Kalo Falls (June 11, 2011)

This summer has been unusually rainy thus far, and waterfall hikes appear to be the early summer trend by many Oahu Weekend Hikers. With an invitation by Josh Serrano of the 808 Goonies, Lost Trailblazers Jennifer Liu and I joined Baron Yamamoto, Karla Faria, Kamae, and Josh for a superb 9-mile waterfall hike in Hauula. Located in the back of Koloa Gulch, the 80-foot high waterfall, gets it’s name from the small Kalo (Taro) Loi (irrigated terrace), adjacent the falls (see below).

In addition to typical hiking gear required for a 9-mile trail, make sure to bring felt-bottomed footwear (e.g. tabis or stream boots), as there are approximately 40 stream crossings… or basically, you will be rock-hoping in the stream channel until you reach the Kalo Falls.

I was surprised to see so many of the mid/upper elevation native stream species assemblage in Koloa Gulch, e.g. Oopu alamoo (left), Oopu nopili (right) and Oopu nakea (Note: Fish photos were not taken at Koloa Gulch). The presence of these native migratory species indicates high water quality, as their numbers and distribution are often sensitive to human disturbances (i.e. channel modifications, introduced aquarium species, chemicals, etc) common in urbanized areas on Oahu. Despite being labeled as a gulch, the stream is probably perennial (having flowing water throughout the year) and has the good connectivity to the ocean needed for the Oopu to complete their life cycle.

One of two stream forks we encountered. We went right (center) at this particular confluence (NOTE: downstream is on the right), however, Kalo Falls is on the left (east) of the two main stream forks in Koloa. Kukui, Lauhala, Strawberry Guava, Ginger and Mountain Apple were the most common plants along the stream banks.

Kamae on a ridge near the start of the trail. Ironwood, strawberry guava, and lantana were probably the most common plants on the ridge portion of the trail. Hauula pictured in the background.

There were at least a hundred of these small falls / chutes as we headed upstream towards Kalo Falls. I took a picture of almost every one of them. lol.

Mountain apples and strawberry guava are in season and were a refreshing treat along the trail (Right photo courtesy of Baron Yamamoto).

Twin waterfalls, located ~ 20 minutes before Kalo Falls. The hiking crew taking a well-deserved break.

Hiking crew finally reaching our destination after ~ 4 hours, and a Boddingtons toast to Kalo Falls immediately after arrival. Please use caution while consuming alcohol on hikes or any other physical activity. Alcohol can dehydrate you and affect your balance, as well as exhibit poor decision making.

I strongly advise against doing either one of these, but alcohol often gives people “liquid courage”. The rocks are extremely slippery and holds are smaller and less apparent as you get higher. If you do choose to climb/jump, wear felt-bottomed footwear and check the pool for depth, rocks and debris. The volume was likely much higher than usual for this time in the summer, though I hit bottom on both jumps.

To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery.