can see how some would get lost on their way down as they are making their way back around the other side of the Crater, after all, it's a huge picturesque distraction. I'm not sure how people get lost along the first segment of the hike before the first falls. Again, this was the hike of a lifetime purely for the diversity of scenery. It was steep and strenuous along some sections, sure; but so long as you're not afraid of heights, possess a decent grip strength, and are a seasoned hiker it'll actually feel like an intermediate ascent for ya. Happy hiking! read more

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Definitely the longest and most difficult O'ahu hike I have ever done in my life, and it took about 5-1/2 to 6 hours roundtrip. Parked at the small gravel lot near where signs point to the Ka'au Crater Trailhead, but do keep in mind that you should get there as early as possible to find a good spot, otherwise you might have to park further down Waiomao Road, and traffic and parking is very tight in those residential areas! It can be confusing and easy to get lost on the trail, as it is not maintained by the state or Na Ala Hele system. There are a number of those pink ribbons to help guide you, but the trail can get very narrow at times before you get to the first of three sets of waterfalls. Mostly need to follow the stream and the large pipe that runs throughout and next to the trail. And did I mention there is a lot of climbing!? Yes, that's right, if you are not athletic and flexible like I am and don't have a lot of hiking experience (I have actually done Koko Head numerous times!), you would likely have a very difficult time on the trail! There are lots of ropes to grab onto, especially when you get to the third set of waterfalls that lead and take you directly to the summit. Also, make sure to bring lots of water and snacks and take breaks here and there, because this is really intense! Eventually, after stops at all three sets of waterfalls, I made it to the summit and point where you can see Ka'au Crater itself. There was still the ridge and loop, but my body was so sore and hurting that I didn't want to go much further, plus the weather at the time was cloudy and obscuring views of the Windward Side (Kailua, Kane'ohe, and Waimanalo), so it wouldn't have been worth the extra time and effort to do that particular portion. Though you can still see Mount Olympus nearby (which I actually did one week prior to doing the Ka'au Crater Trail), and I was able to get some really spectacular views around the island when the clouds cleared up periodically on that other hike. read more

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The longest hike I ever did in my life. We started in the morning around 7:30am and ended about 3pm. It was a Sunday and the weather looked decent. There was a few droplets in the middle of the hike but wasn't too bad. The cloud covered the sun quite a bit that day so not much of a bad tan for me. Parking is in a residential area. But it seems there are a few spots near the entrance of the hike. There is a sign showing where the hike starts. Definitely read reviews before heading there. There's a possibility of getting lost. In the beginning, we are going through the forest and following the pipes, big pipes. It was muddy and slippery when we went. We pass by three waterfalls before we got to the crater. There is a lot of climbing up and down. When heading back down around the crater, we were so tired. It was a silent hike with no energy. Bring food and lots of water. It's an intense and long hike. My legs hurt for days. Good to wear cushion and gripped shoes. View and waterfalls were nice! Check out my pictures. read more

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I've hiked over 20 trails & this one's still my favorite! :) I'd rate it as an intermediate to advanced hike depending on your level of fitness. This one has it all. It's challenging, a good distance (takes about 4-5 hours to complete), you'll pass 3 waterfalls, enjoy stunning views of both sides of the island, & there's quite a bit of rope climbing (bring gloves!)... If you don't have 4-5 hours to hike all the way around the crater, you could hike to the top of the 3rd waterfall then turn left to go back to the start. The shorter route is around 2 to 2-1/2 hours roundtrip. Tips for this trail: - don't hike this one if it's raining a lot - hike with at least one other person - hydrate beforehand - start early - use sunscreen - eat something for breakfast that won't upset your stomach - bring BioFreeze & ibuprofen in case you have muscle pain during the hike - bring a speaker to play music for the group - bring gloves! - be sure your phone is fully charged - stretch good once your muscles have warmed up, around 30 mins into the hike - bring at least 3 bottles of water & something to eat (sandwich, fruit, trail mix and/or energy bar) - wear pants, a hat or visor, & shoes with traction That's it! Hope you have a good experience on this one! :) This trail holds a special place in my heart. read more

My daughter picked this hike and my husband and I went not knowing what we were getting ourselves into. No water or food but it was well worth it. Strenuous fun lives the rope climbing and the waterfalls were gorgeous! We read more

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There is parking in the neighborhood, be mindful of the residents of course. There is a sign of the hike at the beginning so everyone should know where to start. This hike was pretty muddy and smelled like rotten guava, but fun at the same time! It's not a super short hike, so make sure to leave time. The hike itself is not hard, I think the mud and distance is the challenging part. I did not do the whole crater, I think my friends would have killed me if I made them go that far. The waterfalls are beautiful and cold. Seems okay to go in because the water is moving. It's nice to rinse off and take pictures at the first fall. Some tips: bring shoes you don't care to get dirty, bug repellent, water, maybe a towel (?), snack, friends, etc. The hike is amazing! Have fun! read more

