Alapena Pool and Kapena Falls Trail is a 0.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Honolulu, Hawaii that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
hiking
nature trips
walking
bird watching
forest
river
views
waterfall
wild flowers
bugs
muddy
over grown
rocky
scramble
Kapena is a small waterfall right in Honolulu. For a more adventurous hike go to the right of the metal building & take the rope down to the creek then hike upstream 5-7 minutes to the falls. Or go to the left of the metal building, walk the path through the weeds & then see the falls in 1 minute.
Many homeless, although I had no issues with my kids.
Short, easy, with a lot of mosquitoes and homeless people.
Will not go again.
Beautiful but creepy at the same time.
The tall threes with the river creek running through the ravine and abundance of green vegetation makes it a really beautiful place, but what’s supposed to be a nice retreat walk near the city is now over run by bike thieves and has turned into chromic homeless encampment like a lot of other places in Oahu. I don’t recommend anybody going there by themselves.
The falls are beautiful but quite dirty. I would look but not go in. Be prepared for there to be people living in the area.
Way too many homeless people. Had to turn around bc they start messing with you and playing mind games with you. Don’t know if it’s a scare tactic or just for fun. Too many stray dogs. Scenery isn’t worth it at all.
Complete waste of time and sketchy to say the least... the walk in is totally overrun with homeless people and the water is nasty. Don't go!
Soooooo so so disappointed in this “hike.” Some of y’alls reviews of this place are baffling. It’s a two-second walk through an encampment. Dirty clothes and hampers scattered everywhere. Soapy water and glass-paved. Yeah, not for me. Time officially wasted.
It is a sanctuary in the middle of the city. I have driven On Pali highway many years and would have never guessed that this existed. Thank you AllTrails
Rating this one high because while it's a short hike the area is very unique. Start through a cemetery, the mosaleum side down the back drive then follow a waterfall path to the pools. Once at the pools, there were several people jumping in....it's likely a 30-35 ft drop into the water if you dare.
really good small hike, but if you are going to jump in the water be careful. the water is really deep. the cliff is like 30-40ft tall. I jumped and I didn't stay straight is I have bruises so stay straight when jumping.
Good easy waterfall hike. Plenty mosquitoes, so be ready. Maybe a few homeless campers around. Should have no issues. If you no bother, they no bother.
There wasn’t much of trail. And the lookout point is very overgrown.
Skyler D.
It’s her find but really easy. Probably wouldn’t go back tho. GPS won’t take you. It takes you to a cemetery. You enter between Garden of cemetery and the cemetery. Cool pool and falls but lots of tents and homeless living there so not sure if I’d swim there
Easy short and mosquito heaven for an ugly area. Don’t bother...
Visited on 11/7/17. Great if you want a VERY easy hike. Semi-sketchy location along with a few hammocks & tents set up. We wouldn’t say it was great for swimming, maybe just if you have some time to waste. Probably wouldn’t come back.
access to trail is at 2233 nuuanu ave. Go through memorial park site and parking is towards rear of property. address on this ap needs to be updated. There are many ways to access trail however I think this is your best option.
Kapena Falls is one of my favorite cliff dives on the island of Oahu.
Check out OahuHike.com to find more cliff diving spots similar to Kapena Falls
very easy trail. sandals or shoes okay. bring your bathing suit if ya want! I saw some people jumping from the top of the rocks too into the pool, they did have a liquid courage drink though before though!
Beautiful scenery but a super short & easy trail!
SO many mosquitos, a homeless man that set up camp, and clothes everywhere at the top of the waterfall (although we didn't see anyone nude???) gorgeous scenery but not worth it.
It's an ok little trail. Some areas have lots of broken glass, so keep an eye out. I personally wouldn't swim in the water as it looked pretty dirty. The trail leads to a highway underpass with lots of graffiti. The scenery is still pretty cool, but there were many more mosquitoes than other trails in the area. Overall, I thought it wasn't horrible, but definitely not worth a second trip.
It's not even a hike but it's just so surprising how beautiful it is and right in town.
A very short hike but a hidden gem. Extremely easy and very beautiful. **wear big spray.
An easy walk but not worth the hordes of mosquito bite you will collect.
Great, easy Hike, awesome for jump' NSA Cliff!!
Great short trail
Very easy to access. You'll have to walk through the mortuary and towards the maintenance shed in the back. The entrance is on the left side. You can jump into this pool but I have a bad knee now and can't do that kind of stuff anymore. I did swim in it though. It's deep enough in the center.
Lots of mosquitoes.
A bit overgrown, a few rocks to climb over and quite a few indications that homeless live here. but they weren't around and it was a very short peaceful hike, even though you can hear (and eventually see) cars from the Pali Highway.
bring bug repellent!mosquitos love it here.
Nice short hike to a great little waterfall
Very short trail but very peaceful and great waterfall.