Manoa Falls Trail

Good hike during the week! We took an Über to the start of the trail, so that we didn’t have to drive or deal with parking and it wasn’t too crowded. Although, it was raining off and on; but I was prepared. The waterfall was running once we made it to the top. Some people chose to go in and swim (I didn’t) but there was enough beauty to take in all around. We took our time and made the most of things, by really stopping and looking around when we got to certain spots. I would say we spent about two hours completing this hike at a leisurely pace. My shoes did get all muddy, but hey, they’re just shoes. I did see a few older people and kids not taking the proper precautions when walking down and they fell. I would just say be careful on the days when it’s wet because even though the trail is maintained there are some loose spots that you need to be cautious of.

W O W.
Just take it all in, the lush fresh greenery, the pure air, being in a tropical rainforest, the birds, the random downpour of rain through all the trees!
It was soooo amazing! I swear one of the highlights on our vacation!
It rained driving here and it’s so close to Waikiki beach and convenient. After you pass a cute residential neighborhood you will find a parking lot for the trail. Use the restrooms in the building before going on the Hike because I promise you don’t want to use that random porter John on the trail. I could smell it on our way back and I wanted to throw up lol. I didn’t even go in!
Anyway, I’m not going to bash this trail at all just a word of caution about using the restroom is all.
I fell in love on this trail. It wasn’t a hard Hike, I did see mosquitos but as a Type O blood type with what they call «sweet blood» I didn’t get bit once. But then again I am a nut job when it comes down to bug spray. I’ve done it since the military and I don’t play around. I sprayed my entire body with «OFF! Deep Woods» bug spray haha no lie! My ankles to my neck to everywhere and not only that but I took the can with me and spritz it like perfume throughout the hike. I have no shame, it’s worth having NO itchy mosquito bites. Ok moving on…
Entering the trail I was a bit intimidated because I didn’t know what to expect. All I saw was green and was like oh no I have no machete or survival kits in my bag except a plastic poncho, a bottle of water & bug spray! Well safe to say we survived lol just kidding it’s not treacherous.
Walking up I was thinking we were going to slip, I watched crazy people do this with slippery flip flops and I was relieved I wasn’t them! I brought some Nikes with grip on the bottom. Made sure my BF and I were well prepped for this. We both slipped once each but didn’t fall thank goodness. He would have hit his face on a concrete stair and I would’ve broke an ankle off a slippery rock on the way down. We were lucky!
The ground was obviously wet and muddy, my tip for the stairs is to not step on the metal portions but just put your footing on the larger dirt area so you don’t slip. I also don’t recommend stepping on this wooden flat platform they have next to the stairs it really doesn’t look like it has any grip for your footing. I used the tops of rocks that had the least mud and put the middle of my foot and tested my weight on each. It worked out well!
I watched kids and hikers drenched while I was in a bright yellow poncho. I would rather look silly than be drenched so whatever haha. I saw dogs, old folks and even a man with crutches.
He did hold up the line and people tried to assist him and at first I thought why is he doing this? At the waterfall when he made it I then thought, I’m not going to hate. If this man wants to see a waterfall let him! He’s old and he should do this stuff, it’s beautiful and I was super happy for him.
Waterfall was packed and saw people go in the bottom of it but I’m not trying to catch their water disease leptospirosis so no thanks on that part! It was beautiful and it wasn’t just because of the waterfall. Matter of fact I just enjoyed the entire greenery of the trail more than the waterfall.
We saw pretty tropical flowers, giant trees with many branches and roots, water streams, exotic birds and just about everything you need to see to value the life and nature we are blessed with!
On our way down local Hawaiians wished us good morning and asked us how we are while they played their happy tunes. We felt amazing and happy, they were so friendly it made our day. Thank you for sharing your culture & world with us!
DO this hike. Don’t question it. You won’t regret it!

This hike was pretty easy. I got up here less any 20mins without taking any breaks so it’s easier than diamond head for sure! They have a nice water fall at the top of the trail you can swim in it after a good sweat
If your here in Honolulu coming here is the first best opinion

Really short 30 – 40 minute hike perfect for any novice hiker. Don’t forget to bring bug spray and suntan lotion! Suntan lotion first and then bug spray afterwards. Expect your shoes to be muddy by the end of it!

The slippery muddy hike was worth it. The end results of that great waterfall view was breathtaking.
Make sure you wear tennis shoes or hiking shoes because it’s gets really slippery as you hike up.

The best time to come for this short, easy, 1.6 miles, and thirty minute hike is the day after you have a good downpour. I like going on hikes where when you reach the end there is some reward, e.g., waterfall or breath taking view. There are times when I have come and there was no waterfall which can be disappointing for some.
A few recommendations:
1) Bring mosquito repellant — Manoa Valley gets a lot of rain and with rain and standing water, there’s mosquitos.
2) Wear shoes — The trail tends to get muddy as it rains a lot in Moana Valley. In the beginning there is a gravel trail, but the rest of the trail is on mud /​dirt. Watch your footing as it can be slippery.
3) Parking is available for a fee of $ 5.
4) After the hike, use the water hose off to the side where you can hose down your muddy shoes.

