Mo'ole Falls with the OAGs

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 Mo'ole Waterfalls - June 30, 2014


Initially, the plan was Lulumahu to Olympus, but with bad weather that was out. We had to figure out a plan b. Since we all have good knowledge of the area, waterfall options were at the top of the list. The two main options when your in Manoa or Nuuanu is the Manoa Waterfall Tour or Nuuanu Waterfall Tour/or Mo'ole Waterfalls. 

This hike would be all OAG's, first time in a while we got 70% out on a hike. I remember when I was in 7D, if 50% of the crew was there, it would be considered a 7D hike. 

But first things first. At the Pu'u Pia trailhead near the cemetery were only me, Bernice, Darren, Aprille, & Erik. We texted Allison and Daniel to see if they were willing to hike. Allison was down to hike and it was Daniel's birthday, so with an enticing hike, he would be in. DJ and Janice had commitments, so they couldn't join. Allison and Daniel would meet us at the Lulumahu trailhead at 10:30am to do Mo'ole. 

After the plan was set, it was only 7:30am. We decided to get as much waterfalls done in Manoa as humanly possible. Erik chose the best waterfall in Manoa, Kahuwai'iki falls, a waterfall similar looking to Lulumahu. The Kahuwai'iki falls write up is here. After the falls and a long chat with hiking icon Red Baron and crew, we went to the Lulumahu trailhead. 

Crossing the Pali Hwy. is hair raising and is one of the hardest parts of the hike. The Mo'ole trail follows an old ditch which sucked out all the water from Mo'ole stream. However with rain, the falls do spill very well, so all is not bad. Last time I was here, was when we did the Puka to Lanihuli hike in probably the most dangerous hike I've ever done next to the Pohakea Pass. 

tunnel

We followed the old ditch for about 45 minutes to a tunnel. The tunnel is awesome,feels like an adventure of sorts. I didn't go through the tunnel last time, I took the bypass trail because I was lost. After the tunnel is the first waterfall, a small 15-20 falls that spills into a shallow pool. Waterfall 2 was a pain to get to, but it is a beauty, "one of the nicest waterfalls I've seen on Oahu," and it was full today. 

We had to backtrack from #2 to a junction and go up the mountain taking a contour trail to waterfall 3. This is a good looking twin tier waterfall. There is a rock at the top where you can have a nice seat and look down at the falling water below. Waterfall 4 looks nice, but doesn't come out in pictures very well. 

Mo'ole #2


Waterfall 5 is small and not too great. Waterfall 6 is probably the "best looking" waterfall. The water hits a number of rocks before splashing into the pool. We took a nice group photo there. After waterfall 6 is a vertical climb to 7 aided by plenty ropes. I decided to stay with Allison at 6, while the rest went up to see 7. After about 20 minutes, they came down and we headed back. There are actually 8 waterfalls. Erik ask me how was #8 since Dave showed me on the Puka to Lanihuli hike, but I told Erik I can't remember at all. I think Erik really wanted to see 8. 

Darren sitting on top a waterfall

On the way back, we went through the tunnel again. Daniel was the last person out, and we decided to sing happy birthday to him. What a place to sing happy birthday. The PHM was going to be at KJ's in Kaneohe. As I tried to drove out, I notice my wheels kept on spinning, but I wasn't moving. My car was stuck in the mud. Darren got out and pushed my car out of the mud and we were off. KJ's had some really good food. I had the laulau, but knew it was a mistake once I seen Aprille's chicken katsu. After eating laulau at the Waiahole Poi Factory twice in the past 2 weeks, Hawaiian food anywhere else seems subpar. 

group shot with water drop

We talked for a while at the shopping center. It was good conversation and an end to a great day. 

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