Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest hike to waterfall: Small group, 10 max

Walk under the rainforest canopy to a waterfall, then climb to ridge views across windward Oahu

A guided hike through Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest on Oahu that combines an easy-to-moderate waterfall walk with scenic stops at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout and Makapuu Lighthouse. The tour keeps groups to a maximum of 10 people and includes parking. Your guide shares the history and ecology of each stop, and you'll see native plants, kukui nuts and mountain apples in season. The full outing takes about four hours, with travel time between stops built in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Nuuanu Valley Rain Forestpassing by
2. Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout20m
3. Makapuu Lighthouse20m

Scenic hike and viewpoint stops

• Drive up Old Pali Road rainforest tunnel
• Enjoy views at Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout
• Hike under canopy to waterfall
• Stop at Makapuu Lighthouse scenic view
• Visit Sandy Beach and Halona Blow Hole

The experience

Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest is the anchor of this hike. You drive up Old Pali Road where the rainforest canopy forms a tunnel overhead, then stop at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, which sits atop the Ko'olau Mountain range. From there you can see across windward Oahu: Kualoa Ranch, Mololi'i Island (Chinaman Hat), the Kaneohe Sandbar, and into Kailua. Your guide walks you through the history of the location and positions you for photographs.

The waterfall hike itself is easy to moderate. You walk under the canopy listening to birds and smelling the rainforest, then get close to the waterfall for photos. Depending on the season, you may spot kukui nuts, ginger and mountain apples. After the hike, the tour includes two more scenic stops: Makapuu Lighthouse on Oahu's south shore, where you can see the lighthouse trail, Sea Life Park, Makapuu Beach and, during whale season, humpbacks in the channel; and a final stop with views of Sandy Beach, the Halona Blow Hole (which can spray water up to 30 feet high) and Eternity Beach, a filming location known for swimming and turtle watching.

Travel between stops takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and which direction you're heading. Parking fees are covered in the price. The guides have years of hospitality experience and focus on details that shape how the day feels. Groups max out at ten people, so the pace stays personal and you're not navigating a crowd.

What’s included

• Parking fees.
• live guide in English or Japanese.
• hotel pickup.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs every day at 09:00 and 13:00, from US$ 198 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate10 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish and JapaneseOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Yabai Hawaii

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Japanese, so book this one if you want the commentary in your language and don't want to navigate the trail on your own. Groups stay under ten, which means the pace stays personal and you're not managing a crowd on the waterfall walk or at the viewpoints.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I see whales from Makapuu Lighthouse on this tour?

Makapuu Lighthouse is a great spot to look for whales during the right time of year. The stop also shows views of the lighthouse trail, Sea Life Park and Makapuu Beach, so even outside whale season there's plenty to see.

How much time do we spend driving versus hiking?

Travel between the four main stops takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and direction. The waterfall hike itself is the centerpiece. The other stops are scenic viewpoints where you pause, learn the history and take pictures.