Beautiful, lush tropical forest with a gorgeous waterfall at the end!
You can park at the designated lot for $ 5. The trail is easy: paved, stairs, uphill, a few muddy spots. Be careful of the rocks that are scattered throughout because stupid me tripped & twisted my ankle on one! The trail is very shaded so I would not worry abut reapplying sunscreen. However, since it is a forest & you are walking alongside a stream, wear mosquito repellent!
You cannot swim in the waterfall.

The scenery here is so lush and green!!! This is a very easy hike, but can be a little swampy and muddy at points. There are so many picture opportunities here at every turn. Like everyone said, it looks just like a scene from Jurassic Park. Parking is 5 dollars at base, or if you’re okay with walking a little, you can park in the neighborhood for free. Just check all the times for when you go. I’d say park in the neighborhood since it’s already an easy hike anyway. The hike is covered with bamboo plants along the way, adding on to a fun atmosphere. I highly recommend checking it out if you have an hour or two to spare.

It was our one of the best and favorite hike in during vacation on oahu. Lush green, a feel of tropical forest and lovely views.
The BEST part was falls, very rewarding and breathtakingly beaitiful. DO NOT SIT ON THE ENDGE, get into the water especially if it’s hot day — it’s one of the experience you don’t want to miss in life.
Tip — check weather condition, the path can be super slippery and dangerous if it rained.

Easy 0.8 mile hike! It didn’t have much incline and Manoa Falls at the end of the trail was picture perfect. Sure it wasn’t as big as i’ve seen in pictures, but it is still pretty magnificent because it is so damn tall!
The 0.8 trek is not bad at all, especially when you are surrounded by the lush greenery. Oh and don’t forget that Jurassic Park was filmed here!
Definitely wear shoes! We saw some people in flip flops with their feet all muddy, and it was just not the business haha. Be prepared for a muddy trail, and bring bug spray as well! It isn’t as muddy as people say (you won’t ruin your shoes if you step carefully – I wore my nike free runs and I was just fine), but it’s muddier than your average hike.
FYI’s:
— Parking at the lot was $ 5
— They are currently working on renovating the trail and it seems as if they are putting more dry rock/​gravel on the trail, so that it’s a less muddy walk. Woohoo!

Beautiful, easy to follow trail with a rewarding waterfall at the end.
I went on this hike with a group of other babywearers and found the trail to be easy. The trail itself is simple to follow and begins after the private parking lot ($ 3 for Military and Kama’aina). The lot fills up quickly so get there earlier or prepare to wait a little bit. Also, there is a restaurant and bathroom right at the trail which makes it ideal for hikers with keiki.
This trail is shaded but filled with mosquitos and slippery/​muddy spots. Don’t wear good sneakers on this trail. I did. They are no longer good sneakers. Also, watch your footing. A girl slipped and had to be rescued by the fire department while we were on the path.
I’ve heard that sometimes the waterfall is a sad trickle, so I suppose it’s best to go after a good rainfall. Either way, the path is beautiful and provides a «Jurassic Park» feel, making it a nice hike regardless of the waterfall.
Happy Hiking!

This was our first experience on the island outside of Waikiki, and it was so nice to get away from the city.
Parking is $ 5.00 and then you head to the trail. We got there around 9:00 and there it was definitely a little crowded, but nothing unbearable. It’s a pretty easy hike– about a mile up and a mile back through a lush forest. Again, nice to immerse yourself in when you’ve been stuck in a city for a little too long. I would wear athletic gear and tennis shoes because some of the rocks were very slippery.
When we got to the falls… there were no falls. A local said it’s not rained enough– but the hike is still fun and beautiful regardless. There is a trail that you can continue to hike «up» on, and we did for about 20 minutes and then turned around– you can’t get back down to the parking area from this hike, we were told.
We also stopped at the botanical garden on the way back to our car. I wish we could have spent a little more time here because it was beautiful!

My friend and I took our 8 year old daughters on the Manoa Falls trail this past weekend and we had a great time. The trail is easy and well defined. It is about 1.5 miles in and out with lush scenery everywhere and at the end, you are rewarded with a gorgeous waterfall!
The one thing the adults didn’t like was all the mud, but our girls LOVED it. In fact, I think it was a contest between the two who could get their shoes muddier. It’s rainy in Manoa so be prepared with ponchos. They came in handy when we experienced a sudden down pour.
This trail is popular and can get pretty crowded so recommend arriving early. Either way, there most likely will be a line to take pictures at the waterfall. You can park your car at Paradise Park for $ 5 and there are restrooms on site. Bug spray is a MUST!

Nice, easy hike for a Sunday Funday! You can pay $ 5 to park or free street parking a little down the road in the residential area prior.
Dog friendly, and it wasn’t too muddy today which was nice. Consequently though there was barely a waterfall to see, boo!
The hike is really easy, with only a few steps to climb here and there. There are nice spots to take pictures such as the arch and bamboo forest, and you can swim in the pools at the waterfall if you’re brave enough to touch that water!

