Reminder to self if you every get lost and start to notice you are going in circles, DO NOT PANIC! The smarter thing to do is to leave a trail of bread crumbs. Lol. Thank goodness I was with a group when I first visited the Kaniakapupu Ruins. We were feeling a little adventurous so headed to the ruins from the Lulumalu hike parking area. We ventured off into the thick thick bamboo forest. The route we took initially had a path to follow then it eventually disappears. When we got there, the site was well worth the journey of getting lost. The ruins are breathtaking in its own way. This was once the summer palace for royalty so when you visit appreciate the beauty, respect this historic site, and don't take anything from the site. Kaniakapupu Ruins is one of Oahu's best kept secrets and should be enjoyed by all. read more

See all

It's one of Oahu's best kept secret (only because direction to this place is difficult for most people)! At this point I'm pondering whether or not I should post directions...so if you can make it to here based on my directions, kudos to you! If not, it just wasn't meant to be. Nestled discreetly in the heart of Nu'uanu Valley lies Kaniakapupu Ruins. Through the bamboo forest and amidst the shady, grown trees sits what used to be the summer home of King Kamehameha III. What remains is a couple of walls, a stone walkway and an outdoor kitchen. This place is considered sacred for many Hawaiians. Even if you are a non-believer in spirits and such, you would be wowed by the presence of something spiritually powerful and present there. Allow yourself to quiet your soul a bit and you will feel what many believe to be a strong "mana," or spiritual energy. I walked around the ruins and gasped at the thought of having 10,000 people gather at this place many, many years ago and I felt a strong energy around me, untouchable and unseen but nonetheless harmless and powerful. I got goosebumps (or as locals say, "chicken skin") all up and down my back, neck and arms. The peacefulness and serenity of the surrounding forest lends to the magical feeling I felt. There are many directions of how to arrive at the Ruins, however the most accurate one was that from fellow yelper Eric Robert R. - Get on Pali Hwy - Get on Old Pali Road - Look for a small looking type water plant/bldg. **Now the difficult part - the opening to the trail is opposite the water bldg; discreet and well hidden to the passerby. It's an opening in the bamboo forest - refer to the pictures on YELP if needed. If you stay on the (main/obvious) trail - you will hit a waterfall and stream. The trail does not have an obvious fork in the road, however if you veer onto the trail on the left you will see a worn path, stay on that path and trek a short 10 minutes. The forest opens up and therein lies the enchanted Kaniakapupu Ruins. This is more of a "nature walk" rather than a hike. Expect it to be really muddy and "sticky" after the rains and always apply mosquito repellent prior, as the mosquitos here are quite hungry. As with any local historical site, DO NOT disturb the building, rocks and plants here. It truly is a beauty and the historical value is priceless. There is something very special about this summer home that words alone cannot describe. This walk is perfect for children and for the novice hiker or nature enthusiast. I'm told that large groups are discouraged from coming here however, upon exiting the trail we did see a small tour bus full of tourist congregating to commence the walk. I don't know about you but I'm a little selfish when it comes to things like sharing "treasures" with the general tourist population aka large groups only because you cannot assure that the "treasure" will not be destroyed. I'd venture to say that it'll be just a matter of time before attempts to preserve this gem on a larger scale is realized. read more

