Mānoa Falls Trail — Attraction in Honolulu

The Manoa Falls Trail is a popular hiking destination located in the lush Manoa Valley, Oahu. Known for its tropical scenery and the picturesque waterfall at the end of the trail, this hike offers a blend of natural beauty and moderate physical challenge. While the final waterfall might not meet everyone’s expectations, the overall hiking experience is rewarding.

Parking and Entry Fee:

Parking is ample at the trailhead, but there is a fee for parking. For military personnel and Hawaii residents, the cost is $4 per vehicle. Visitors from outside Hawaii should be prepared for a slightly higher fee. It is advisable to bring cash for payment as card options may not always be available.

Trail Difficulty and Conditions:

The trail, despite appearing easy at first glance, presents a moderately challenging hike. The path is often muddy and can be quite slippery, especially after rainfall. Loose rocks and uneven terrain add to the difficulty, making sturdy footwear essential. Trail conditions can vary, so be prepared for possible wet and muddy conditions.

Trail Experience:

The trail meanders through a lush rainforest, offering a vibrant display of tropical flora and fauna. Expect to encounter a variety of plant species, dense vegetation, and occasional wildlife, adding to the hike’s immersive experience. As you make your way to the waterfall, you’ll traverse some picturesque spots and enjoy the cool, shaded environment.

Waterfall:

The Manoa Falls itself is a cascading waterfall that might not be as impressive as some other famous waterfalls on the island. At around 150 feet high, it can appear less dramatic, particularly in drier seasons or after prolonged periods without rainfall. However, the waterfall still provides a serene and pleasant backdrop for the hike.

Preparation and Recommendations:

Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip to handle the slippery and uneven terrain. Avoid slippers or crocs as they do not provide adequate support or traction.

Stick: Carrying a walking stick or trekking pole is highly recommended. It can help you maintain balance and navigate the slippery sections more safely.

Water: Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the hike, especially as the humidity and exertion can make you thirsty.

Weather Considerations: Check the weather before starting your hike. Rain can make the trail significantly more challenging and increase the risk of slipping.

Conclusion:

While the Manoa Falls Trail may not offer the most spectacular waterfall, the hike itself is an enriching experience with its lush surroundings and moderate challenge. Proper preparation, including appropriate footwear and a walking stick, will enhance your experience and ensure a safer hike. Despite the less-than-stunning waterfall, the trail’s natural beauty and the adventure it provides make it a worthwhile excursion for nature...

I found this hike online while searching for relatively short hikes that are not too tough and have good views. We arrived around 7am and there was someone manning the parking lot. It is $7 to park. There were not many people there when we arrived and therefore the trail was empty which was nice compared to something like diamond head in which there was a lot of other people. This hike is very “jungle-y”. Therefore there is no need to do this as a sunrise hike because you cannot see much except for thick jungle. There are some really cool scenic moments as you hike up. As others mentioned in previous reviews it is rocky and muddy so be prepared to have your shoes a little muddy. Also there are certain points in the trail where you notice the bugs. I was smart and did my research to bring bug spray with me but I was not smart and forgot to put it on! Please remember to put on your bug spray before leaving your car or put it in your bag because I came away with a few bug bites. It took about 35 minutes to get to the end where the falls are. The falls are more grandeur in the fact that it is a tall and high waterfall as opposed to the flow, because as others have mentioned the flow is a trickle. However we still found the hike worth it for the scenery on the way up and the height of the waterfall. It also took us about 35 minutes on the way down and we took our time but we did not take breaks. There was only one steep section and the rest was doable. It had clearly rained the night before and it was extremely windy in the days that we were there so we noticed that there were some fallen trees blocking the path so I hope that was recent and not left for a while considering the $7 charge to park. Bring your water bottle with you as well as it is humid. Overall this hike is very easy to get to from Waikiki (it is only about a 20 minute drive) so it is a nice way to experience some more scenery with...

It's a waterfall, but not a spectacular one. Easy to get to though. Parking is right there at the base but they weren't open when we arrived which was around 6am. He was still setting up but said we could go on the hike and pay for parking after. The hike itself is pretty easy with some great foliage around. The waterfall is cool and all but I've seen way better. Maybe it's better if it's rained more a few days before or something. It's worth the short hike to do though! If you are on vacation, I would maybe do a different hike that offers a better waterfall or views. This hike may be good for older folks. Get there early because the place becomes a mad house after a few hours. The hike to the waterfall doesn't take that long but at the end you can jump onto another hike to the top of a ridge, or even further. We went to the Pauoa Flats Lookout Bench which was actually harder than we expected with a. Good amount of incline on switchbacks. Think the sign said 1.75 miles to the bench and it took us maybe an hour and a half up with half an hour or so down. Once we hit the Manoa Falls trail again it was mobbed with people. Like it was hard to get around people to get out. The picture of my feet is for you to see the difficulty of the trail, but keep in mind my feet were not muddy at all until we started to go to the lookout bench. As we left there was a dole truck so that was cool to get a treat after the hike. Parking ended up costing $7. If you are doing more than the waterfall hike make sure to bring snacks and plenty of water. Should probably always do...