Manoa Falls — Attraction in Honolulu

When you get tired of the business and overcrowding of Waikiki beach area and Rodeo-like shopping, the calm, quiet serenity of the hike and Falls is a nice break. Only 2-3 miles from Waikiki beach, this 2-3 hour hike is great. Parking costs $5 at the lot below. The attendent under an umbrella and with a poncho on is a clue to what happens fairly frequently in a rain forest :). The hike starts out on a nice packed gravel trail, wide enough for people to pass shoulder to shoulder. However, as you move through the forest, taking in the majestic trees, plants and surrounding jungle, the trail narrows. The trail may be taken care of by the park but it is a natural area and rocks, roots, trees, mud, etc... is to be expected and can be a little treacherous in some areas, if we are being honest. Sneakers are best, although flip flops were seen on some. The hike is about 1 mile to the top and round tri is probably under 2 full miles but it does take a couple of hours with stops to take it all in, pictures and letting people pass for one reason or another. We experienced some folks on the trail btu not overcrowded when we went. About 10-15 degree temperature difference from the beach and to top of the hike to the Falls. Once we arrived at the top, it started to to rain and continied until we got more than half way down. Welcome to the rain forest... Once on the bottom, sunny and back to 80 degrees. Bring sneakers, a hat, maybe a windbreaker and cover your camera just in case. Great hike, beautiful scenery and a must for a quick ride from the...

Beautiful waterfall and rainforest 20 minutes North of Waikiki. Amazing how the climate and environment changes in such a short distance. Whoever said there are no mosquitos in Hawaii has never been to Manoa Falls. We bought Deep Woods Off wipes at the entrance and they were sufficient. $2.75 for one wipe. Cash and Card accepted. If you forgot your OFF just buy the wipes. You won't regret it. You'll need them further up the trail by the waterfall or the creek. Picturesque scenery throughout the hike. Challenging hike for very young and very old. It rained the entire hike up and down. You're shoes will get wet and muddy. Most hikers had athletic shoes. Some had hiking boots and even a few had flip-flops. They all seemed to make the hike without major issues. Very slippery muddy portions on a fairly steep slope. However, most of the trail had rocks to assist with gripping the trail. It can be tiring going up the hill and more dangerous coming down on the slippery footing. My 8yr daughter made it up fairly easily. I had to hold my 5 yr old son's hand up and down but he didn't have further problems. If you are taking elderly parents/company be sure to assist them on the way up and down as they can be unsteady on their feet. You do not want them tumbling or falling down on the rocks. A bottle of water should suffice for the hike. Take only pictures. Leave only footprints and be courteous to...

Three main points: it’s gorgeous, it’s very slippery (wear hiking boots) and go early (it gets crowded after 9:30am).

Beautiful and simple hike- with a clear path up to the falls. But it’s VERY slippery. My husband and I packed hiking boots and brought light rain jackets and it made the hike so much more enjoyable. Definitely wear hiking boots or hiking sneakers. It’s Very muddy too and lots of puddles. Don’t wear anything you are remotely concerned about ruining.

Parking is so easy. It was only a few dollars and right at the base of the trail. A cart is set up with an attendant and you guys buy ponchos or insect repellent.

After visiting the waterfall, we ventured down another path and went for about an hour before turning back. It was great to get a little more traditional hiking in- which included some light and easy scrambles over tree roots.

It’s VERY slippery everywhere though. Definitely be careful and wear the right shoes.

We arrived at 8:30 and there were a few people on the trails but it wasn’t too crowded yet. On our way back it was getting packed and people were even blasting music on the trail (ugh). Definitely worth going if you are jet lagged and want to get on the trail early after...