Gorgeous place, moderate hike.
At times, it felt like we were truly in the jungle.
We met a tour guide at falls and swapped notes on hikes around the island.
My husband had fun trying out a Google translator with a Japanese tourist.
Good times !
Walking sticks come in handy.
Easy parking.
Many scenes from LOST were filmed here.

Great intro hike for those who want to get outside!
Believe it or not, I had never been before I joined the Humane Society there for their monthly paws on the path event. It was a great trail that is nicely maintained. I have heard that it can get kind of muddy after it rains but we went at a perfect time, as it was pretty dry!
It’s a great trail for dogs and families. I saw quite a few kids and even if they can’t make it the whole way, there are many spots to interact with nature.
The falls at the end is a perfect treat and a great time to stop for a drink of water, take some pictures and enjoy the view. Be careful as the rocks around the end of the trail can get slippery!

This is as easy as it gets.
Treetops allows you to park in their lot for $ 5. (Great investment advantage, Treetops!)
It’s a short trail back with some beautiful trees lining the way. You really can’t get lost.
If you have sweet skin like I do, you may want to consider some bug spray.
Trail may be muddy, so I would say good sturdy sneakers are needed.
The falls itself is breathtaking, but really only for its height. The water falling itself is a bit of a disappointment. But if you are looking for something quick or with kids, this would be a good one to get out and play around at.

«Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.»
— Alfred Adler
Are you a LOST or Jurassic Park fan?
Do you enjoy a rewarding short trail that leads to a breathtaking view– A waterfall?
Are you a hiking beginner looking to have some fun?
If you answered «yes» to any of these questions, this short guide is for you.
— You just need to put on your hiking shoes and go. Don’t wear Slippers.
— It is a short hike (45:00−30:00 minutes.) There’s no reason to rush, so take your time and enjoy the interesting finds along the rainforest.
— Keep in mind, it is harder to come down. And as a courtesy, give up-​hill hikers the right of way.
— Hike smart and light. Wear a light hooded waterproof jacket. And if I were you, I’d bring a change of cloth for after your hike. I saw some people with walking poles as well. Just get moving.
— Don’t forget to apply some insect repellent/​sunscreen.
— Beware: The trail is not paved, and since it rain a lot, some areas are very slippery, muddy with mounds and steps. It is manageable though. Also, watch out for tree roots.
— Parking cost $ 5:00. Consider parking on the residential streets and walk up to the gate (about ¼miles.)
— Mel B took me to Manoa Falls Trail (thank you Mel ;), otherwise, I would have booked a guided tour for a stress-​free trip. Not to mention, tour-​guides are usually entertaining.
I felt like Tarzan partner in the jungle
Fife Unilocal

Not too strenuous of a hike with a great reward of a waterfall at the end. The day we went there were on and off showers, so the trail was muddy. There are areas of the trail that are pretty rocky. Definitely bring shoes that #1 you don’t care that they get dirty and #2 have a good sole that will help you avoid any slips. Although that being said, there were a handful of people on the trail just in sandals (I wouldn’t do it, but apparently it can be done!)
If you’re a mosquito attracter like I am, do not forget the bug spray! Put it on before you drive up! I got bit several times in the parking lot before I had a chance to put any bug spray on.
I really loved our time spent here. You feel engulfed in a rainforest and it makes it hard to believe Waikiki is barely 20 minutes away. When we got to the waterfall, we did have to wait our turn to get our picture with the falls. Other hikers offered to take our picture and vice versa. Rumor has it this is a popular spot for filming movies/​TV shows as well.
Glad we picked Manoa Falls and I would gladly return!

If you’re down for a short hike, I would definitely put this on your «must do» list! Only a short drive from Waikiki resortville area, Manoa Falls Trail is easy to find. Be sure to bring $ 5 for parking, as the adjacent restaurant is kind enough to let hikers use it (I guess alternatively, you might be able to park in the residential area before you get too close).
Bring/​wear mosquito repellant.
This is a RAINFOREST hike. It will probably be wet. It will probably be muddy. We went while it was sprinkling out, so it was definitely both! The humidity is like double in this B, so also be prepared for that.
Dude, bamboo as big as I’ve ever seen! And so much of it! Bamboo rainforest!
Ok, so the first part of the trail is paved and nice, then you get to this dicey area where it gets muddy and rocky. So, be careful with that. We saw a little girl who very obviously wipeout into a giant mud puddle.
I think the hike to the fall took us about 45 minutes. It’s only about a mile, but there is definitely some elevation change and stepping around rocks and stuff. The waterfall is pretty grand. There is a small SMALL watering hole at the bottom of the waterfall with giant DO NOT SWIM signs. We did not swim, however, there were 2 girls in their underwear and I have a feeling that is common. It’s not barricaded or anything, so if you feel like breaking the rules, go for it.
We took some pics and headed back.
Worth it.