See all

Raining. Wet and muddy trail. A thick forest filled with bamboo. This truly makes a wonderful introductory Hawaiian hike with a bonus of rich Hawaiian history. We were hoping the rain would stop and were determined to go if it didn't. By the time we got the necessary chores done the weather took a turn for the worse. Following the directions as simply as possible we located the trail head easily. There were 2 cars parked 50 yards up. By the time I completed my U-turn they were gone and another car was pulling in. I pulled ahead and parked. To prepare, I like using the Deep Woods Off to keep the pesky mosquitoes off us. This time, however, I decided to try the Centinella based spray. I've used the plants and know how effective their natural scent is. This had the same effect. Not one bite, but it was raining. Further testing will be done on future hikes. Anyway, the lush bamboo forest was amazing to see acting like a curtain hiding the secrets of the past and of the island. We felt like we were on an Indiana Jones adventure and couldn't wait for the excitement to begin. Upon entering, the rain began to fall harder. I wondered if this was a sign to keep out. Moving forward, the trail gave way to a myriad criss crossing of roots above the surface causing us to be extremely cautious in these muddy conditions. To the right of the trail there is an old irrigation system that might be still used today. Not sure. The stones look to be of the same type used for the palace and could date back to the same time period. Something worth investigating. I picture how dignitaries might of traveled with their entourage to get here for their festivities. How impressed they would been to see a grand palace in the middle of the forest in the cooler, higher elevation. When you get into clearing and see the ruins you can't help but to rush in. You don't leave your senses long as you begin to feel the stronger Mana in the area. At the same time I felt drawn in, to come in and visit but be respectful. That we did. We walked the perimeter of the ruins before going inside. We studied it from the outside. We studied it from the inside. What a great place this must have been back then. Even with the rain, this hike took us 5 min. to get to from the trail head. It is a great hike to do with kids and family that can be used to teach respect and Hawaiian history as well as the basic lessons of hiking in Hawaii. I advised Gabriel G. if we saw trash in the site we would bring it out. It is good to see other visitors are doing their part and being respectful. There was no trash for us to bring out. read more

See all

I have been here several times, its easy to miss which I think is a good thing. Don't want it to turn into Diamond head. Don't disturb this historical landmark. Don't climb anything or walk on the low walls either. Everything is old and aged and cover with moss in wet, steamy nuuanu. Lot of people leave offerings such as leis and fruit at the plaque. You first see the main structure of a large room. maybe 20 x 20 and there will be several other structures around the site such as foundation walls, paths and some completely collapsed piles of rubble. I heard several different stories that it was used for kinda staycation parties and festivals and also as a point of retreat in invasions. the area is lush, beautiful and serene. it'll often be wet and drizzly and you'll see a rainbow over the front garden as one of the only places light penetrates strongly is above the main structure. The trail is short, first left after the split log on the main trail in the bamboo forest. You can continue down the main trail but there have been issue with people straying on to private property where one owner has a waterfalls in their yard and some had large dogs as i heard. There are other path and some water pipes in the area but those trails seem to be overgrown and some have collapsed trees and is quite dangerous as it is not designated for hiking but for maintenance. It's a bit more safe just to go to Lulumahu falls instead of wandering too much in this area. I guess DLNR has jurisdiction over this area and you are able to apply for a permit to visit. Without one you risk being charged with criminal trespass. They don't so much bother locals so much but I've seen them come to this area and Lulumahu falls identify rental cars, hold everyone there while they issue every single person a ticket. They'll sit there, park and wait till people exit the trail to issue a ticket. I mean hey. Probably just filled their monthly quota in one sitting. read more

See all

Super easy and short hike. Well, it's more like a walk. Breath taking ruins, please keep in mind this is a historical site and if you visit here please be respectful. read more

See all

This is the remains of the summer palace of King Kamehameha III and his Queen Kalama. Please note that this is a place to be respected and is revered by the Hawaiian people. So please leave this place as you found it -- as it is a place of historical significance. We googled this location and got to the parking lot no problem. However, finding the ruins was a different story. First off, the parking lot is a bumpy dirt area (free), not that large, so you may want to take this into consideration. We got lucky and found a spot. When we followed our google walking map to the ruins, we couldn't find it. We walked along the side road where cars drive through, but that's wrong. So we walked back to the parking area and talked to some locals to find out where the ruins were. As we followed their directions, we still couldn't find it, but ran into people coming down from the waterfall, so we decided to check that out instead. I will post another review of the falls under Lulumahu Falls, which was a wonderful hike, by the way. On the way back from the waterfall, we decided to try to find the ruins again. Went through the bamboo forest (this is the right way) and followed location map on google. Once you are about 10 minutes in, you'll start to notice ribbons around trees and branches (others left behind) that signify you are headed in the right direction. Soon enough, we found it. So glad we did, as it was very interesting to see! The hike (more like a walk) to the ruins is easy -- about 25 minutes, it's just not so easy to find. Tip: Don't forget bug spray. Lots of mosquitos in the area! And if you walk to the waterfalls, you need good shoes and prepare to get VERY muddy! read more

