Makaua Falls Trail
Getting to the trailhead requires parking at Swanzy Beach Park nearby and walking to the subdivision on Huamalani Road. The trailhead sits at the cul de sac at the end of the road, and you'll have to walk beside a house and behind it to find the sign. The trail isn't easy to follow at times, but if you keep your eyes on the pink ribbons and the rock-filled creek, you'll find the first waterfall. Large trees shade most of the trail, which is beset by bugs, so don't forget the bug spray - and your pooch's clean-up bags!
Bringing your fur-baby on this hike is something you need to think about. Is your pup small enough to carry if they can't make it up the steep sides of the falls? Falling on slippery rocks is a danger throughout this hike, and while most dogs have far better balance than their humans, it's wise to keep an eye on them. Where you may have to use the ropes to assist in the climb up the side of the two smaller falls, Fido may be able to hop, skip and jump nimbly to the top. Using detours to get around something you will have to climb over is another pooch trick.
Prepare for this furtastic adventure by bringing lots of water, a towel, shoes that can survive water and mud, climbing microspikes and determination. Kiddos love this hike because they're limber and can bend under fallen trees and even climb up some of the tree roots and vines that line the walls of the narrow valley. For adults, pacing is more important.Â
This may not be the best hike for your doggo, but if you go, you'll both have a ball with all of the adventures and rewards!
