10/10 would not recommend.

I wouldn't call this my favorite waterfall hike on the island: Manana Trail to Waimano Falls.
What do you think of the banner I made out of the doodoo water though, pretty sick huh?

Difficulty:  Moderate
Distance:  2.9mi
Ascent:  609ft
Route Type: Out & Back

It's usually swarmed with people, tourists and locals alike.  The reason I'm not too fond of this trail is the lack of rewarding views, and if you go during a dry season the waterfall won't be flowing.  When swimming in fresh water in Hawai'i there is always the risk of contracting Leptospirosis.  It's not incredibly common to get, just use your common sense:  Don't go in with fresh wounds, and don't butt chug the water.  Also, don't go into any sources of freshwater right after we've experienced a very heavy rain or flash flooding, more rain=more runoff=more animal shit and piss in the water=higher chance of infection.  Oooooooor just run 'em haaaard.  Hahahah.  There's a lot of mud, which I don't personally mind, but if you hate mud then you probably shouldn't be doing any hikes in Hawai'i at all besides maybe the Makapu'u Lighthouse, lmfao.

Waimano is translated from Hawaiian as “many waters" by Pukui et al. who also note “the shark demigoddess Ka‘ahupāhau bathed here.”  Ma‘ipuhi, a locality in Waimano that has yet been pinpointed by researchers, is described in Hawaiian traditions as a bathing place for Kaʻahupāhau, the shark chiefess per Kaehuiki Mano of Pu'uloa, in the December 21, 1910 issue of Ke Au Hou (the Hawaiian newspaper translating to The New Era).

In the late 1970s, the state attempted to develop Waimano Valley into a recreation area with a parking lot, rest facilities, and a new trail to Waimano Falls.  Starting at Manana which they opened in 1965, another muddy trail strays down into the valley.  This opened two years later by residents Kazuo and Misao Yamaguchi and descends Cardiac Hill eventually leading to the two Waimano pools.

Information is unfortunately scant.  You can check out Dayle Turner's post from 1997 here for more reading and the links I have below.

Below are pictures from the deeper pool.

Tips for when you head out there:

• Don't
• If you must insist go during ho'oilo or the rainy season.
• Bring Deet.
• Change of clothes.

Disclaimer:  You're your own best judge of character.  This is in no way shape or form an official hiking guide.  All hikes traversed are at your own risk.  I'm just here sharing my own experience(s).

[ x ] [ x ] [ x ] [ x ]