Koolau Range, Oahu

The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is in the southern Koolau Range. Also referred to as ‘Cool Height Cliff’, the lookout provides some of the best views on the island. One of Hawaii’s most horrific battles was fought here by King Kamehameha in 1795.

Maunawili Falls is a great hike for those who want see a little bit of secret Hawaii. You know one of those places that not even all the locals see. Its about a 2 mile hike but dont worry, the way back goes very fast. If it has rained in the days prior to the hike, then make sure you wear shoes and clothes you dont mind getting wet and muddy. Bring a swim suit because there is great swimming, and some great cliff jumpin off and around the falls. Just be careful cause it u get hurt, its a long walk out.

DIRECTIONS: If you are coming from Honolulu. Take H1 West and take the Pali Highway exit. Head over the mountain towards Kailua. Continue pass Kamehameha Highway, and about 3/4 of a mile past that is Auloa Rd. Take a right on Auloa and when u come to the fork stay left. From there u can just follow the signs that will lead u there...

When it rains in Hawaii, it rains! Its raining as i type this, but you cant complain because thats why Hawaii is green.

Anyways, next time you are on Hawaii and it rains hard for atleast 3 hours. Take a drive over to the Windward side, to the town of Kaneohe, and get a good look at the hundreds of water falls that come down along the Koolau mountains.

You can only see them on the Windward side, because of the steep mountain faces that go pretty much straight down.

For some great views up close. Drive up H3 highway heading towards Honolulu. This will take you right along the mountain for some awesome views of the waterfalls. You can also get some views along Likelike Highway, or driving along Kahekili Highway.

To get there from Honolulu, take H1 West and take any of the 3 tunnels. Pali, Likelike Hwy, or H3 towards the Windward side. Please be careful when looking at the waterfalls while it is raining.

Not many people know about this place, but it is a hidden gem located in the mountains behind Honolulu/Waikiki. It's definitely a different feeling as you take the road to the top of Tantalus Drive (almost 2,013 ft.)...a winding road that takes you through a tropical forest (groves of bamboo and fern), past kama'aina estates and affords panaromic views of Diamond Head as well as Pearl Harbor. To get here, just make a right after you exit the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Puowaina Drive becomes Tantalus Drive which becomes Round Top Drive) and follow up the hill and then down.