Overview

Hype:

The Makaleha Falls Hike takes you to the base of two spectacular waterfalls in the Makaleha Mountains and offers views of several more waterfalls high on the cliffs above. The trail meanders along the stream through lush vegetation as you head towards the falls. After the first river crossing, you will come into a bamboo forest. A steep and muddy drop takes you back down to the river whereupon you continue upstream, crossing the stream on multiple occasions. In the upper portion of the river there are 2 main drainages. The drainage to the right takes you to a two-tiered waterfall with a swimming hole, and the drainage to the left takes you past one medium-sized waterfall to the base of a second large, photogenic waterfall. Makaleha is not a maintained trail. In order to head upstream you will need to cross the river several times and walk through it in parts. If you are not used to hiking off trail, Makaleha can prove difficult and challenging in many places. The route crosses the river frequently and often disappears completely. There is a lot of rock hopping, walking through the stream bed and bush whacking through overgrown vegetation but it is an experience well worth the effort.

Trail Condition: Class 3 (Trail may have sections where hands are needed. Trail may not be visible in spots or may not exist at all.)

Time: 4-6 hours

Length: 3 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 500 ft

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: www.hawaii-guide.com

Getting There

Navigate to 22.101766, -159.384931.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Kauai, Hawaii

Coordinates: 22.101766, -159.384931

Interactive Guide Map

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May 31, 2018 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye,

Story

We really enjoyed this hike although the terrain was very rugged. The waterfalls were awesome, and we loved the bamboo forest.

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Pictures