Lāʻie Falls Trail - Laie, Hawaii

Rob Millerd

Some easy sections, but most moderate and technical single track. The final 5-10 minutes into the falls is very technical downhill, wet, and slippery. Water was chilli in late Oct '24, but refreshing. The best part of this trail is there is plenty shade and a couple openings to soak in an amazing view of the valley and ocean

Kristen Abt

Trail is in great shape. It was dry and easy to navigate. It has dirt-bike traffic for most of the way so, be aware you might come across one as we did.

This trail has a gradual incline most of the way and is mostly shaded. No bugs and the water at the falls is nice and cool for a swim. We saw some sort of crawdad/crayfish in the pool. The falls are more of a trickle right now.

The first mile is on a road that crosses private property. You must obtain a permit to access this trail. You can do so easily online and there is a link provided on the AllTrails description. The road has several signs that will point you in the correct direction to find the trailhead. The all trails route is accurate as well and starts you at the Laie Park parking area. This is the recommended parking area to access this trail.

Trail has minimal foot traffic. There is one section that was washed out by a landslide and has a rope to help you cross. Recommend wearing shoes that have good tread.

Overall: 5/5! Add this to your north shore hiking list. You could easily trail run this for the first 3/4 and then hike the last part. Lots of roots to navigate.

Mason Morgan

Hike is 6+ miles round trip. Took us about 4 hrs, were fairly fit people.
Fun swimming and climbing at the falls. Bring good hiking shoes or sandals for muddy trails.
You can get the permit online for free easily.
There are no dangerous dogs anymore so don’t worry about that.🐶

N Sudbrock

Paid parking at the trailhead from the golf course. Orange cones were at the trailhead. Lots of trails in here use all trails so you don’t get lost. Turn right at the big tree root intersection for the falls. Park down below on roadway for free parking will add an extra half mile to a mile walk. Short walk .8 miles, muddy and lots of roots but very fun. Have good shoes. I used altras and poles.

Aki Vogel

I really loved this hike. The trail takes you through diverse land environments, which keeps things entertaining over the ~5.5-km distance (one-way). Of course, the star of the show is the falls at the end - several areas to swim. The water was a bit cold (December), but it was super refreshing after the trail. You need a permit for this hike, and it is recommended that you park at the park just before the entrance to the trail. Highly recommend!

Sarah Liu

Get the permit and park at Laie Park. Follow the private road and cross the chain.
First two thirds of the trail are very relaxed and you get to see different ecosystems which is cool. Watch out for BMX bikers who like to use the trail as well.
Then there is at least half a mile of mushy fruit carpet from fallen strawberry guava and a swarm of fruit flies. you will be stepping on rotting fruit and it will probably get on your legs.
There is one brief section that is quite eroded with a rope - be very careful here as the dirt is loose and the wall itself is also loose and you should not hold onto it.
Final descent into the falls is steep, but the rope is helpful.
The falls themselves are quite small, maybe 8-10ft.

joel allen

It's private property. Get permission and park at Laie Park and not at the trailhead, don't be the ones to ruin it for others. Took me just a few minutes to do the permit.

It's 4 miles from the parking lot to Laie Falls and another 2.5 miles to Laie Summit. Took us 2hrs to the falls, 1.5hrs from falls to summit. 1 hr from summit back to falls, 1.5hrs back from falls to Laie Park.

It's not a sketchy hike. I did most of it barefoot and it was downpouring rain for the first hour of the hike. The final 50 yards to the falls are a little steep but not unsafe- just go slow.

The summit hike was very overgrown the last 45mins. It kinda sucked but it was fun -trail is very easy to follow. Don't let other reviews deter you, you'll see it's not a big deal. If you're ever on a hike and you get uncomfortable -just turn around......

Donald Lobo

Great long hike. Super recommended. Need to get a permit via email, don’t go to the office, it is closed. See attached picture for where the hiking trail starts. Loved the scenery and different paths we walked on. A bit muddy, be at peace with it. Go do it, now!!