There’s no shortage of outdoor activity on Oahu, but if you’re looking for a hike that’s equal parts Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and The Beach, I’ve got a pick for you:

Lulumahu Falls.

The hike is only about 1.5 miles each way, but it’s hot, thick, and covered with everything from dense forest to staircases in various states of disrepair. When you see the sign above, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Parking is on the street, more or less wherever you can find it. Don’t get towed.

Once you duck under the gate (though it is, you know, “trespassing”) you’ll be in a bamboo forest. It’s got a few trails, but they all more or less connect in the same spot. The trail is pretty tight and is an amazing opportunity to be smack in the middle of bamboo stalks more than 30 ft tall.

 After the bamboo forest, the trail opens up into wide, open mountaintops with jungle in the background. It basically looks like a scene out of Jurassic Park, and I’m a little surprised a t-rex didn’t come charging out in front of our path.

Next, the path gets a little Indiana Jones-y, with several old dams, staircases, and old paved walls you’ll need to walk across.  Walk carefully, as at least one of them would lead to a four foot or more fall into running water.

After this, you’re near the end. But before you’re awarded with an amazing waterfall and swimming hole, you’ll need to tred – carefully – about a quarter of a mile through dense, slippery jungle. Make sure your shoes have good grips and use the trees and vines as handholds. Otherwise, you’ll likely fall into mud/a river/down an embankment. Not ideal.

Finally – hooray! Giant waterfall, amazing swimming hole, and a fantastic spot to spend a few hours.  Enjoy.  Bring a drybag and swimsuit (or hey, don’t!) but you’ll want to get in the water.

To get out, just backtrack on the trail.

Enjoy!