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"My AirPods stayed in!" That was my brother's exclamation after somersaulting backwards - at least three rotations - off the path. We could have died and it was our own fault. We were not prepared for this hike. We didn't research it at all. Elite Yelper Baramee C. made an Oahu itinerary for us and this hike was tucked away at the very bottom and said 3+ hours and three waterfalls. That's all the bait we needed. We were hooked. We laughed at the signs that said that this is an unmaintained trail and to hike at our own risk. We got annoyed as we got muddy - very muddy - and eaten up by bugs. I slipped when trying to use a rope tied to a tree branch to descend a cliff (or maybe very large rocks) and got cut and bruised on my thigh and ankle. Another friend got it worse. You already read about my brother. My companions had large bottles of water that they had to carry in one hand as they tried to stay on the narrow, slippery and precarious path with the other. After hours, I don't think we made it to the first waterfall. Other Yelpers have posted pictures of magnificent waterfalls that must have been farther ahead of us. What we saw was tiny and something that could be found in the Midwest of the continental United States. I would love to do this hike again, but I would make sure that I had a camel-back, snacks and proper hiking clothing. I would dedicate the better part of the day to this hike. read more

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I thought kokohead was the toughest hike on this island and boy was I wrong! I was ill prepared physically and mentally for this hike. If you want to go around the crater be prepared for some arduous climbing that will push your body to its limit. My legs were jello and shaking after going up to the 3rd waterfall. Don't be fooled by what you see. It is farther than it looks lol. But we pushed through it. Took us 8 hours but we did it! It is all in the mind. I wanted to live!! My legs died in the crater. RIP. read more

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Did it again today. Great trail conditions with no mud! Weather and sun gods were looking out for us too. Overcast with no rain and very little hot sun. I don't think I need to do the crater rim again as I've now done it twice in two months. But I sure do love those three waterfalls! read more

This hike is strenuous but worth it! During our most recent trip we only made it to the first waterfall due to time constraints and LOTS of mud. Make sure you bring water and start early. The trail is clearly marked and if you want to be sure you're going the right way, download the AllTrails app for a map that will keep you on the right path. Please make sure you pick up your trash and take out what you bring in! It was kind of a shame to see some hikers leave plastic near the waterfall so we were sure to take that back out with us to keep the area clean. Take care of the land peeps! read more

This hike is LIT. I enjoyed the trail and waterfalls. However based from my experience I am rating this hike as DIFFICULT. The trail is quite challenging so it's not best to do the hike solo. I was lucky enough to have a reliable hike buddy at that time. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to check this off my bucket list. *** the parking is extremely limited. So carpool if possible. Also the trailhead is close to a rehab place, so please be mindful. To start the trail, you would have to descend through the big boulders. If you have a knee problem this hike is not a good trail for you. You are basically going on a loop on this trail Starting the hike at the bottom of the mountain. Then hiking your way up to the crater. Along the way, you will see the waterfalls. You would have to climb on a side of the last waterfall to get to the crater. And so on. At that time we went, the trail was extremely muddy, the boulders were slippery and so as ropes. Don't get intimidated though, the hike was awesome. You should have a good plan and reliable company when you take on this trail. read more

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The Ka'au Crater trail is a beautiful hike in the Palolo Valley neighborhood that offers spectacular views from the top. However, it will take some work to get to the top! Many hikers prefer to hike to the first waterfall and then return to the trailhead. If you wish to continue to the second and third waterfalls, you will need to make the rocky climb up the trail, which is marked with faded ribbons tied on trees and several sections of ropes/straps that have been installed by some humanitarian hiker :) At the third waterfall (which looks like several waterfalls because of the ridges), you'll have to climb up the rocks to reach the top. Once you get to the top of the third waterfall, you can start making your way up the edge of the crater, but be prepared for a long and arduous trek, especially if the rains have made the trail muddy. The view from the top is beautiful, offering panoramic views that cover Waikiki, Kailua, and Kaneohe. Get some good pictures! On your way down, you can return the way you came or continue along the crater toward the electrical masts in order to complete the loop down to the trailhead. However, the loop is NOT short, and you will most likely be trudging though mud, trees, and roots for at least an hour. At a few points during the loop, everything seems to look the same (mud, trees, roots, no views), which is somewhat discouraging - especially if you are tired, hungry, thirsty, and ready to get home. Luckily, you can wash off your shoes, arms, and legs in the stream before you get to your car. Follow the stream to the trailhead, but try not to cut through private property - people live there. If you do accidentally follow the stream too far, you may run into a small hut made of sticks and a nice gentleman with a braided beard. Matthew is a very rad dude, and I'm sure that he will be able to lead you up the stairs to the parking lot at the Palolo Zen Center. Enjoy the hike! Pack water and sunscreen. Mahalo! read more

