Hiking Kapena Falls

This article was updated on April 29, 2026.

The mammoth boulders, leaves bigger than me and thousands of dangling banyan tentacles swallowing the hillside, give this 5-minute trail to Oʻahu’s Kapena Falls a Jurassic Park feel.

The scenic vegetation that overlooks Nuʻuanu Stream, the 15-foot waterfall and wide swimming pool in this tranquil, shaded setting, has attracted film crews including from “Lost” and the movie “The Rundown” starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In fact, last time I was there I couldn't hike to the falls because there was a crew there filming.

This easy hike begins at the very end of the parking lot at Nuʻuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary. Do not type in "Kapena Falls" in your navigation app. Type in "Nuʻuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary" and, after entering, continue driving down the driveway, past the cemetery to the parking lot at the end. The entrance to the hike will be on the left. You will see a green sign stating that if you are visiting Kapena Falls, the parking lot closes at 5 p.m.

Kapena Falls trailhead. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

The path is just beyond that sign. Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs can be seen along the trail in a small cave on the left, protected by metal bars. The stream runs along your right. Make sure to spray down with bug spray, as there are lots of mosquitos. Wear your bathing suit. If you donʻt mind chilly water, there is a lovely swimming hole here and plenty of places to lounge amongst the rocks.

*Please Note: Remember, this is a cemetery, so be quiet, respectful and don't show up with a large group. Parking is limited. No restrooms available.

Kapena Falls trail. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

TRAIL: Kapena Falls Trail
LENGTH: .5 miles round trip
HOW TO GET THERE: From Downtown Honolulu, go up Nuuanu Avenue, turn right into Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary. Follow the road as it winds to the right toward a small traffic circle and then heads left, ending in a small parking lot. The unmarked trailhead is at the dead end, on the left.

This article was originally published Dec. 5, 2012 and updated on April 29, 2026.