See all

I was afraid this would be really tough to find, but it wasn't. Like, at all. The trail was perfectly obvious from the start. Read yelp reviews, you'll find the info you need. Just don't be a jerk and damage the site. It's incredible, it's sacred, and it should be respected, not destroyed by idiots. I appreciated the opportunity to explain to my kids how important it is to respect other cultures' important sites, with something so memorable to use as a teaching opportunity. We really valued our time at Kaniakapupu. The hike itself is straight forward and simple. Really, it's not even a hike. Just a short walk through some bamboo. It's the research you have to do beforehand that makes it tough. But it's definitely worth it! read more

The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

It feels amazing to see what my ancestors had in the past. We took the right to he fort at first that lead us to the top of a waterfall. No trail to walk down. We were told you have to climb down the fall. DO NOT ATTEMPT it is very Dangerous and slippery. We walked back and took the left. This is just about a 10 minute walk. You'll see red ti leafs from a far and you'll know your almost there. The place was beautiful amazing really. So peaceful and nice. Side note: do not crave into any trees rocks etc. this is place isn't made for your writing skills. Next, do not litter. Hawaii is growing every single day let's keep our scared parts scared and clear. read more

See all

Breathtaking and full of history. These ruins are truly considered a hidden treasure and takes you through a bamboo forest in Nu'uanu Valley. HISTORY: This is the summer palace of King Kamehameha III and Queen Kalama. Completed in 1845, these ruins lie in Nu'uanu Valley on lands known as Luakaha "place of relaxation" and dedicated to the god, Lono. It was the first government building built with influence from western style mortar and plaster. The King could escape the summer heat by returning to this spot. Per the plaque located at the site, this was a place for entertainment of foreign celebrities and the feasting of chiefs and commoners. In 1847, an estimated 10,000 people celebrated the Hawaiian Restoration Day with a luau at this site. This location is considered sacred and should be treated with respect. DIRECTIONS: I don't want to be detailed as this trail is now CLOSED to the public and visitation. Due to the recent vandalism and graffiti, only authorized groups such as the Sierra Club of Hawai'i are allowed to visit this site. It is not acceptable to deface or damage the ruins. It is utterly disrespectful to do so. Not really helpful, I know. I'm terribly sorry but my thoughts are that if you can find this place without me saying so, then props to you! :) There's a lot of information that can be found on the web, just be aware that you are entering a no trespassing zone. If you choose to ignore my warning, please do not remove anything that does not belong to you. If you bring trash, please take it back with you! Many organizations work tirelessly to maintain these historic sites. Don't be disrespectful! Treat it as if it belonged to you! But most importantly, appreciate the site. Be thankful that you get to experience something like this! We may not have it in the years to come if people keep destroying it! HIKE: It's not really a hike, honestly. You could probably do this in slippahs but it might be small kine muddy if it recently rained. Almost everyone could make this trek! Go visit a nearby hike called Lulumahu falls. It's a gorgeous waterfall! For more information, please follow this link provided by DNLR: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/featured/nr16-119f/ read more

The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted - Hawaii is simply amazing, but please respect the history! People have been vandalizing the ruins :( - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Date: September 22, 2015 Location: Kaniakapupu Ruins Reason to go: Burn off the heavy lunch I was in the company of Mel and Sari when we went to Kaniakapupu Ruins. Mel knew the way to get there. We walked through the bamboo forest and climbed over a large tree trunk in order to get to the ruins. The pathway was very muddy. I did my best in trying to step on the dry areas. Yes the mosquitos were out flying around as well. Once we arrived at the Kaniakapupu Ruins I noticed how beautiful and peaceful it was. (I personally was out of breath and sweating up a storm since I've been slacking on doing exercises). I took a moment of silence to pay respects to King Kamehameha III and Queen Kalama. I used my mind and pictured on how it would have been back when King Kamehameha III was alive. The summer palace of King Kamehameha III and his Queen Kalama would have gatherings for the foreigners and commoners alike. There would be a luau with 10,000 individuals in attendance in celebrating the Hawaiian Restoration Day back in 1847. I wonder if during his time there would be music, dance, and laughter. Kaniakapupu Ruins is in a NO TRESPASS zone. Please be respectful to King Kamehameha III and the land surrounding the Kaniakapupu Ruins. Do not remove anything that does not belong to you. read more

