Moss Slides | hik3beasthawaii

Quote

"It's not the years in your life that counts,

it's the life in your years."

Updated: August 26, 2019

Disclaimer: If this hike is not a part of the Na Ala Hele "State Maintained" Trails, it may be illegal or dangerous to hike, so do not attempt or HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Hik3beasthawaii is not responsible for any injuries, fines, violations you may incur. This website is solely to showcase the beauty that nature has to offer on the island of Hawaii. *****

Location: This hike is located on the Maunawili Falls Trail. Past the original falls and over a hidden old bridge brings you to some fun times at the moss slides.

Type: Waterfall hike

Hike Difficulty: Beginner

Total Time: 3 to 4 hours

Distance: 3.2 miles + less than a mile from the falls to the moss slides.

Elevation:

Things to Consider

Kid friendly: yes
Pet Friendly: yes
The bridge is old and breaking down. Steps are broken. Please use alternative route upstream from the falls instead.
Bring bug spray. Lots of mosquitoes on this hike especially after a heavy rain.
Bring extra pants/shorts because it might rip from the moss slides. (embarassing)
Follow the stream and you will end up at the moss slides. Not too difficult to find.

Your hiking backpack

Bug spray
2 Liters of water
Snacks/lunch
Extra clothes
Towel
GoPro/Camera

Directions

Take Kalanianaole Hwy towards Kailua side. Then turn onto Maunawili Road. *Note: This road is also where the Olomana trail head is. Follow the road all the way and then take a right onto Aloha Oe Dr. Then take a left onto Kelewina St. The trail starts at the end of Kelewina St.

Our Journey

I have done this hike so many times, and I love each time I come here. It is always fun times at the moss slides! However, each time I have came back, there are less and less steps on the bridge. So please, do not use the bridge and head upstream from the Maunawili Falls instead. They both will lead you to the moss slides. However, this write up will include directions from the bridge side.

After you reach the falls, you may head up the left side to where the high jump is located. Following the hill up will lead you to the pipe that you need to cross and then to the bridge. After the bridge you follow the stream and within ten to fifteen minutes, you reach the moss slides. I haven't been to the slides recently, but I would assume there are other people that will be there now. Each time I went, we had the slides to ourselves.

So heading up from the waterfall, you just swim across the pool and climb up the falls. Follow the stream, and eventually you will see the bridge above you. From here you may merge back onto the trail to the moss slides.

I tried to explore more upstream, but didn't find anything interesting. Maybe there is another moss slide or bigger waterfall at the end of the valley! I will leave the exploring up to you!