KAILUA, ISLAND OF OAHU, Hawaii -- KAILUA -- This weekend, instead of spending time off at the beach or in front of the television, why not get off MCB Hawaii and explore some of the natural scenic beauty that the island of Oahu has to offer?
Just off Kaneohe Bay, lie miles and miles of untapped wilderness waiting to be explored by anyone who dares.
The Maunawili Falls Trail, located just past Kailua, off of the Pali Highway, offers base residents a chance to experience a different side of Hawaii.
The three-mile trail, which is managed by the Na'a'hele Trail Management Group, lies just at the base of the Ko'olau Mountain Range, and awards hikers with a real taste of the outdoors without heading too far from home.
The trailhead starts near subdivision just past Kailua. From MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, simply head up the Pali Highway and take a left at the first traffic light past Castle Medical Center. Then, take the second left, and follow the street for three miles until the yellow gate and brown sign that mark the trailhead are visible.
Hiking out, the trail has a generally upward trend, as patrons saunter through the jungle. Several creek crossings, large rooted areas and rock gardens clutter the trail and make the path more than a simple walk through the woods.
Hikers should wear shoes with good grip and rugged clothing, as the trail tends to stay moist and slipping may occur. However, the trail is always kept in immaculate condition and safe for even novice hikers to use.
Once the trail nears completion, the path opens up to what looks like a creekbed. Further down, hikers are finally rewarded for the miles on foot.
A natural swimming hole, at the base of the large cliff, provides an excellent area for visitors to swim, dive or picnic before turning around and heading back to Kailua or Kaneohe.
Also near its end, the trail links up with the Maunawili Trail, which can take hikers back to the Pali Highway or all the way to Waimanalo for those hikers who wish to spend more time in the woods.
Hikers are advised to carry plenty of water and food for their day outdoors, and to never hike alone.