Searching for Secret Waterfalls in Nuuanu

 Waipuilani Falls - August 21, 2015

After waking up at 3:30am, I texted messaged Erik & Aprille to see if our backpacking trip was a go. We all agreed that the weather was going to be unstable for the next few days, thus we would have to bail on our backpacking trip and do another hike. Aprille and I drove to Erik's house. After brainstorming while watching Chasing Mavericks, we decided on Waipuilani and other waterfalls in the Nuuanu Pali area.

Erik did a lot of the coordinating. Committed to the hike was Janice, Darren, Kinky, Kellie, Bernice, her friend Lehua, us three, and Art. 

Meeting time was at 8:30am at the Pali Lookout. After saying hi to everyone, we walked down the road and found a trail to the left. Art and Kinky did this trail before and knew the way for the most part. It was great talking to the OAGs again and Kinky and Art ~ both whom I haven't seen in ages. 

finding the way

Art showing picture

Almost to Waipuilani

We had fun talking and hiking. It took us about 1 hour to reach Waipuilani Falls. The flow wasn't great, but still a sweet spot to chill and relax. I forgot how great this type of hiking was. This was actually my first real hike since Kalalau in July. I felt hungry for some reason and ate a cliff bar and Fritos. We were taking choke pictures, more than usual.  Waipuilani would look awesome with a heavy flow. There are double falls spilling from at least 200 feet high. 

Waipuilani with flow

A tunnel nearby the waterfall, Kellie was the first to go inside and we all followed suite. Initially, the tunnel was wet. But further in, it was dry. The tunnel went in about 50 feet and split. The end of the tunnel was just after the split. Some nice pictures were being taken. Amazing what camera phones can do these days.  

tunnel

As we exited the tunnel, I seen Kinky reading his newspaper. He is still old school. I rely on the Honolulu Advertiser App for all my information now days, but some people are still dinosaurs. I remember two years ago, I did a current events lesson with my special education students. They had to find a newspaper article. One mouthy girl said, "Mister, what is this, we don't do this anymore, only my parents do this". I felt pretty old after she said that.  

Kinky reading his newspaper

group shot

We lost the trail going back. But used our Backcountry Navigator App to get back on track. Even though we got lost, it only took us one hour to get back and to our cars at the Pali Lookout. 

We weren't done yet, next stop (not Zippy's), but Pali Falls. Off we went to the Pali Lookout and Old Pali Road looking for Pali Falls

Pali Falls - August 21, 2015

After Waipuilani falls, we decided to head towards Pali Falls. To get there, we had to get to the Pali Lookout and the Old Pali Road. We walked down to almost the end of the road, where at a distance looking mauka, you could see a waterfall chute with some water trickling down it. You could also see the rest of the lower falls while looking underneath the Old Pali Road. 

lower falls

entrance

obligatory tourist group shot

We entered an obscure path. I was behind Bernice the whole time and our banter was at a high level. Bernice is good fun, maybe that's what happens when your raised on the Westside of the island. When we lived in Kapolei, my kids and their friends would act the same (good fun). Now they live in Mililani and they act totally different, almost stuck up even. 

It took us less than half an hour to get to what Art called "V" falls because the shape of the two waterfalls looks like a V. But it doesn't look like a V. Not that it matters. Aprille was happy to chill in this spot. Although somewhat close to the Old Pali Road, it feels secluded from the action of urban life. There was also a great view of the Marine Core Base while looking outward from the falls. Kinky said that when it pours really hard, the waterfall on the right side has a decent enough size pool to wade in. 

V falls

Kaneohe view through the mountains

another group shot before we leave

Again, we took a lot of pictures at the falls, it was such a long time that Kellie fell asleep. She seemed tired from waking up early as she was suppose to go on the backpacking trip with us. I was still hungry and finished another cliff bar and my fritos. Going back was fast, especially since we were going down hill. 

Kellie sleeping

We finished at the Pali Lookout and said our goodbyes. The PHM was at Teddy's Burgers in Moilili. These burgers are messy, but tasty. I ate my entire burger like it was bite size and ate some of Erik & Aprille umame french fries. I had major knack going back home, luckily Erik was driving. I was so tired, my job stress might be getting to me. Another fun time, these events add up. No wonder I believe that hiker's are the happiest people on earth. 

Pali Lookout