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Manoa Falls

Honolulu, Hawaii

3.6/5
based on 14 reviews

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
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Features

Fitness
Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Scenic
Waterfall

Manoa Falls Reviews

First little trail I did on island and it was beautiful:)

11/23/20

One of the most popular hikes on oahu. Hike it on my first time to Hawaii and it was amazing

Explorer

09/14/20

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.

07/10/20

This is such a beautiful hike, but it can get crowded at times. Mosquitoes are super present so wear your repellent

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.

Cool hike for the experience but SO crowded and VERY slippery.

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