Step Falls in Manoa Valley – July 31, 2011

So like, I can’t always give away the pseudo-secret spots on the island… but this one is right in your backyard. I can point you in the right direction, but you folks should learn to do a little research and you can probably figure out where this one is in Manoa (as we had to). The one pictured above, and the series of falls above it, is one of my favorites.

Pre-developed Manoa Valley and Kalo Loi fields in the 1890s. Photo Courtesy of Bishop Museum.

A little bit of geology for you form Stearns (1985): Manoa Valley displays the classic “amphitheatre-headed” valley structure ( that was formed by the force of flowing streams incising into the layered lavas of Oahu’s Koolau Mountain Range. The Manoa Valley floor was formed during the youngest eruption on Oahu about 67,000 years ago (Late Pleistocene) when a fissure opened through Puuualakaa (Round Top) and Puu ohia (Tantalus). High fire fountains erupted along the fissure and glowing lava flowed down the steep valley walls into Pauoa, Makiki, and Mānoa Valleys. In Manoa, lava flowed down the steep west side of the valley, shifting its stream channel to the eastern side and filled in the valley floor. Turning seaward, the lava overlaid a thick platform over an expanse of area which is today the University of Hawaii’s Manoa campus. This lava platform is 40 feet thick and terminates in what is today the Moiliili district, where it overlays old reef limestone.

Waterfalls raging in back of Manoa Valley in the 1890s. Photo Courtesy of Bishop Museum.

There are several streams with considerable discharge in the back of Manoa Valley, and of these, most of them have quite aesthetically pleasing stepfalls (sequential waterfalls, often with pools at scoured out at the bottom). The Manoa Valley Streams which have substantial falls are Waihi Stream, Luaalaea, Naniuapo and Waiakeakua… all of which confluence in the upper residential area in the back of the valley. I’m sure you can figure out which one of the above it is by just looking at a topo-map. However, please be safe while doing so… Though it’s location may be clear, how to get higher / further may not be, even after you get to the point pictured above.

There are several steep climbs, some of which will be more difficult than others. The roots, like the banyan pictured above, help as good hand and foot holds.

The trail, or lack there of, is very slippery and narrow.

The second falls of this stream probably has one the best/deeper pools at the bottom of it. It’s a great place to hang out and swim, though there is much more to see further up the mountain.

The third falls is pretty gorgeous as well, though there isn’t much of pool to swim in (left). The fourth falls is a little bit trickier to get to, but is a pretty awesome site a well (right).

Short series photo of me going down the fourth falls pool.

Some of us taking a break at the base of the fifth falls. To be honest, I haven’t been in further than this… though I know we all could have went further. Rumors of there being 17-23 falls total, exist.

I guess stripping down at falls 2 was more on our minds than anything else, lol… as well as popping open the yellow cans in our packs, lol.

I think that water is cold enough to keep our boddingtons cold! Extremely refreshing after all the scrambling and climbing in the back of the valley…

What a great day… Please exercise 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.

Happy hunting and stay safe if you decide to find and hike this trail. If you already know where this is, kudos to you.