Into the Forest of Makaleha Falls, Kauai HI

Your First Jungle Adventure in Hawaii

We want to use this blog to encourage similar minded readers curious about outdoor adventures to start the first journey.

Included are our top action packed destinations with a carefully planned and researched gear list and newbie tips to stay safe and make the most of your new experience.

Season: All year round (Don’t go on rainy days!)

Duration: 0.5 day

Distance: 2.6 miles | out and back

Ascent: 602 ft | Descent: 651 ft

Trail map: Gaia GPS Map

• As you can see, we went off trail and had to turn back at the beginning. With our zigzagging, we ended up hiking about 4.6 miles.
• Our total trip lasted about 5.5 hours from start to finish, with 3:52 of total hiking time.

Adventure Rating:

9 / 10

Newbie Tips:

1. Bring gloves and wear light trail running shoes. The gloves will be very helpful for the amount of time spent on all fours. Harder soles on trail shoes makes it easier for the rocky and muddy surface. Keep it light as it will get soaked. (Check starred items on the gear list.)
2. Be prepared to get muddy and wade through water.
3. Follow the stream and always stay within earshot to running water to stay on track.
4. You can jump off the second tier waterfall for a refreshing dive. (Bring a towel.)
5. Wear long sleeves to protect against mosquitoes.

Check our detailed list of gears: Makaleha Falls, Kauai (2 people, day hike)

6. Begin your trip with a hearty poke meal at PONO MARKET close by, and pack a few rice balls (musubi) for the hike.

Check this article for food recommendations in Kauai.

Poke bowls at Pono Market

Densely forested mountain trail that would sometimes invisibly follow the river before reentering the edge of the forest

The forest closes in on you at times, leaving only a muddy tunnel of fallen branches and dense shrubbery. Crawl in the tunnel or create your own path marching over the fallen trees.

Slippin, trippin n’ fallin on knee deep exposed tree roots and slippery moss, but luckily no broken bones. This is a sure way to ruin your trip, so be careful!