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Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls has to be one of the most fascinating waterfalls on Oahu to be seen!  Cascading 150 feet down the mountainside, it will seem more like 1000 feet as you stare up at the endless water falling down the rocks.  Not many Oahu waterfalls are easy to travel to, that can also deliver such an impressive show!




Hike Details

Elevation     600 Feet

Length         1.7 Miles Round Trip

Duration       60 to 90 Minutes

Terrain           Gradual Climb, Muddy, Rocky

Difficulty        Easy to Medium


Manoa Falls Oahu

Disclaimer – all Oahu hikes have different challenges and hazards that can be dangerous and may inflict injury. Know your fitness and skill level before embarking in any hike.  Stay on trails and obey posted signs. The information on this site is for your reading pleasure only.  Hike at your own risk.

This Oahu hike was recently finished a 2 year renovation.  There are lots of improvements to the trail including adding traction gravel in sections, tree stumps to help cross muddy areas, a new rock wall surrounding the waterfall, and a fun container tunnel to pass through.  The hike to Manoa Falls is both beautiful and adventurous!

Manoa Falls Trail



This Oahu hike is located on one of the better- maintained mountain Oahu trails which starts at the bottom of the old Paradise Park building at the top of Manoa Road.

This is where tourist buses used to bring visitors to eat lunch, as they bird watch through the rain forest below, and all the way across the canyon towards the Ko'olau Mountains.

Manoa Falls Trail


You’ll quickly come upon a trail sign leading to a gate above an unattended facility parking lot.  I would recommend parking in the residential area where it tends to be a little safer to leave your car, and walk up an extra quarter mile.


Manoa Falls - Oahu Hike


Manoa Falls

From the Manoa Falls trail sign, you’ll start your journey across a bridge, and slowly hike up along the sides of the deep rainforest valley.  The trail is just over 3/4 of a mile to reach the waterfall.

The views are breathtaking!  As eager as you might be to reach the falls, be sure to take the time to enjoy the surroundings along the way!  There are lots of interesting finds along the "jungle" trail on this Oahu hike.

Manoa Falls Trail

The trail tends to be a bit muddy as it rains a lot in this region.  In fact Manoa Valley receives the most rainfall on Oahu.  You might want to consider bringing a light waterproof jacket or windbreaker along for the hike.

Manoa Falls Trail




There is a good amount of gravel for the first part of the trail, so make sure to wear the right shoes, and watch your footing on the slippery rocks.

You will also have  to watch out for tree roots that have encroached on the trails.  That being said, this is one of the better-maintained trails that has been terraced along the way and cleared of most debris.

Manoa Falls Trail


The last 100 yards tend to be more of a challenge, as it will involve climbing up and over large boulders to finally reach Manoa Falls.

Although this involves extra effort, it is manageable, even for most kids.

Manoa Falls Flowers




You’ll also find parts of the path canopied with guava, eucalyptus, banyan trees, and lots of tall bamboo. Hillside wildflowers can easily be spotted, along with large patches of beautiful ginger.

If you feel like you’re on a Jurassic Park trail, well that’s because you are.  Some of the 1993 wild jungle scenes were shot right in this area.  More recently, the TV series, Lost, also took advantage of filming in this mysterious tropical terrain.  It almost reminds me of parts of Kualoa Ranch where lots of movie scenes were filmed.

Manoa Falls Trail View
Manoa Falls



This Oahu hike should take you about a half hour to reach the waterfall...if conditions are good, and it's not that muddy!  This is a quick rewarding hike that rewards you with the most amazing waterfalls on Oahu! 

Can you swim at this waterfall?  Back in the day you could…there was a nice pool that everyone could play around and swim in at the base of water cascading down the wall.

Avoid scaling the walls or climbing to the top of this Oahu waterfall that is dangerous and can result in serious injury and or other consequences.

Unfortunately a large rock slide in 2002 littered the grounds with large rocks and boulders that now make it dangerous to enter the water and maneuver around in it.



