Queen Lili'uokalani Botanical Gardens

Aloha!

Welcome to Queen Lili'uokalani Botanical Gardens. OK. So it's not really a hike. But with the small waterfall on the Nu'uanu Stream running through it, it makes a nice place for a picnic. After you finish one of the other hikes nearby (ie. Judd Trail, Kapena/Alapena Falls), this is definately a nice place to stop for lunch if you were just doing a short morning hike. On one side of the stream is the majority of the botanical gardens, and the other side is shady with lush grass perfect to throw down that picnic blanket. Or, if just relaxing with a book is your thing, there's not much better of a place in Nu'uanu. Truly a relaxing retreat from the nearby busy downtown Honolulu.

Kapena Falls & Alapena Falls

Aloha!

Hike of the day... Kapena Falls & Alapena Falls. We happened to come by these falls accidently. We were on our way to another adventure, and our bus driver dropped us off at the wrong stop. We followed directions he gave us upon getting off the bus, and ended up finding these little beauties. Located just off the Pali (virtually under it), these small falls are a favorite swimming spot for local kids. Not to mention, parts of the series "LOST" was filmed here. (Go to http://www.lostvirtualtour.com/ for these sites along with others we have hiked.) The hike is easy, and there are 2 trails leading to the falls. The upper trailhead is the most dangerous, but only because you have to walk along the busy Pali for a few minutes. The lower trailhead is through a cemetary in Nu'uanu. Nothing spectacular as waterfalls go, and the area needs some cleanup, but overall a relaxing place to go for a short hike.



Some of the locals at Alapena Falls.


Kimi posing by Alapena Falls.



Alapena Falls again.

A local kid diving into the pool at Kapena Falls.

Some local boys swimming in Kapena Falls.