Stumbling Across the Likeke Trail

   Arriving in Kaneohe early in the morning we decided to do a bit of exploring. The jagged line of mountain peaks called the Ko'olau Mountains form an amazing backdrop to almost everything in this windward city. Driving as close as we could to the lush mountains we ended up at a golf course beautifully situated at the base of the sheer cliffs. Before we could turn around and head somewhere else we noticed a sign that said "no hikers parking until 12:30". We perused the parking situation and saw a couple of hikers heading off past a trail head. So we grabbed a parking spot and followed the trail into the jungle.

Can you find Heidi in the jungle?

  It turns out we were on the Likeke trail. It is a tough one to do without researching because there are no markings, signs, or directions on the trail and there are multiple diverging trails. One trail took us to a huge water tank. Another steeper trail led to the highway. There were a few more trails leading on, apparently which eventually lead to the Pali overlook via the old Pali horse and buggy road.

  On the way back we met a local family hiking with their three kids who told us about another diverging trail at a large tree that leads to a waterfall. We found the trail and then found a beautiful waterfall. The Likeke falls cascade from the jungle into a small pool which overflows down into another pool. I climbed up the waterfall with the aid of some very good handholds for a few pictures. I was equally careful coming down. On the way down I noticed a young kid climb up to where I was, somewhat carelessly. He did fine, until the way down. Trying to come right down the waterfall he slipped and rode down on his butt. He wasn't hurt badly, just a sprained wrist and probably a bruised tailbone but it goes to show you, you can't be too careful on slippery waterfalls.