Manoa Falls
Honolulu, Hawaii
Details
Distance
1.59 miles
Elevation Gain
600 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Hillary + Matt
Manoa Falls Trail is a short up-and-back hike that's perfect for beginners who are looking for big payoff with little effort.
Located in close proximity to Honolulu, the 150-foot Manoa Falls is accessible from the nearest road by a hike of approximately 0.8 miles (one way). The hike passes through a diverse array of ecosystems in Manoa Valley and feels like a true jungle, which makes it a great photo-zone. This valley is also home to filming locations from Jurassic Park and LOST. The path to the waterfall is often muddy and slippery so wear sensible shoes (read: no sandals!), and be aware that flash floods may occur at anytime.
Swimming is not permitted in the pool at the base of the waterfall.
Budget approximately two hours for the entire Mānoa Falls Trail hike.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take McCully Street out of Waikiki and turn right onto Kapiolani Boulevard. Turn left at University Avenue. Follow University Avenue as it turns into Oahu Avenue. At a five-point intersection, veer right onto Manoa Road. After passing Waakaua Street, find free parking along the final residential stretch of the street. It’s a .4 mile walk to the trailhead. Otherwise, continue driving along Manoa Road and follow the signs for $5 parking on the right hand side. After parking, continue following the road toward the mountain. At a fork, veer right toward a fence with signs marking the Manoa Falls trailhead.
CAUTION:
As with all freshwater streams and waterfalls in Hawaii, Leptospirosis bacteria may be present in the water. Do not drink the water and keep water out of open wounds (including small scratches) and eyes.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- There is a small fee to park at the trailhead
- Seasonal closures can happen due to weather. Visit hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov for updates
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Reviews
One of the most popular hikes on oahu. Hike it on my first time to Hawaii and it was amazing
5.0
This is an amazing hike especially for how short it is. The landscape here is amazing and there are many oportunities for pictures. The water fall here is gorgeous so much so it has been used in a few commercials.
5.0
This is such a beautiful hike, but it can get crowded at times. Mosquitoes are super present so wear your repellent
5.0
Hawaii state's trail access system, Na Ala Helehttps://www.facebook.com/oahu.hele, announced that the Manoa Falls trail is closed on weekdays until further notice. If you'd like to really connect to nature -- not just the Instagram version -- try forest bathing at Lyon Arboretum. The entrance to the Arboretum is right next to the Falls trailhead. Forest bathing is not a hike, as there's no goal but to be in the moment. The trail is easy and you'll walk slowly with a certified guide, and have time for quiet contemplation and sharing with others in your small group. More at forestbathinghi.com, book at bit.ly/fbhiwalk.
3.0
Cool hike for the experience but SO crowded and VERY slippery.
3.0
The falls itself is not that spectacular, but there is a trail that goes straight up the mountains above. This is worth having a look. Some pretty cool banyan trees that you can climb up!
4.0
This hike is normally crowded, very touristy. But beautiful, and make sure you go after it rains, or else there won't be a waterfall to look at.
4.0
extremely crowded. lots of mosquitos. short hike. some pretty views.
3.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Aihualama Trail
Lyon Arboretum Short Loop
Pu'u Ohia (Mount Tantalus)
Hike to Lulumahu Falls
Judd Trail Mountain View
Judd Trail
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy