Manoa Falls — Local services in Honolulu

Horrible experience. SO many stupid, noisy tourists, some were actually walking through the woods with their smartphones out, playing games or texting. Almost every tree or bamboo has initials or names carved into it. Some idiots were hiking the trail with small boomboxes, playing loud music! Of course, the Japanese tourists have to stop every 5-feet and take yet another 20 selfies, so they block the path while everyone waits for them. When we finally got up to the actual "waterfall", there was no water. It was a bunch of people standing around the base of where the water normally falls, sitting on rocks, texting and talking, looking bored, oh and littering. Trash everywhere, noise, cigarette butts. We dreaded hiking back that same crowded trail we had just come up, so we saw the trail continue up the hill, and like a car screeching it tires, took off up that trail just to get away from the sheep.

THIS was a nicer trail! We had no idea where we were going, but it was a much nicer experience. It was quiet, we were alone, we only saw a few things that had idiots initials carved onto it. I will say though, it was a more dangerous trail. As I was hiking up, two dudes were coming down, and one of them stepped on a large rock, which totally came loose and rolled away and the guy went head over heels in front of me, surprised he wasn't hurt more. I lifted him up and dusted him off, and started off up the hill. I stepped on the same rock, which sent it rolling down the path again and hit the same guy in the leg. He was looking at me like I was behind the whole thing; I simply said "sorry." and walked on.

In summary, if you absolutely HAVE to go to this stupid tourist attraction, just know it is crowded, they charge the hell out of you in the parking lot, and after a long hike, there may not be any water at the waterfall. Oh, and when you DO get to the waterfall, get the image out of your head of you kissing someone while alone under the waterfall. You will be surrounded by dozens of Jap tourists making noise, jostling each other, taking selfies, and making a nuisance of...

The trail to the First falls is outstanding. Don’t forget to bring your mosquito repellents and water to keep you hydrated. Getting lost into the beautiful forest is something you’d think might be an experience, it is. My sister and I tried to find the infinity pool above the first water fall and we ended up getting lost on the way there during a rain storm. We followed the hike bands that was tied on the trees but it let led us to the cliffs farther away from the main trail and civilization. We followed the trail for about 2 in a half hours out. It was dangerous but it was an experience. For a moment the trail got so steep even one wrong step would’ve caused a land slide. We had no ropes or anything but our bags and water to help us. It led us far up top the steep cliffs yet we still did not stop. We sat at the peak noticing the sound of the infinity pool below us. The sky was getting dark. The rain was pouring even harder. We were exhausted and bummed out with no water to rehydrate. We both decided to make our way back down the trail before nightfall.

BTW, often times the wet route that brings you there will become difficult to do. YOU HAVE TO BE AWARE THAT THE TRAIL CAN BE VERY SLIPPERY IF WET. Expect those nice shoes to come out a different color after the hike and that raincoat won’t help keep you dry. Manoa Falls is a beautiful must see for most tourist that visit Hawai’i but

HIKING UP NARROW PARTS OF WET TRAIL

OTHER PEOPLE TRYING TO PASS THROUGH WET TRAIL

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TIRED SAD BABY AND CRYING PARENT/S

Yes, it might be a little challenging for you and your little one. I would suggest using a Baby/Child Carrier Cross Country Backpack. It’s only safer that way. That’s if it rained the whole day/week. Otherwise on nice bright sunny days it’s pretty safe!

Also, bring mosquito repellent! On those rainy days those suckers come out in packs just hanging around...

6/2/15

My husband and I rented scooters and drove up the Arboretum above the falls hiking trail before we set off the Manoa Falls itself. We didn't spend a lot of time walking around the pretty trees, but did leave a donation at their visitor center when we were asked to (after putting $0 donation on the check-in sheet). Guess its more of a strong-suggestion than optional? No problem. Bought a couple small items at the store, then reviewed a map with the man working that pointed us in the best direction to get to the Falls.

We scootered back down to a gated entrance, locked up our wheels, then headed out on foot for the next 1.5 mile walk. We were in flip flops and it was a pretty muddy hike, but super easy so it wasn't a problem. Some parts are slower than others, but we were in a huge hurry (it was almost time to return the scooters!!) so we pretty much went as fast as possible.

The hike was gorgeous so it was a shame we couldn't stroll along, hand-in-hand. I really wanted a romantic hike. We really loved the hike to the falls and the falls themselves; didn't love the tourists swimming at the bottom of the falls with their stuff strewn everywhere, making it hard to get a picture without them in it. Not romantic. There are signs that say "no swimming" - don't be that d*ck that can't follow the rules. There are plenty of pretty places to see and swim in the world - leave the ones that are off-limits alone. A mouse or rat was circling near my feet at the end of the hike too - which didn't bother me, but I kind of wished it would take a dip with the rule-breakers as they splashed in the water.

As we turned to leave some other tourists jumped in the water too. Maybe I've just worked in a law firm too long, but "danger, keep out" signs, are generally there for a reason. We made it back to our scooters pretty quickly and even got them returned to Paradise on...