Tangled Mess

Classic 1/2 day route located on the "dry" south side of the Island. Generally good flow year-round for this stream, often a go-to route when rain and water levels are too high elsewhere on the Island. Under the right conditions, 3 tall waterfalls, 4 small jumps, several crystal clear pools, with an easy approach and virtually no exit. Hard to beat for a 2-3 hour canyon. Nice beach to frolic in at the parking area.

From Kula take the Piilani Highway to Kaupo. There is a small beach and lagoon for parking at the mouth of the drainage. Walk up the road 1/4 mile to reach the trail. Look for a use trail leaving the road to the N-NW, gain the ridgeline to the west and follow it up to the drop-in. There is an old Jeep trail that is very easy going and takes you right to the drop in. Finding this Jeep trail is well worth the effort to look for it.

The first waterfall rappel is usually skipped due to the lack of a trail to get to it. It is 120 foot waterfall with a nice pool below with a lava tube. On the way to the 2nd waterfall is a small jump of 8 feet into a nice pool. The 2nd waterfall is 220 feet from bolts on the right side. There is a ledge about 15 feet above the pool from which it may be possible to jump. Between the 2nd and 3rd waterfalls is another small jump of 6 feet and an easy downclimb of 20 feet. The 3rd and final waterfall is a 140 foot rappel from bolts on the right side. There is a ledge about 5 feet above the pool from which it may be possible to jump.