Exploring Hawaii: Akaka Falls

If you’re traveling all the way to Hawaii for drug or alcohol rehab, we know you want to do more than sit inside with counselors and other participants all day. For many, a trip to Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we want you to explore the beauty of the island while you’re here. That’s just one of the reasons why we make excursions a regular part of our rehab program.

We’ve also seen how spending time exploring the the island can positively impact residents’ recovery. One of the places our residents enjoy visiting is Akaka Falls.

Read on to learn more about hiking to Akaka Falls and how this could fit into your rehab experience.

Akaka Falls is perhaps one of the most famous waterfalls on the island. The 442-foot waterfall makes for an impressive sight in the midst of a lush and scenic rainforest. Tucked away in Akaka Falls State Park, this waterfall is easy to see from the walking trail.

If you can’t remember the last time you hiked or exercised, don’t let this excursion intimidate you. The hike is short and pleasant. At less than half a mile long, it can easily be completed in under an hour. Plus, you’ll also have the opportunity to view the smaller but still beautiful 100-foot Kahuna Falls along the way.

Akaka Falls State Park offers several amenities, including restrooms, a scenic lookout, water fountains, and a paved walking path, so a trip to view this natural wonder doesn’t take much planning or preparation. In addition to two stunning waterfalls, you’ll also be able to take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as you walk along the path.

For a sneak peek of this beautiful waterfall and park, check out this video from a park visitor:

Visiting Akaka Falls provides more than a memorable photo-op. It can also contribute positively to your recovery journey. For example, most drug and alcohol addicts have neglected their health for quite some time. By embarking on a bit of exercise—even a short hike like the one to Akaka Falls—you can begin to discover the benefits of making your health a priority.

Hikes and other excursions also provide valuable time and space to process what you’re learning in rehab. You may opt to walk quietly and reflect on a recent therapy session or you may prefer to chat with others as you work your way to the falls. Building relationships with others in your program allows you to encourage one another in your common journey to recovery and sobriety.

Hiking also allows you to reconnect with nature and your higher power—a key component of the 12 step program. HIR graduate Kristine experienced this connection when exploring nature as part of our wild dolphin-assisted therapy. She shared, “It makes me feel like there’s a higher power—something more out there to help me get through this whole process.”

Finally, hiking allows our residents to have fun and reduce stress without drugs or alcohol. This can be a new and valuable experience for someone who has turned to an addictive substance in response to a traumatic event in their past. As our graduates return home to the challenges of their daily lives, the special memories they form while hiking and exploring Hawaii can help provide strength to stay committed to a life of sobriety, no matter what stresses or pressures they may face.

At Hawaiian Island Recovery, we employ a multi-disciplinary, integrative treatment that combines evidence-based and experiential therapies to support holistic health and recovery. We believe that, when combined with our well-rounded treatment program, hikes and other excursions can be a valuable part of your journey to recovery.

To learn more about our unique approach to therapy and how we can help you recover from addiction while enjoying the beautiful island of Hawaii, call us today at 866-491-8009.