See all

This was King Kamehameha III summer home. This site has a very rich Hawaiian history. Please respect this sacred Hawaiian site. Here are the coordinates for the trail entrance: 21.350748, -157.817330 Parking is where ever you can find a place around the Board of Water Supply building. Please note that it is technically illegal to take this hike and you could receive a citation or be arrested. You can try to get a permit through DLNR to have legal access. This is a high break in area, so be smart. You may also want bug repellent. I am not trying to scare you away from this trail, just want you to be informed before you go. read more

The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted - Map of the site of Kaniakapupu done by an archaeology field school in 1999. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is deeply hidden, but not to worry it's a quick find after a good set of directions. This is not really a hike but more like a brisk walk through a bamboo forest. Find the Nuuanu Pali Dr, which is close to the Pali lookout if you're headed that way anyways. If you are looking at the worn water pump station, behind you and to your right you will find a small pathway opening in the brush. Follow the dirt path in, you will find yourself surrounded by bamboo. If you follow the path forward, stepping over a large pipe, you will find yourself looking at a small waterfall - there is no clear path here. If you follow an opening to the left, the clearing opens up to King Kaniakapupu's Ruins. This area certainly has strong presence or an eerie feel. That might have been be due to poor weather rolling through. But whatever, it was still odd to me. Nonetheless, this location holds a lot of history. This is one of the few places that aren't protected or barricaded. Be respectful when you explore around. Even if you do not believe in bad karma or sprits, please do not take / move anything, nor climb or vandalize the ruins. read more

See all

Really interesting ruins in an itty bitty hike. The entrance is a bear to find though! Us and some fellow tourists both had to talk over where we thought the entrance was. The entrance is across the street from the Water Pump area. Seriously. Cross the street. There will be the residential street. Do not enter it! Keep walking toward the bamboo covered bit of the road. There will be a small door sized gap in the brush for you to enter. There is also a sign. The other direction issue we had was that the path continues straight on to a waterfall, NOT the ruins. There is a break in the established path in the bamboo. Someone had laid a bamboo on the ground pointing toward the turn off on the right but it was very subtle. If you have to hurdle a pipe to keep going on the path, you have passed the left turn to the ruins. The ruins themselves are very nice and there's a cool quiet history to them. It's cool to imagine the luaus that happened there and the summers enjoyed by the King. A much more personal and one on one experience than other tourist attractions in the neighborhood. Would recommend! read more

The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted - Pointing to the turn off to the left to go to the ruins. The trail looks like it should continue, but that way goes to waterfall. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

One of the coolest "hikes" I've done. It's really more of a short walk though. A little tricky to find but if you look hard enough you can find it. As other have said be respectful. read more

See all

Beautiful short walk in the woods to a hidden history gem. Park at the lot for lulumahu and walk down the road that runs parallel to the Pali, heading towards town. You'll see the entrance a ways down on the left. You can apparently take this trail beyond the ruins to lulumahu, but I didn't try that as it started to rain. read more

