Waimano Falls

There’s a section, about five-hundred feet past the convergence of the Manana Ridge and Waimano Falls trails, where the trail transitions from a sloping descent into a relentlessly steep stretch of tangled tree roots and support ropes known colloquially as “Cardiac Hill.” Everyone coming up was red-faced, huffing and puffing. Going down was no cake walk. There’s erosion on the hillside and it’s easy to suffer a banana-peel slip and fall even if you’re paying attention.

It’s another reminder that the day-hike trails on O’ahu rated as “moderately difficult” are actually tough and require proper preparation: sturdy shoes, wool socks, covered legs, water, food, bug spray, sunscreen, layers.