I have started sharing A TON on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee) about my weeklong trip to kick off the month of September 2024 to Hawaii. I truly had such a memorable experience visiting the Aloha State and getting to learn about Hawaiian life and culture. Indeed, Hawaii is a unique place with its own beauty and culture. I felt as if I was in a different country without having to worry about bringing my passport! One of our many adventures while in Hawaii was to Manoa Falls, which has been known (thanks to our *very own* host and tour guide Maxwell for sharing this with us!) to be a place of natural healing. Little did I know that I would feel the healing powers of Manoa Falls while there.
It was a Friday afternoon and I found myself on a week long trip to Hawaii hiking what I would consider an intense hike up to Oahu’s Manoa Falls. I wore the wrong shoes: a pair of oversized “gel” Jack Roger’s flip flops. The trail to Oahu’s Manoa Falls, located just outside of Honolulu and in close proximity to the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s campus, is a rocky one with some steep slopes that can be rather slippery and muddy. Clearly, I wore the wrong shoes and did not come prepared (nor did I pack any hiking-appropriate shoes). I also found myself screaming on the inside and moaning on the outside at all of the rocks on the rocky slopes that I kept slipping on and off of. As a self-proclaimed “Hollywood hiker” as my influencer bestie Lindsay and I both proudly say, I find myself doing nothing but paved outdoors trails. I found myself practically the entire way to Manoa Falls whining like a toddler in a 25 year old woman’s body.
For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.
I sat down having pretty much given up on this hike that I called “the worst hike ever” within my toddler-like whining. And, then, a release came. A release of tears. A breath of fresh air. And, last but not least, the beginning of healing for me from something from my past. Little did I know, Manoa Falls is well-known as a place of healing. Little did I know that I was in one of the best places to begin healing past wounds. Sometimes, the universe and/or a higher power (if you believe in one) puts us in places to begin our own healing and to empower us to get out of our comfort zones. Manoa Falls did just that for me while on my weeklong adventure to Hawaii. Truly, I am blessed that in those vulnerable moments I was in a beautiful place filled with natural healing powers.
After a healing release on our way to Manoa Falls, we continued our hike to see our first (for me and Bryn!) Hawaiian waterfall (!!!!). It was indeed worth the release of past pain and suffering at such a healing place. Truly, I wish everyone the power of healing that the world can bring us if we open up to it. Throughout the approximately 1.6 miles hike to Manoa Falls, I felt ALL the feels. But, through it all, I began to heal, which is a beautiful thing. Manoa Falls brought me back clarity, peace, direction, and, most importantly, healing power.
Thank you, or should I say, Manolo Manoa Falls!
XOXO – Katie <3