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I'm a photographer, and chose to hike only to the first falls. Remember, this is not a maintained trail, so enter at your own risk. It's muddy, and the trail is tentative in some areas, with unstable ground. Hiking shoes and micro spikes are a must, especially if you're planning to climb up the subsequent falls. This is not a place I'd take tourist. It requires proper equipment and focus. In addition to the unstable ground, there are fallen trees and eroded piping with sharp edges. Be aware of your surroundings and careful not to cut yourself on the piping. I'd recommend wearing long pants. Be safe out there, and enjoy. read more

Ka'au Crater - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Intense! Do not turn back! This is a hike for experienced hikers. Start at 8 or 9 am. It is a 6 hour hike. The entrance is past the zen center and after the last house by a bunch of mailboxes. There is a little puka in the bushes. The trail is clearly laid out for the most part. You will cross a couple of streams and eventually hit a water line pipe. You will follow that for a bit and the trail will lead you to 3 water falls roughly 10-15 minutes apart. The waterfalls involve rope climbing on a slight incline. Most parts can be climbed without the use of the ropes, but there are ropes provided. After the waterfalls you will continue upwards towards the ridge. The trail forks with a pipe sticking out of the ground. The right side takes you to the summit and it loops around the crater. The left route leads to the way down if you want to end it early. Good news! You don't have to climb down any ropes! Eventually this trail will lead you back to the water pipe and back to the start of the trail. Things you need: - Gloves to provide better grip for climbing ropes and holding on to trees for dear life. - bug repellant - sun screen - high socks to protect your legs from plants scrapping it - 2 bottles of water (6 hour hike) - spam musubi or any other light lunch The hike is very exciting at times and tiring. It is a stark contrast to city life and a great way to experience nature! Just be very careful, since this hike isn't a stroll in the park. read more

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This was one of the most intense hikes I've experienced in my life. Definitely for advanced hikers, the trail was really cool itself but when we were there it was raining intermittently with some very heavy rain. It was very muddy and dangerous, especially when it was raining. When we were coming back the trail was basically flooded. Lots of climbing up and down definitely will get dirty and will need to use both hands for most of the hike. Do not recommend if it has rained the previous day or even during the day of your hike. read more

Beautiful trail around the edge of the crater, but very dangerous trail that is slippery with mud along the edge, and the path is very narrow. One slip on either side, and you could die. Do not bring anybody who is not capable of climbing with a rope/branches in the mud. I wanted to give 5 stars for the amazing view, but because of its danger I gave 3 stars. I would recommend this trail only to experienced hikers (if you are, by all means try it!!!) and I would still recommend to do this only after sunny days. We got rained on while I was climbing on a long rope - while my feet were slipping off the cliff. I was holding on for life trying not to slip off and it was not an experience I don't want anyone to go through. We went counterclockwise around the crater (recommended route) which involved climbing along a large waterfall, climb up a few ropes and go around the entire crater. Going down involved "mud slides" - similar to water slides on your butt but instead with the mud. We had fun with it, except that we needed to be careful not so slip off the edge and die. We went with a friend who has taken this trail before and read all the reviews that said the trail was only 4 to 6 miles long, and estimated to last about 6 hours in good condition. We did not know of any shortcuts, and ended up hiking 10.5 miles for 11.5 hours. Plan ahead and start early to make sure you have enough time to finish, so you won't have to navigate yourself in the dark like we did. I wish I read more reviews and tips on Yelp before I went! If you decide to go I wish you good luck and best condition. read more

So I was conflicted about giving this hike 1 stars or a 5 stars because its so freaking scary but I'm also happy that I survived. So I guess 3 stars. I am an experienced hiker, I've hiked 20 miles a day and backpacked for forty days at a time in the Sierras so I would say I know what's up. This didn't even feel like a hike. For this hike you can expect: * to climb up and repel down waterfalls and cliff rocks with questionable jerry rigged ropes * to hold onto jungle trees and shrubs for dear life as you scrabble up or down rocks and mud with a sheer drop on either side, basically the whole time * slide and slog through muddy puddles on your butt It took us 7 1/2 hours to do the whole thing. We all would literally never do this again, and had we known this trail would be so insane we definitely wouldn't have even attempted this. That being said there are two good options instead of doing the whole loop. 1) You can hike to the first waterfall and back 2) Hike to the rim of the crater and back (taking the reverse route) I would suggest either of these two options if you don't have a death wish. read more