This is not really a hike, it is more like a walk down a path for less than 500m to a really nice little place. The hardest part about this hike was finding the trail head online. To all of those who said this hike changed your life, it was so surreal and sacred but, then felt bad about giving directions to it; you're all hypocrites. Every hike is sacred and all land should be respected. Pack out what you pack in. Park where everyone parks to go to the Lulumahu Trail Falls. Walk to the paved road that parallels the Pali Highway, it's Nuuanu Pali Drive. Walk down this road for about 600m. After the overhead cover opens up, you will see a good size break in the bamboo, there will be a sign saying it is off limits. If you don't see it, no worries, as you are walking, on the left you will see a private road, (it is literally the first road that you will come to) that has a "No Outlet" sign. Stop there, turn around 180 degrees and walk 50m, look to the right and you will see the trail head. In other reviews, I have read, there is a description of a water treatment building across the street from the trail head. It is not directly across the street from the trail head. It is about 75m past it. As a landmark it's okay but, just a little confusing. Once you enter the trail, walk 100m and take the left fork. Prior to getting there you will come across a really big fallen tree that has a cutout path in it, which was really nice. Also prior to the fork, there will be a pipe on the ground to your left. After you take the left, the pipe will no longer be with you. You will travel up but, it is nothing steep. From the fork the ruins are about 200-300m away. This entire trip took about 20 minutes. The trail opens up and there you will see the Kaniakapupu Ruins. I read the sign describing the significance of these ruins, sat for a moment, and then left. I did not enter the building out of respect of where I was. I saw no graffiti nor did I see any trash. If you do this trail, remember, it is illegal and all responsibility falls on you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O20nhuL5wk0 read more

Beautiful home and great mana!! Be respectful and ask first to enter. With that being said. The calm and peace you fee here is so cleansing and relaxing. Not a long hike just a few minutes and and out but there are other trail heads close by like Judd trail that you can continue on too. read more

Five stars due to my love of history and the days before street lights and traffic jams. I had to do a bunch of Internet searching to find the trailhead and just couldn't find it for the life of me. A nice open area and the old summer palace ruins sitting in the sunlight. Unfortunately there was a group of people sitting there but thankfully they were kind and left so others could explore the grounds. Honestly not much to see here, but it was cool to stand there and look around and imagine what it must have been like. There is a plaque that explains the importance of the site and of a luau that took place there in the 1800's of nearly 10,000 people. Must have been all sorts of laughter and music and happy people everywhere haha! I am glad this place is not destroyed with graffiti and vandalism. I also wish that the state would have kept it in tact, but if they did this place would be a tourist attraction. I'm all for keeping crowds of idiots out of special places. read more

Easy. Lots of mosquitos. Now the part I didn't read at all and no one mentioned the entrance. Navi took us to Nuuanu Pali road at the end of the Pali , take the Nuuanu Rd that's on Pali Hwy. Parking- maybe park at the area where people are parking that's on Pali or try and park on side of road by trail. **** The entrance is across from the water supply. If you face the water supply it's behind you on the right and there's a small brown sign that says something like permit needed (on your left) trespassing - it's nicely framed w bamboo trees... go in, go over large fallen tree, then it splits - LEFT which is the RUINS. Straight is the way to the stream (to head towards falls). Easy, quick. read more

These ruins are gorgeous! First and foremost I think you should be aware that these ruins are sacred so visit respectfully. I wouldn't call this so much a real hike, but more of like an adventurous walk. It took maybe 10 minutes to get there from the street. Finding these can be tricky. It's on grounds where you need a permit from the board of agriculture, and by no means am I advocating breaking the law, but we went in the middle of the day and had no trouble (after trying to get ahold of someone for a permit for two days with no luck!). Look at the pics already on yelp to find this place, they're really helpful! From the street, the entrance to the bamboo forest is right across the street from the building. The trees are parted in just the perfect way, it's obviously a path. When you get to the fork in the path, go left for the ruins and right for the falls. The ruins are beautiful once you get to them. There's a little plaque that tells you a bit of the history of the ruins themselves. It's a really interesting place to "hike" to in the Oahu area! read more

Follow Eric Roberts directions! This place is amazing, super easy walk through beautiful bamboo forest. Watch your footing for tree roots and duck under fallen trees, this is a must see best kept secret. Maybe 10 mins to the ruins and 15 to the waterfall. Make sure to do both! read more

See all

Literally the shortest hike in the world. Go down the path. Turn right at the fork, the path goes up. You're almost there. Wear bug spray or you'll be sorry. As for hike #2, There are two ways to the waterfall: the one where you hike downwards through bamboo leads you to the best view of it, but you're also IN SOMEONE'S BACK YARD. So don't go that way. read more

Before anyone gets nuts, my husband and I STUMBLED UPON THIS LOCATION ON ACCIDENT while looking for the lulumahu falls (and I'm born and raised on the island in case you're wondering). Absolutely breath taking to be wandering around the bamboo forest and then suddenly you see this clearing with the sun just shining down on this lover's palace. I was so nervous about disrespecting this place I didn't even dare walk through the doorway. But it truly was a sight worth seeing! Although we never made it to the falls (which sucked since we went hiking for like an hour) the ruins made it worth it none the less (you're welcome mosquitoes for the buffet). I tried to imagine what the palace looked like in its prime, and imagined how oahu must have looked before all the roads and stuf). I thought it was beautiful that we would stumble upon a lover's castle while hiking on my husband's birthday. Also, to ease everyone's mind, there was NO trash when we went! Not a single water bottle or candy wrapper in sight! A group of Japanese tourist ended up there as well. They read the monument description, took a few photos, and moved on. Not one of them actually stepped foot inside the palace. I think a lot of you are so negative about people disrespecting this place that you take away the beauty of it! No fun for anyone! This is part of Hawaii's history and should be celebrated and shared! Not everyone is going to trash it like your mother's dress on prom night. Have some faith in humanity! read more

The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted - It looked as if God himself shined down upon this place - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Short walk through a bamboo forest leading to historical ruins. Can be tough to find, but the walk itself is easy. I wasn't able to find the waterfall, but there was a tranquil creek nearby. It does feel a bit like you're trespassing. read more

See all

confession - i can't stand being in hawaii for more than a day - call it island fever. haha for those looking for something OTHER than relaxing on the beach ... the kaniakapupu ruins is a great alternative. it used to be the summer palace of king kamehameha and his queen (had to look that one up!). definitely a hidden gem and worth the 20 minute easy, but muddy hike. like others have mentioned, the entrance can be accessed on the main road or the private road which you'll have to find the entrance to a bamboo forest. overall, great way to spend the time. just make sure you wear shoes you would be glad to rid of - it's REALLY MUDDY tracks. read more

Amazing "off the beaten track" spot for a nature hike to some historical ruins. This is where King Kamehameha III's summer home was and dated back to 1847. It's all some pretty flat terrain and you'd be hard pressed to know where the trail begins if you don't have someone with you that knows. Just park on the side of the road near the water department pump station and look for a tunnel in the bamboo. read more

Went here the other day and I was surprised on how short of a hike it is to the ruins. Actually, I didn't even consider it a hike until I did some exploring off the trail through the bamboo forest where I found the connecting path to Lulumahu Falls and also to Luakaha Falls. The ruins felt like a very spiritual place, it is nice to be able to see something from the past of Hawaii, in its natural, although deteriorating form. I went right after Kamehameha day so a Lei was also near the plaque. The falls, if u go straight on the initial path instead of taking the left at the fork you reach the upper Luakaha falls, they were beautiful and it was a tranquil experience. You can also climb down to reach the lower falls, but this lies on private property with numerous signs and a fence present. That was probably the worst part of the hike, not being able to enjoy the beautiful falls up close from the ground level, it seems some of the best places in Hawaii are off limits, very sad. But, was still worth the hike! Tip: bring mosquito repellent Also, not until I read the other reviews did I realize this hike is also off limits, so for the first time I won't post actual directions just in respect of the Hawaiian history read more

See all

Coming to this spot may get you lost, but once you find it it's pretty sick! There's bamboo forests everywhere & even a hidden waterfall if you walk in far enough. Good place for a short hike with awesome gems. Respect the ruins! read more

The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted - Film camera - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Easy to get to, but I can't explain the directions xD It's like on Nuuanu Pali Drive on the other side of the road across from a nicely kept green grass area. Just walk into the bushes where there's an opening and follow the trail. We parked where everyone parks for Lulumahu Falls. Then, since we didn't know where the ruins were, we kept entering the forest at weird places. We followed the rock wall in the bamboo, but the bamboo was too thick, so we kept on going back out onto the road. When we finally found the right trail, it was so easy!! It's a cool place. I hope to go back to see if there's any waterfalls in the area. read more

