Palolo Valley

Absolutely gorgeous! Staying here in the rainforest overlooking Honolulu and the ocean but with a tropical jungle enveloping you, it's amazing! Wonderful gorgeous hike deep into the rainforest with waterfalls and to die for scenery.

This trail no longer exists. There is a trail on the far right side of the valley (if looking up towards the mountains) that was cool, but prior posts have you starting to hike/park near a school. We ended upmeandering for miles and asking around before we were directed to the crater trail.

Palolo Valley is a residential area on the island of Oahu in urban Honolulu. It's zip code is 96816 and one of the more beautiful parts of town, especially deeper into the valley. What usually scares people away is the reputation Palolo has. Don't blame them at all.Palolo had been the focus of crime in the 1990's and 2000's, as the neighborhood had been subjected to random crime stuff that had plagued the area for a good while. Within the last 10 years, I've noticed there is a steep drop off in those statistics and Palolo seems to be in a better place since then. The main thoroughfare through Palolo valley is through 10th Avenue and Palolo Avenue. Both of them are essentially the same street, but they change names in the middle near La'i Road. The further you get back into the valley is where the scenic parts of the valley come into play. There is good hiking trails up at Ka'u Crater, where I've been in the past, but do so at your own risk, even though there are no trespassing signage along the beginning trail head. 90% of Palolo Valley is private residential and there is public housing here on Ahe Street. During the day and early evening hours is perfectly safe, but be warned when you're out and about after 10pm. Sometimes, stuff happens when you out that late. The last two or so years, I've discovered Palolo Valley as a good training grounds for marathon training. Up 10th avenue and out on Palolo avenue by the McDonald's. Around 5.5 miles, I think. That's usually the way I go, unless you like to on the side streets. Many of the streets are steep and it's kind of cool how people can live and drive up steep embankments when they commute from home to work and everywhere else. At the very back of Palolo Valley is as rugged as some rural sides of the island. A lot of trees and vegetation that makes you think you are in some rural town, but that's how it is. In the back of Palolo Valley is very pristine and very quiet. I guess that's how many residents like it over there. The quietness of the area helps residents live life to the fullest. It is really nice to have that peace instead of just having that reputation of being a place where random crime happens - like Kalihi and Waianae. Palolo elementary school and Jarret Middle school calls home in Palolo valley, as well as Palolo Chinese home too. There's a Korean temple near the back of the valley too. Ka'u crater is great for hikes and trails, although best bet is to just be mindful of where you are and try not to step into anything. Plenty of parking here as you have residential streets to park in. If you are like me, bus route 9S circles the valley and it's nice to see. For whatever business or pleasure you do in Palolo Valley, best bet is to enjoy the scenery and you're lucky to live Hawaii. There's a few businesses that operate in the area, most notably is the Palolo McDonald's, on Waialae Avenue, a couple of wash/dry shops, a few convenient shops, a couple of restaurants, and of course, a couple of gas stations. All of which are either on Palolo avenue or 10th Avenue. Whether or not you live here, visiting, or have friends or relatives here, it's always nice to visit here and see the island once in a while. Feel free to step into the valley and you may be pleasantly surprised. Just don't come late at night and you should be fine. My countless experiences here running through Palolo valley have been quite peaceful and tranquil. It was very quiet in the back of the valley and I could see why people love to live there. You can even hear birds chirping early in the morning while you run up 10th avenue. If you are ever on the upper side of palolo valley and looking out to diamond head, you can even probably see the sunrise or sunset there. 4.0 stars. Support local!B

Great hike into Palolo valley with three waterfalls, a great view of the valley, some mud, and rope climbing. Difficulty: I'd say this hike is medium-hard difficulty. Hiking up to the top of the third waterfall and back took about 3hrs (6miles). There are areas that require some balance since you had to walk across thick pipes and use ropes or hands to climb. Trail path: The trail is fairly well defined with ribbons and ropes to guide you, but it definitely helps to go with someone who has hiked it before since there are alternative routes to go back after the third waterfall. The trail is well shaded but can get muddy when it rains. Each waterfall is about 15-20min apart. There is also an option to hike to the top of the mountain head that adds an extra hour. Though the view is supposed to be beautiful, that part of the trail can get particularly windy and muddy, which can get a little dangerous when it's raining and when the trail narrows. View: the three waterfalls are gorgeous picture taking spots as well as the view after the third waterfall. Parking: the road to the trail head is very narrow and parking is limited near the trail head. However, there is plenty of street parking down the road.