First off thanks to tips from Grace L which were spot on . The trailhead starts to the left behind a row of mailboxes . Right after the mailboxes there are several ropes you can use to navigate the boulders down to the stream . Plan about x5 hours for the total hike . We started at 11am on a cloudy day . The trail will cross the stream several times so avoid if raining or the river will be dangerous to cross with rushing waters. Lots of boulders at beginning of trail. Beware moss on the stones make it very slippery. Slipped on way out as I got careless as we neared end of hike and my legs felt wobbly like jelly. ...4 years later I procrastinated and will post whatever I got. After falling on my butt, bending my hiking pole and adding several rocks to my cut up palms, my friend and I headed home. The drive out of Palolo valley was surreal. Our legs were wobbly and butt was full of dust from sliding down the steep downhill chutes of the crater. Go EARLY on this hike so you not trapped when night falls. It will take a good 6 hours at a slow pace. The drive in is awesome. Landmarks to look for is the Buddhist Temple looking place on your right. The street gets more quiet and there is a row of old fashioned kind mailboxes near the parking area. Keep all your stuff in the trunk and put it in BEFORE you park so nobody smashes your window with the piece of ceramic stone from their old recycled spark plug. Be safe and enjoy the beautiful of Fathher God and Mother Nature read more

A few weeks ago, a friend asked me what my favorite trail was and I couldn't answer; but if she was to ask me again, without hesitation I would say "Ka'au Crater!" Ka'au Crater is an AMAZING adventure through the jungle complete with 3 waterfalls, views of downtown, and hiking the rim of a crater!!! I've read several articles encouraging all visitors to do this hike, however, I would strongly caution that ONLY intermediate/advanced hikers take this journey. There have been a handful of deaths, serious injuries, and lost hikers that needed to rescued by emergency personnel on this trail. The trail is well marked and maintained for an illegal hike, BUT there are several slippery muddy areas, rope sections, several stream crossings including one on top of the 100ft waterfall, and the 10-15 climb up the third waterfall. In our group of 8, some of us had spikes, gloves, and experience. Those who didn't definitely struggled throughout the hike. We also came across quite a few tourists and inexperienced hikers who were lost and struggling. Trek on Yelpers! read more

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Really enjoyed this hike. It was my first since moving here a few days ago. The trail is well marked, and people here have left amazing instructions. I am not in the best cardio shape, but I'm a weightlifter and former cross fitter and stubborn as hell, and this hike was doable but challenging. Definitely bring tons of water. I did not have microspikes, and I slipped all over the place Bc it's wet rock and in places, wet clay. Wear your spf Bc a good deal is exposed. A lot of this, esp when climbing up the third waterfall and towards the peak, involves rope climbing. So some people might benefit from gloves. It took my small group of 3 about 4 hours and 15 minutes, with a few short breaks to catch our breath and snap some photos of the breathtaking views! read more

Ka'au Crater - The crater from midway - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Had this pending review as "unfinished" for the longest time but with a upcoming hiking event here hosted by our favorite Turbo chick that won't stop Kicking, Kyle H. I decided to finish it... This hike is AWESOME! Despite how long this hike is you do see a bit of people here. Many aren't even on the hike, you see them busting out zip-lock bags collecting wild strawberry guava and mountain apple... peasants taking up space, just ignore them. Although if you want to have fun you can run ahead and steal all of their harvest, a mere gatherer peasant can't compete with a samurai hiker! When you run into other hikers on the trail it's always fun to play tourist and yell, "Which way to Waikiki???", "What, this isn't Diamond Head?", "Biru-ga nomitai" For this trail I've nicknamed the rocks/stones beneath my feet... And like all bad news... it comes in threes.... Some are "Helpers" - The rocks that help you spring forward on the trail with speed and power. Others are "Tricksters" - Which look like helpers but roll treacherously at takeoff. And some are "Little Bastards" - The little fuckers just dying to lay you out! So... not a trail you'd want to experience after some good liquid Hawaiian sunshine(rain). The real kicker is the rope climbing! Fun as HELL on the way up! YIPPPEEEEEEEEEE... but it gets old fast on the way back down if you don't have gloves. At the top is a fantastic view to tell your grandchildren about... It's like you're listening to a song in your head so epic, it was hacked from God's iPod, and with air so exotic and soothing you get drunk from just breathing.... But the funny thing about this place is the interesting way people stare at the ground trying to decide if it's an adequate place to fall asleep... ~Chad O. (AA) P.S. I've already decide my grandchildren will be Gundam Pilots... just saying. read more

Ka'au Crater - There! Happy Lori I. ??? - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I found this secret hiking trail through the powers of Yelp and Google. I obsessively researched every detail of this hike, making sure I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I went to the gym every day, to make sure I was physically fit and in shape for this treacherous hike. Even that could not prepare me for this crazy ass hike! HOLY CRAPOLA. As your Yelp friend, I will offer you my own tips that will help you with this journey. But I HIGHLY recommend you read all yelp reviews thoroughly too. I first imagined us having some cake at the very top, simultaneously celebrating my birthday and the fact that we conquered this beast. Was not like that at all. First of all, my lovely boyfriend accidentally flung our entire lunch off the side of the cliff. We had stopped for a water break and while reaching in to grab the water, accidentally pulled out the lunch too -- and off the side of the cliff it went. A delicious, carb-filled lunch of spam and spicy chicken musubis - GONE! And my daring boyfriend tried to grab it back but while hanging onto foliage and reaching out, an army of bugs swarmed it first. Tip #1: don't fling your lunch off the side of the cliff. At first, the trail seems easy enough. The trail leading to the first waterfall is, like all the reviews say, the easiest of them all. And yes, it is damn muddy. I MEAN IT when I say muddy. The mud also makes things really slippery, especially all those damn rocks you have to hop, skip, jump on while crossing the streams. We made the mistake of wearing basic running shoes which screwed us in the end. Tip #2: wear the correct shoes. Along this beautiful, gorgeous path, you will not encounter any animals. Just the damn bugs. I HATE YOU BUGS. But luckily, I'm not prone to bug bites. In fact, I got 3-4 bug bites during the entire 5-6 hour hike. Unfortunately, my boyfriend was not so lucky. He got bit all over the place and they also swelled to the size of tennis balls. Tip #3: bring potent ass bug spray. After the first waterfall, you will have to using the ropes to help you up the near horizontal climbs. If you don't look down, you're fine. The ropes are really not that bad if you're not a weakling and/or chicken. The second waterfall is amazing and picture-worthy. You will eventually climb along the third, trickling waterfall and even have to cross it using an over-hanging rope (scary but fun). I was more worried about my soft, beautiful hands. Tip #4: bring some type of gloves to protect your hands. The trails are freakin insane. There is foliage, trees, bushes, branches all over the place. The pathways are not very wide even though they look that way. We finally reached the rim of the crater and it was SOOOO windy, I had to stay low to the ground to prevent myself from being blown off. You are so high up, you can see inside the crater and all the beauty around you. Tip #5: stop and take a breather (and lots of pictures). The descend is definitely scarier! We saw other hikers on the way up and they said there's a "easy" way back when you reach the 3rd waterfall. So we took the "easy way" but this time, we had no one to follow. You keep hearing about these awesome pink ribbons to follow...they're not placed every foot or anything. Some are spread far apart and you have to TRUST that one will appear. So the easy way back, to me, is not so easy. I would have rather climbed down the waterfalls where we'd have landmarks to go off of in terms of timing. Going down the "easy" way was the worst part of the entire climb for me. It was all mental, not the physical part that really got me. When we had reached the top, I was SO OVER the whole nature scene. Like I wanted to see concrete or an In And Out ASAP. Tip #6: don't go crazy. When we finally got out, I was so relieved. It was a great hike overall but not something I'd do again. Physically, not a bad hike. We saw an overweight climber on the rim. He was sweating and breathing pretty hard though. It took us 5.5 hours total. read more

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Ka'au Crater is a hidden gem on the island of Oahu. Known to many but hiked by a few. It is hidden in the back of Palolo Valley. Hidden from any main road or prying eyes.I was fortunate to grow up with Ka'au Crater in my backyard. Semi-scientifically, Ka'au Crater is an extinct volcano. Mythologically, Ka'au Crater was formed when the god Maui tried to pull all of the Hawaiian Islands together with his magic fishing pole and the line snapped. The hook landed in Palolo Valley and formed Ka'au Crater. Ka'au Crater collects rain water almost like a man made dam. The water then trickles out forming a stream, which in turn is fed by more water from the surrounding mountains and valley. During small kid time, the stream and the crater were kapu or off-limits. We were warned not to go there without an adult because of the notorious flash floods that could occur at any time. We used to sneak off and catch crayfish, medaka, and the abundant guppies in the streams. We figured it was an even trade off for the mosquito bites we endured living next to a stream. Occasionally there would be Opae Kala'ole. This fresh water shimp is endemic to Hawai'i. It is brown, almost translucent. And best of all it is great for bait, for the bigger fish. We would also fashion our own bamboo fishing poles from the wild bamboo patches that spotted the shores of the stream. The hike to Ka'au crater begins off of an almost dirt road deep in Palolo Valley. There is a fence and No Trespassing signs to warn everyone away. It is State land and is very DANGEROUS. This is not a groomed hiking trail nor is it monitored like Diamond Head. So I'll keep the location general. The first part of the hike is fairly flat and the trail crosses the usually gentle stream a few times. Stacked river stones can be seen along the length of the hike. Guava, Lilikoi, and mountain apple trees are sparse and well hidden. As you go deeper in the valley, the trail narrows and you ascend the side of the valley. As you climb the side of the trail becomes a steep drop-off, mostly hidden by overgrown brush and trees. There are magnificent views of the valley below and the Koolau mountain range above. This area is highly susceptible to land slides and unstable ground. On my last hike there I stepped too close to the edge and it gave way. I grabbed on to some grass as I hung over a 10 foot drop. While it wouldn't be fatal, I wouldn't have been able to get back on the trail immediately. I would have had to go down to the stream descending about 100 feet and follow it up the valley, hoping for a small trail to get me back to the main one. Back to the trail, it gets increasingly difficult to traverse. There are three waterfalls along the spoor with wild orchids and ginger. At these waterfalls you must climb the steep and slippery moss covered rocks with the help of a rope that someone thoughtfully strung up. Once at the crater, you immediately notice that the crater floor looks like a marsh with 5 foot tall reeds, a few small trees, and the occasional bare spots of what appears to be standing water. You can continue up to the ridge and clouds willing, view Waimanalo. But for me, that is a much more advanced and dangerous hike that I'm not yet willing to attempt. If you absolutely must go off the beaten Diamond Head path, please contact the Sierra Club or OHE - Oahu Hiking Enthusiasts and ask to join one of their regularly scheduled hikes. Many of these trails are only accessible by foot or hovering helicopter, if that. Getting hurt or lost would almost certainly be fatal. And never stray off the trail. I have pictures of this beautiful valley and crater that I'll post up when I find them. You can hear more about Ka'au Crater and the tale of Maui in the song 'Hawaiian Supaman' by Israel Kamakawiwo Ole'. I'm honored to be the first to review Ka'au Crater. I look forward to seeing Dale Turner, Nathan Yuen or any of the REAL and serious hikers from Oahu post thier reviews and pictures. read more