Guided Tours to Manoa Falls


guided tour to Manoa Falls is recommended if you don't want to worry about the logistics of finding the starting point and correct trail head.

With a guide, there would be no stress in navigation and figuring out hiking details so you can just enjoy the hike up to this beautiful waterfall.

Manoa Falls Flowers

Experienced guides also have great knowledge of the abundant variety of flora and fauna along the trail that they will share with you all throughout the hike.

Guides  often have great personalities and love what they do.  They are not only entertaining, but will give you the peace of mind that you will not get lost and they are trained on safety.

Manoa Falls

Most will come prepared with essential items such as bug spray, sunscreen, water, walking poles, and should be able to let you know how to prepare for the hike ahead of time.

Find out more about Manoa Falls Guided Tour.


Getting to Manoa Falls from Waikiki


By Car

Manoa Falls Steps

Follow Kapahulu St out of Waikiki up to the H-1 Freeway

Take H-1 West towards the Airport
Take the Punahoe Exit
Follow Punahoe Rd up towards the mountains
Punahoe Rd turns into Manoa Rd
Follow Manoa Rd all the way up to the top

There is a paid parking lot at the top, $5 per car.  Some folks opt to park in the residential neighborhood just below the old Paradise Park facility, and walking up to the gate where the road ends and the Na Ala Hele Manoa Falls trail begins.



Manoa Falls Map


By Oahu Bus

Manoa Falls Bus


Take the #5 Manoa Route Bus from the Ala Moana Shopping Center (most Waikiki buses stop by this center), to the last bus stop up Manoa Road.  This is about where you would park your vehicle, and walk up the remaining road to the trail starting point.  Ask your bus driver to notify you where to get off…


3 More Amazing Waterfalls

Here are 3 additional Oahu Waterfalls that you might want to consider hiking to after this one...


Facilities


Manoa Falls Shop



  • You will find a restroom just beyond the entrance gate
  • The old Paradise Park building is open with access to public restrooms, water fountains, and a gift shop where you can grab a bit to eat as well.

  • The University of Hawaii Lyon Arboretum, which is located on a road above Paradise Park, also has parking, limited facilities and additional grounds and trails worth exploring.  They even have access to a smaller 20 foot waterfall in their area.


Recommend for the hike

Manoa Falls Trail

Good hiking shoes

A light hooded rain jacket

Mosquito repellent

Bottled water and a light snack

Consider bringing up a light lunch or snacks

Fully charged cell phone

Camera with a waterproof case

A pair of shorts, shirt and flip flops to change into after your hike

A plastic bag to put wet or muddy clothes and shoes into after hike


Plans after visiting Manoa Falls


Off The Hook Poke

Off The Hook Poke

Manoa Valley has a small town with some local shops and restaurants.  Off The Hook is a hole-in-the-wall poke bowl spot that is very popular amongst the community and poke lovers. 

They have some unique creations with delicious toppings that are satisfying, and just might have you returning for more.


Ala Moana Shopping Center

Goma Tei


Traveling back down Manoa Valley, you could literally drive straight to the Ala Moana Shopping Center, where you could remain casual in your hiking gear, and grab a bite to eat at the Makai Market.  If you need something to warm you up, check out Goma Tei for the best bowl of ramen.


Waiola Shave Ice

Waiola Shave Ice

If you decide to head back to Waikiki through Kapahulu Ave, treat yourself to some of the best treats found on the island.  Leonard’s Bakery is right off the freeway, and known for their fresh hot malasadas!  Need something a little more refreshing on the chill side?  How about a sweet snowcone from Waiola Shave Ice…!


Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Beach Park

Head to a beach just outside Waikiki!  You’re already in route, so why not explore one of the neighboring local beaches such as Ala Moana Beach Park, or Diamond Head Beach.  I couldn’t think of a better way to end a hike than changing into your swimming trunks and jumping into the refreshing ocean!

Aloha & Enjoy!

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