We hiked to Manoa Falls this morning. What a great way get some exercise and also spent quality time with the family.
Manoa Falls is very popular hike for both tourists and locals here in Oahu. It’s about a mile and half but probably closer to 2 miles. The trail is easy to follow but gets very rocky in some parts and a bit of challenge here and there.
My 2 girls are 7 and 3 – so we went slowly and took about 45 mins to an hour to get to the end (total time was a little over 2 hours).
The fall is beautiful as is some of the scenery throughout the hike. And of course, it being a “rainforest” of sorts, the jungle (or forest) was very wet and rained sporadically. Used to be that you could “swim” in the little pools at the base of the waterfall but with recent rockslides that is now off limits.
I’m exhausted. It’s a good hike up and it is challenging. Get up it quickly and the terrain will work everything from hips to toes. In fact, there were several hikers on the trail who were clearly there to exercise. Unlike us, we were having a great family time.
But I’m exhausted, because I had to carry my 40lb, 3 year old girl back down the trail. One, she was tired from the hike up (as you can see from the picture) – what a trooper tough, never complained once. And with the steep, makeshift steps, rocks, and tree roots coupled with the mud and rain made the hike back down a bit treachous.
So, what’s the point…
No point…
Just sharing what we did today…
Sometimes we don’t spent enough quality time outside the house with our families. Reading together is great, as is any time you spend with the family.
But getting out there and breaking a sweat – be it hiking up a mountain or a couple of hours at the park – is invigorating. If you haven’t recently, make time…please.
It’s a little after 11pm and I can feel the ache starting to settle into my lower back, as I type – love the feeling.
Oh, and after the hike…
We stopped at the Rainbow Cafe at the entrance to Manoa Falls and had shaved ice with strawberry, pink bubblegum, and honeydow flavors.
It just doesn’t get any better…
The falls looks fantastic. Is there also a spot here where people are allowed to bath? What about the cottages that we can stay for a day so that we can enjoy the scenery?
And its true that going out sometimes and breaking a sweat – be it hiking up a mountain or a couple of hours at the park – is invigorating.
You sure have a healthy bonding with your family. keep it up!
Regards,
Martha N. Morvant
oh. I was actually talking if there is a certain place or spot in the falls where you can take a swim. Because one of the waterfalls here in our area, they have like a pool using the waterfalls
Sorry for the confusion. So I guess you have answered my question.
Thanks Hyo! Im looking at http://www.vrbo.com/ right now.
Martha
Wow, the journey to the falls looks fine and exciting. Though I bet it’s quite challenging carrying two children with you. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It’s really nice and fun!