Definitely one of the more challenging hikes that I've done. It's extremely important that you wear long pants and long sleeve, as the bushes could really cut you up. And don't ignore the other reviewers who said bring A LOT of water! My bf and I each brought a big bottle, but we ran out of water half way at the ridge portion of the hike and had to turn around before we reach the summit/complete the loop. He also didn't wear long sleeve (I took his long sleeve hoodie, oops) and had scratches all over his arms and shins. I wore long yoga pants and still got some scratches and bruises. The waterfall climbing portion of the hike was actually pretty easy. They have ropes for most of the climbs to help you steady or pull yourself up. They're not really necessary, but it's good to know that the ropes are there just in case. The scarier part was hiking the ridgeline - you really have to watch your steps as you're hiking on a narrow path with cliff on both sides at some points. I also didn't see any ribbons at all once we started the ridge portion of the hike, and for several times I thought we were going too far or getting lost. We started the hike around 10, passed the 3rd waterfall close to 12, and had to turn around on the ridge around 2pm due to our lack of water and bad knees. We first took the right path at the fork, heading to the summit, turned back half way through the ridge hike and took the left path to head back down. We reached our car around 3. If I come back, I would probably like to try this hike again and actually reach the summit. Another advice: wear sunscreen, as the ridge portion of the hike doesn't have too much shade. read more

Ka'au Crater - hiking the crater part of the hike. On the mountain ridge! woot! - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Wow, this was the most intense trail I ever hiked. I did not underestimate the hike but definitely came unprepared. First of all, I saw some amazing views, including three waterfalls and the outlook of ka'au crater. Photos cannot capture these breathtaking scenic views. You are pretty much hiking along side the third waterfall, which is something you cannot say for most hikes (don't worry, the waterfall has a pretty flat incline). Secondly, if you're vertically challenged....I hope you are a rock-climbing master. If you're not, then be prepared to have a really hard time. I'm about 5'4" and I had a difficult time reaching stable footholds. A lot of the footholds are pretty far from each other, so having long legs is a great advantage! Thirdly, this is a five-hour hike that will test your physical and mental strength. I finished the hike with bruises, scratches, and a somewhat defeated spirit. I do not recommend going on this hike unless you are an experienced hiker. Below are a few tips: Bring at least 2 liters of water Prepare to get muddy! Wear long pants. I had a lot of scratches on my legs due to the unkept bushes and shrubs Gloves are recommended but not needed Bring sunblock, especially if you start hiking around 10. Be aware at all times! At the end of the hike, I had bruises and scratches because I let my guard down a few times. Be careful of the muddy pits, hidden roots, and slippery rocks. There is a lot of rope climbing, so bring a backpack to carry your supplies Bring shoes with good grip. Do not wear your running shoes! read more

