The journey to Hanakapia falls is magical. Start early in the morning so you have plenty of time to explore and play and make sure you pack extra film. Take water, a lunch, and swim gear too since you're not going to be able to resist playing in the pool! The first leg of the trail takes you up lava stone steps through the jungle where the leaves on the vines are as big as your head. You soon emerge on a red dirt path that borders the cliffside overlooking the gorgeous Na Pali coastline. Azure blue waters lie beneath you to the right. During the winter months you will be rewarded with views of outstanding waves, while in the summer you may see a group of kayakers floating along the current on the calm seas.

Just shy of two miles, the trail begins to dip downward again and you find yourself on Hanakapia beach. In the summer months, there is plenty of sand, but in the winter you'll be surprised to see only lava boulders. Every year the current carries the sand into the ocean only to return it in the spring! Hanakapia stream empties into the ocean creating scenic photo opportunities.

Cross the stream and turn inland for the two mile stretch of the hike that takes you winding along the stream and back to the falls. You will wander through a lush jungle setting for most of the hike. The earth smells fertile and there are occasional mango trees along the path that offer tempting fruits during the summer months.

When you reach the giant stands of bamboo, you will come to a picnic table. The main trail is to the right just beyond the table. Take my word for it, you don't want to wander off path here! I have accidentally bushwhacked on narrow trails through slushy black mud and spider webs thinking I was on path! The real path is actually quite wide and easy! Eventually you will cross the stream and start to climb up on the rocky trail towards the falls. Do not do this if the stream is flooded. And if you get confused about the trail look for orange ties on the trees or piles of rock (cairns) left by considerate hikers.

When you reach the falls you will lose your breath. They tumble over the cliffside high above in layers, cascading into a deep green pool. The water is cold and inviting and very invigorating after the steamy hike. Take a dip or if you want another view, hike the short way up to the lava ledge on the left side of the natural amphitheater and you will get some gorgeous pictures. The ferns and grasses make the place teem with life. You will want to spend considerable time here.

Hanakapia is a sacred and special place. You cannot help but feel its raw power and you may not want to leave! When you return to the trailhead, consider taking a dip in the Limahouli stream to refresh and cool off.