This must be the best kept secret of the island! Nestled in a bamboo forest only a 20 min drive from downtown Honolulu, this place is one for the history books. The remains of King Kamehameha III's summer home from the 1850s. I really didn't want to post this review, because I don't want this place to get overcrowded with tourists. However, the reason I decided to leave the review is because I believe most people will not end up going, since it is not the easiest place to find and the hike itself is VERY muddy. I totally agree with previous reviewers, about this place being magical and very special. I hope it stays that way. DON'T FORGET to to bring mosquito repellent. I forgot mine, and the mosquitos ate me up hehe. There will be a fork in the hike halfway up. Make a left up the hill. read more

Great "hike"! I'd like to think of it more as a walk through the mud to some beautiful ruins and then onto the waterfall. The hike to the ruins takes less than 10 minutes and the waterfall is about the same. Beautiful and totally worth it for a mini adventure! read more

See all

Could not find this place. Wish they had a readable map one that was not tagged. The area is nice but it is very difficult to find this place. We never found it. read more

It's a gorgeous hidden treasure but I feel like people are so enraptured by the beauty that they don't bother to look up the history of the location. There's so many people doing photo shoots and such on the rocks or within the ruins. However, you need to understand that this location is a historic and should be treated as such to preserve it. If you bring trash, take it out with you. Whenever I visit, I get an eerie vibe that I'm in the company of others so I opt not to stay very long. But please please please be respectful so younger generations can live to enjoy this location as well. read more

Such an easy hike and not hard to find at all. We parked on the side of the street, but many do not recommend. The entrance is super easy to find... pretty much just drive until you see the opening on the left side of the road. When you reach the fork in the path, take the left for the ruins and right for the waterfall. You will go straight to the ruins by taking the left. The waterfall is a little harder to find though. When you try and find the waterfall, you will run into what seems to be a dead end. But towards the left of the opening in the dead end, there will be pipes and a cement receptacle. You have to follow the cement past the pipes, and go under three or four trees. You'll start to hear the waterfall. It really is beautiful once you get there. Lots of wild life, but be careful as the waterfall is tall and rocks are slippery. Make sure you bring water, bug spray, and shoes you don't mind getting dirty. read more

Tyler's directions are very good. Had no issues finding this, although it is hard to see when you are just driving past. This is a very,very, very muddy hike. You will either want to have good hiking shoes or so this barefoot. Take the trail Bd make a left at the fork in the rode. Very short and easy hike. Was somewhat busy on a Sunday afternoon. read more

The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Super fast hike, right off from Nu'uanu Pali Drive. I don't think it even took us a whole ten minutes to walk through the bamboo forrest and come out at the ruins. Beautiful place and walk through nature, if you can find parking. read more

See all

You need a permit from the State to go here, due to vandalism of the ruins. Always gotta be some idiot who has zero respect to ruin it for others, don't leave trash on hikes either read more

This place is a gem. Follow the other yelper reviews on how to get here and be sure to be respectful. The doorway on the left was the Kings door so please do not enter or exit through this. Enter through the front door. Enjoy all the surrounding beauty and make sure to clean up after yourself if you're having a snack or anything. The news was saying they're trying to get all the directions taken offline for how to get here because people are ruining it. It's a nice spot with lots of bamboo and if you don't turn by the fork there's a nice little waterfall to the right. Short walk. Parking is scarce, if u can't get the spots by the water building go down the road farther. Enjoy this little piece of history read more

Long hike thru the bambo forest if you come from the Lulumahu trail. We got lost and unknowingly came upon the ruins. Took a trail to the left from the graffiti wall, followed the creek, went up a hill then walked thru a forested area til we got to a clearing in the woods where the trees seem to have parted. That was when we saw the ruins. We continued to a trail on the left of the ruins for 10mins and ended up at Nuuanu-Pali road. Had to walk up that road to get back to our cae parked by the Lulumahu Falls trail. read more

Three stars because it's crowded nowadays. It's supposed to be a sacred place but now it's full of tourists. Please do not climb on the building itself! It's fragile and made of coral and shells. If you walk past the ruins, you'll get to a cool banyan tree that you can climb on. Out of all the hikes I did this trip, this is the only place I got a mosquito bite. read more