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This was just plain crazy. Why did I think I was in the "advanced" hiker category just because I've done a few ridges and can turbo kick your ass from here to every gym on the island? I LOVE ALL OF YOU DEAR FRIENDS AND YELPERS so please take my advice and only go if you have great balance (for rock-hopping, narrow ridges, slippery slopes), upper-body strength (some places near-vertical rope climbs) and the sick desire to take your life into your own hands and hopefully survive to tell about it. Read Justin U.'s review and watch that video before you undertake this one, If you do the loop around the crater as we did, it would be super awesome if you brought a piece of cardboard to use as a mini-sled-luge when your sliding down the steep muddy ridge slopes! Instead we were on our asses and i'm still trying to get all the mud out of my shorts! AMAZING waterfall views and some serious bragging rights for finishing this killa! read more

Ka'au Crater - Just before you reach the summit - Hiking Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love going on easy hikes and I thought I could handle this one, which was considered an intermediate level hike. Well, it definitely was. The hike is full of adventures from rope climbing, rock jumping, and mud sliding. Unfortunately, my friend and I didn't know the route very well so when we followed the markers, we went up very steep mountains to the point of grabbing tree roots to help us from now falling down. When we got to the top of mountain where there was very high winds, we finally decided to turn back. We realized We went the wrong way and what we just experienced was the end of the loop so going back wasn't too bad. Therefore, when you find the pipes, stick to it. You should be following the pipes majority of the time. I'm sure if my friend and I didn't go the wrong way for the first 2 hours, the actual hike to the first waterfall wouldn't have been as arduous. As a hike, it was fun and adventurous for sure. I love mud, I like the challenge, and it wasn't TOO dangerous for the most part. Some parts were a little questionable though. However, what was disappointing was the waterfall. It was evidently there but the water itself was so disgustingly brown that you wouldn't want to jump in the pools or stand in the fall. So even though everything was pretty, you left with a little disappointment. read more

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One of the more challenging hikes i've done, while there were many steep inclines, i think the hike in its entirety was well worth it! I must have slipped 5-6 times on this hike. Just because of the steepness. During alot of points in the trail there is random holes that slope off the trail, that are covered by foilage. So every once in a while you will be looking at the back of the person's head in front of you, then they'll disappear right in front of your eyes. So here are a few tips that i recommend keeping in mind for the hike: Rule #1. Don't venture off the trail- After the supposed turn around point the mountain range goes for about another 10 miles all the way down to waimanalo beach. So unless you really want to tack on a few hours don't venture off the trail too far, but minor adjustments wont hurt (see rule 2) Rule #2. Venture off the trail- When you see the person in front of you not paying attention to where they're stepping, falling all over the place, risking twisting or breaking bones maybe stepping and following directly behind them isn't the best idea. (also see rule 6) Rule #3. Go with a group- Incase you have trouble at any time you're buddy might be more decisive (or at least think they know better) so if they chose the wrong path to take, at least now you have someone to blame. Rule #4. Listen to where the turn around point is. (see rule 1 again then skip to rule 5) Rule #5. Don't get side tracked as you're nearing the turn around point. (avoid rule 3) All in all, just be careful where you step, don't rush through the hike unless you're experienced, bring plenty of water, look at the weather forecast for the day, go with a buddy, be careful about using the ropes, know your limits, and at last bring a CAMERA and be prepared for some breath taking views! read more

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This is a dangerous trail - hikers routinely are injured or die on this trail, especially in the waterfall climb sections. http://khon2.com/2017/08/17/woman-critically-injured-after-falling-60-feet-from-waterfall/ read more

Another amazing hike on Oahu which makes you realize how lucky you are to live on this beautiful island. After doing Olomana peaks the weekend before I guess you could say I was ready for anything. Ka'au Crater wasn't by any means an easy stroll but definitely not as treacherous as Olomana. The first half of the hike is in the woods, scrambling up and down on narrow paths and up the sides of waterfalls. The waterfalls didn't flow as much because it hadn't rained for the past few days but they were still pretty to look at as we took breaks. The third waterfall is the longest and very slippery so be careful and take your time. My waterbottle fell out of my backpack and I thought I could retrieve it, nope it was gonzo in a minute. As you come out of the woods, you'll start seeing the Ka'au crater and the beautiful view of the city. Keep climbing because you still have to go to the summit. This is where it started getting windy, like really windy. This is probably going to be the scariest part for all of you who are afraid of heights (myself included) The dirt path is narrow and the rocks are crumbly and the wind is howling. Keep your head down and stay focused on going one step at a time. There are ropes to help you so trust them and you'll be golden. I know its a weird piece of advice but if it is windy when you go, either put sunglasses on or squint (enough that you can see) because that dirt will fly into your eyes and it is NOT fun. Don't worry, after the rope climbing through the wind tunnel you're almost there! The 360 degree view from the top is UNREAL. You can see everything, including Olomana which looked so harmless from afar. We were going to go around the crater but since it was so windy we opted not to. It was probably a smart idea because the trail looked a little muddy too. We did a lot of sliding on our butts on the way down the summit which I highly advise - its probably the closet to sledding us East Coasters will get. We went through the woods on the way back which was nice and shaded and full of strawberry guava trees. (I picked a whole bag full and froze them - yum) All in all this was a fun and scenic hike which I advise anyone who is decently in shape to go check out. My last word of advice is DO NOT GO AFTER IT RAINS. Seriously you're asking to get hurt or worse...The hike took about 5 hours round trip YELP 365: 078/365 read more

