Bring the kids: Manoa Falls

One of the "Must-see's" of Oahu, is Manoa Falls. Now, there are a ton of blog posts out there about the trail, parking, how to get to it, etc... But what they don't tell you, is that the "stairs" are knee high (for me at least) and slick with mud. They don't tell you that the "leisurely gravel trail" turns into a narrow, muddy, rooty, rocky, little sliver of a thing with a treacherous drop on one side. They avoid talking about the bugs and the things that take away from the beauty of the falls.

Those things aren't too pretty when you came looking for the beauty of a waterfall, so I understand why nobody writes about it. BUT, coming from a mother of two small children who really needed the heads up - the little details matter.

So, here is our (Good!) experience of Manoa Falls, and the things we wish we had known first.

First of all, there are more than one "Manoa road's". So, for those who aren't totally sure where they are headed, or if your GPS just totally freaks out, its THIS ONE.We suggest parking in the parking lot. Just pay the $5. It's the easiest thing with kids, and you are less likely to get blocked in on the street parking.

We arrived at 8:30 am on a Sunday - which is a GREAT time to go! There are very few people, an empty parking lot, and no usher asking for money to park (He will TOTALLY get your money on the way out though). If you want to encounter even LESS people, I suggest going on a weekday morning. 

Now, what was it like to bring an infant and a 3 year old on the "Easiest waterfall hike on the island"?

Well...

I wore the baby in a carrier (thankful I did that instead of the wrap), because it was cooler and more secure for him. Good move. My 3 year old walked. She did the entire hike with a smile on her face and mud going up her legs. TROOPER.

But...

Here is what I learned;

1. Sneakers are not a substitute for hiking boots. (Don't even attempt flipflops)
2. Even when it hasn't rained, it is muddy enough to make you slip around all over the place.
3. When they say you don't have to be in shape for this one, THEY ARE LYING.
4. Its 1 mile, but when you have kids to carry and drag along with you, its basically 2.
5. You will ruin the shoes you are wearing, and need to bathe afterwards.
6. Someone is going to fall. That someone is most likely the tiniest hiker in the group.

I know that makes it sound awful, and on the way up, I was seriously debating turning back, because the hike wasn't quite as advertised, and I wasn't sure how long I could carry a baby AND lift a toddler over muddy rocks... But we didn't. We kept going. And I'm glad we did. Because looking back, it really wasn't that bad. It was longer than expected, and a little more treacherous than advertised, but as long as you keep a firm grip on your adventurous three year old's hand - you can do it.

It's not too bad on someone out of shape and 6 months postpartum, but don't expect a leisurely walk along a gravel path either. It starts off gravel, and wide, and then it becomes very narrow, slick with mud and filled with rocks and roots. It starts climbing and uses slick rocks as stairs, and has a decent drop off on the side of the path every now and then that will worry you when you see your child get too close.

I'm sure the hard-core hiker man who was wearing nothing but a pair of shorts, saw this trail as a muddy Sunday stroll, and all you people who are in shape and love hiking are probably making fun of how difficult it was for me.

But that's ok.

Because I know that there is another mom out there who's just like me, who wants to see a gorgeous waterfall, but is out of shape and has two young kids to bring along that would have appreciated the heads up, like I would have.

The hike itself is gorgeous. Beautiful, lush jungle around you, streams, flowers, incredible rooty trees - its just incredible. No brainer, but bring a camera. If you go later in the day, expect to have to take turns passing people (its that narrow), and get drenched in sweat. Also - you'll want the bug spray. It feels fantastic in the morning - cool breeze and very few bugs. Again, I recommend going as early as you can.

So, bring the kids? Yes! You can do it! Although, if you have a kid who doesn't enjoy that sort of thing and is likely to have a melt-down on the trail...You might want to reconsider. The trail, though "easy" still has dangerous areas, and a child throwing a tantrum wouldn't be very safe. I definitely recommend having someone else with you too (husband!), to help with carrying water and giving you hand in those steep, slippery areas!

I'm lucky. My daughter is a nature girl, has endless energy, and was having a very good day! She was perfect on the trail, listened to me when I told her she had to hold my hand the whole time, and really enjoyed seeing it all. (Parents of threenagers, you KNOW how rare that is!) And my little guy? He was perfect. He wanted a bottle halfway up, but we were prepared for that. I didn't even have to stop walking and take him out. He took the bottle right from the carrier, and then fell asleep for the rest of the hike.

All in all, it was very rewarding. A beautiful pay out for a few hours of slipping upwards in the mud with 2 kids. Definitely recommend - and will definitely do it again!