Ka’au Crater- the Best Waterfall Hike on Oahu

There are a lot of incredible hikes on Oahu but in my opinion this is the best one. The terrain is extremely novel with many changes of scenery and environment creating the feeling of multiple hikes back to back. You start by descending into a low point of a jungle that requires some stream crossing. You slowly ascend to a series of waterfalls which you have to climb up the side of using rocks and ropes. There's is some danger and that makes it fun. Don't get too close to the edge for a photo opp, it's not worth it. The pools beneath the falls are extremely shallow so people who slip and fall get seriously hurt or worse. The first two waterfalls are extremely steep while the third waterfall is a long steady climb. When you finally make it to the top of the last waterfall, you're presented with a distant peak that you'll need to climb to. This is where the second part of the hike begins- a classic exposed ridge hike but around a huge grassy crater. What's special about this one is the view. Many hikes have a view of one side and then a view of the other side. The peak provides a panorama of the island. It's truly breathtaking. The trail is a loop and the hike back offers more novelty with a forest ridge descent that takes you back to the base of the jungle. As far as hikes on Oahu, I would call Ka'au Crater a must do!

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