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Wow! This is one great hike. I am not a very experienced hiker, I usually stick to easy trails (for reference my only other rigorous hikes have been: Olomana-to the first peak and Mt. Fuji in Japan) so to me, this was quite a challenging hike. I went with five other friends, two of which were very experienced and in shape while the rest of us were moderately experienced and in okay shape. We started the hike at 10 am and were down by 5 pm. We took the recommended waterfall route on the way up which is incredibly scenic compared to the other one. It took about an hour and a half to get to the first waterfall and the trail was a little slow and boring, but once you get to the first one it starts to speed up and gets very exciting. The second waterfall is not too far behind and then comes the third one. The third waterfall was where I started to get a little nervous, here you have to hike next to the actual waterfall and it's pretty slippery but as long as you stay focused and confident it's fine. (Lots of people have gotten injured here in the past so I recommend hiking boots with a good grip and putting your cameras down until you're at stable ground again). After the third waterfall it's another few hours to the crater. We started to run out of water (we packed three hydroflasks, so keep this in mind). It started to get narrow and this is when I began to reaaaallly get nervous as I do hate heights, yet I manage to push through. It's really not that bad but it is a little scary especially when you have to rockclimb off the side of the mountain with very little grip- that rope carried my life with it. It's a tough trek to the top but the view was astounding and just so worth it. We walked the loop and took the trail down which was faster, easier and much more safe to climb. It was also so cool to walk on the edge of the mountain (luckily lots of surrounding foliage creates a safer and more comfortable feeling) Overall I would highly recommend this hike it was a wonderful experience, just plan ahead and start early so that you don't lose daylight. read more

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Ditto to everything Justin U. said! This is right up there with the Olomana Peaks hike as my favorite in Oahu! It's beautiful, fun, and challenging, but potentially deadly when underestimated or careless!!! Start early, bring lots of water and supplies (sunscreen, hat, shoes with good traction, pants if you are worried about scratches, bugs, sunburn, etc), be well conditioned, have good balance, and have an awesome camera to capture some amazing views :-) Not sure if it's been mentioned before, but there are cairns indicating that others have skipped the trail leading to the first waterfall and just walked up/down the stream (either in the water, and/or on top of rocks or along parts of the side). On the way down we tried going down in the stream. I mostly waded in the water and my gf was skipping from rock to rock (to keep her shoes dry). It was way more scenic and fun, but also 2-3x slower than taking the trail, so with ~0.75mi until the trailhead we bushwhacked back to the trail and finished. Consider it the "road not taken" by most, but certainly an option :-) A GPS tracking, pics, and detailed tips & hike summary are logged at: http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1605565 I highly recommend this hike to anyone looking for an unforgettable half-day adventure!!! P.S. the stream is filled with crawdads! Feel free to grab a few for a tasty dinner stew/hotpot that night :-P read more

Great hike. Waterfalls, shade and if you take the left side straight up shortcut to fall 3 it's a cardio burner and heart stopper. Brings at least 2 liters of water and a swim suit for a cool off in the crystal clear stream. read more

This is one crazy a** hike!! It can be extremely dangerous, especially after it has rained and I would not attempt this hike again unless I was 100% sure it hadn't rained for at least a week! But, it's in Palolo Valley. When does it not rain in Palolo Valley?! There are three waterfalls. Make that three beautiful waterfalls. But to get to the top of the crater, you have to scale them and cross the 3rd one. The people who had previously done this hike were kind (and smart) enough to tie ropes onto tree trunks and make it easier for the rest of us to do this hike. I had gotten cheap garden/work gloves at a pharmacy the night before and they were my saving grace!! Once at the top, the views are amazing!! You can go further up to the top of the ridge, but it was pretty muddy so I opted not to. Seems like I didn't miss much as it was very foggy up top and no one really saw much. Lessons learned: *Have great upper body strength so you can pull yourself up; my limbs were shaking towards the end and I have many bruises on my knees and legs. I couldn't fully lift myself up onto a ledge so used my knees as leverage. *Mosquitoes ADORE me so even though I had natural bug repellent on me, I still got bitten on my legs and arms. Don't stop at the stream crossings because it's the perfect feeding ground for mosquitoes, and you're gonna get muddy again in 2 seconds anyway. *Take the "easy" route back to the cars. No fear of falling or climbing down the waterfalls, but if it's very muddy you will slip and slide if you're not carfeul. read more

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