The reviews were pretty spot on. Me and the wifey hiked this one a couple days ago. The hike itself is not to difficult, but wouldn't recommend for anyone with kids under 10yrs old. We wore our flip flops and had no problem. But you really have to watch your step. Hiking shoes would have been better, but this was a spur of the moment excursion. Finding the entrance to the trail was difficult and we would have never found it if we hadn't asked a friendly local. TIP: The address will take you right to the location where you need to park. The road does continue but there are signs posted "no trespassing" and "beware of dog". The entrance to the trail is just to the right of the four or five mail box stand. Poke your head through the bushes and you'll find it. I will post pictures of the trail entrance and parking area. As far as the trail goes it's pretty easy to navigate. Just follow the ribbons. The trail does a few switch backs over the stream just keep following the ribbons. They will lead you in the right direction. TIP: Bring ribbon of your choice to help navigate the route back. There were a couple times the trail got a little confusing because of all the switch backs, and your really not paying attention to what was behind you. Using the Nike Run App the first Waterfall was 1.66 miles. The wifey had enough so we didn't carry on to the other two Waterfalls. I would definitely recommend this hike if your up for it. Just go on a dry day. Tip: Take lots of bug spray, some water, snacks and loads of pictures. Enjoy!!!

This is actually the ka'au crater trail. I love this trail. It's easy- not too ridgy- up to the first waterfall. It's such a beautiful hike - forested, lush, green ... Muddy:) bring bug spray.

Slippery Slopes, Muddy Roots, and Massive Waterfalls! An amazing adventure for sure!Went here a few years ago and this was one of the best hikes. It was long forest hike with lots of mud, roots, down trees, waterfalls, slippery, slopes and beautiful scenery. Would like to do this again with friends and share it with them.On my hike through Palolo Valley to the falls, a couple friends wore slippers until they broke in the mud and then gladly went barefoot the rest of the way. Another friend, will not name names, decided to wear her Nike throwback sneakers. When I seen on her feet, I asked if she was sure she didn't want to change them before we left the house. She looked at me like I stole drove over her puppy...about two hours later, we were pulling her up from the side of the ridge because her shoes had ZERO traction and she almost made the 6 o'clock news. Dummy. LOLThis is a challenging hike with a higher level of risk than Manoa Falls or Mariner's Ridge and it should only be attempted with proper planning, equipment, and some experienced hikers. It isn't the most technical hike, but there are some dangerous sections, especially when wet. It's the Palolo Valley...it's always wet. With all the challenges of this hike, the rewards are even greater. Hike safely and respectfully and you will have an awesome journey.

This is so far my favorite hike very muddy and hot so wear good hiking shoes, bring a lot of water and some snacks to keep your energy up. There's three amazing waterfalls the first one takes about an hour and a half to reach give or take. After you reach the first one you climb up the ropes and shortly you will reach the second one. As you climb up to the third one you have an option to climb the third waterfall itself and get to the top of the mountain and get a great view of the valley. Definitely gonna be going to the trail again AWESOME HIKE!

This is called a hike, however it's more of an adventure. Those afraid of heights, climbing, nature, no not attempt. Highly recommend brining bug repelent, sun tan lotion, 2 large water bottles & pineapple slices that have been frozen. The water will keep you hydrated, while the pineapple slices will provide you w/ enough sugar to venture down after reaching the top. This hike can be done in shoes, flip flops, or bare feet. TONS of mud on the trails & lots of water too so you need something with tred/grip. I did the trail 90% bare footed & the other 10% in flip flops.In order to get here you need to pass a sanctuary so be mindful & quiet. Then quietly pass through the small neighborhood & sneak past the gate. Now you can follow the pathes, which will be lead by piping. In other areas of the trail markers will be clearly labeled by colored tape & arrows. The first waterfall is quick & makes you think of LOST as you're getting closer to it. To get to the second waterfall you will have to use alot of ropes that have been tied to various parts of the surroundings. As you move higher & higher the more of the land you can of downtown, Chinaman's hat, Turtle Bay. The closer you get to the top the more narrow the path will get. It also starts become more clay based so gripping becomes even tougher. I don't recommend being up here in this area if it starts to rain or if it's too windy. On the way down you can either go back the way you came or cross over using the trees to ease your way down. This trail def takes about 4-6 hours depending on how large your group, breaks, etc. Def worth doing it for the experience & getting the opportunity to see the whole island

This is an awesome hike. We chose this instead of the tourist infested Dimond head. It's an intermediate hike. Would not recommend for children under 10. You will get muddy, it's unavoidable, just run it. If you don't wear pants BRING BUG SPRAY!! I really wanted to do this hike again but after 40+ mosquito bites from The first time we decided not to go back for round two. We will definitely be doing this hike again but with proper clothing. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the waterfall.