Maunawili Falls and kayaking to Flat Island

Maunawili Falls is my favorite hike in Oahu. Not too long, and a great reward at the end (waterfall jumping!). The first time we tried to get to the waterfall, we somehow did a complete circle past it and ended up back where we started. The other two girls we were with wanted to give up but Julia and I convinced them to try again, and the second time a local was going in so he said he'd show us the way. Even though it took us twice as long, it was worth it. :)

You have to pass a few streams during this hike, so be prepared to get your feet wet! But still, I wouldn't recommend flip flops...

A long journey...

***

and a great reward!

Waterfall jumping!

After the long hike, we rested at the beach for a while... 

... before heading to Kailua to rent kayaks to go to Flat Island, a sea bird sanctuary and nesting ground. 

It took us about an hour to kayak to Flat Island because the ocean was rough that day. You can also kayak to one of the Twin Islands but it was too late to try that day and the water was not calm enough. So we just explored Flat Island. 

I played in some tide pools...

and found some snails...

and held up the Twin Islands!