With our parents accompanying us this time around visiting Oahu, we couldn’t take them to the more strenuous hikes such as Moanalua Valley Middle Ridge or Olomana Trail. However, we wanted to introduce them to the beautiful scenery that Hawaii is famous for. Therefore, Manoa Falls Trail in Oahu is the perfect hike. Manoa Falls Trail in Oahu is a gorgeous hike that is the epitome of what Hawaii’s nature is all about. It starts with breathtaking lush tropical forests and ends at a cascading 150ft waterfalls. What’s more? This trail is short and not that difficult to hike. This makes Manoa Falls Trail a perfect hike for beginners and families.
Note: Please make sure to respect this beautiful place and the surrounding areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE. This means no loud music, no graffiti, and pack out what you pack in! Please help us protect this place for generations to come!
Stats
Where
Manoa Falls Trailhead:
21°19’53.3″N 157°48’05.9″W
Parking
There is a decent size paved lot near the trailhead that you can park for a fee ($7), or you can park in the neighborhood before the park for free and walk an extra mile in.
Restroom
There are restroom near the trailhead.
Fee
It is FREE to hike. However, if you want to park at the parking lot right before the trailhead, it is $7 to park.
Important Things
- The parking lot opens from 8 am t0 6 pm daily. You need to get your car out by 6pm.
- The trail is muddy most of the time so make sure to bring proper hiking shoes/attire that you don’t mind getting dirty
- You CANNOT swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfalls.
Distance
Length: 1.7 m R.T.
Elevation Gain
633 ft
Level
Moderate, especially if the trail is muddy
Time:
1-2 hours
Pet-friendly
You can bring your pet, but they have to be on leashed. This is a hunting ground so hunting dogs may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt.
Ideal Time
Avoid going on a rainy day. The trail gets very muddy and slippery. If you plan on hiking on the weekend, get there early. This trail can get VERY busy. If you can, weekdays are much better.
Weather
Video
Getting to the Manoa Falls Trailhead
You should be able to find Manoa Falls Trailhead by searching for it on your GPS device. It is located at the end of Manoa Road. If you don’t mind walking, you can park in the neighborhood before the trailhead. After passing Waakaua Street, there is free parking along the final residential stretch of Manoa Road. It is about 0.4 miles each way to the Manoa Falls Trail trailhead.
If you don’t mind paying, you can drive further in along Manoa Road until you see signs for parking on the right head side. To get to the trailhead, after parking, continue to follow the paved road toward the mountain. At the fork, veer right toward the fence. There should be a big sign in the front marking the trailhead for Manoa Falls Trail. If you choose this option please be respectful to the locals.
The Adventure
The Start of Manoa Falls Trail
Since we went with our parents, we opted to pay for parking to lessen the walk for them. The trail started as an easy walk. The dirt trail was filled with small gravel to help it from being muddy. It weaves through ginger patches, tropical plants, and tall trees covered in lush green vines. As part of the trail, there is a shipping container that you have to go through. After this, the trail opened up to majestic sceneries that seemed to come straight out of the Jurassic era. It was so beautiful that we couldn’t help but stop and take many photos. There are interpretive signages along the way to help you learn more about the area.
Gaining Elevation
As the trail gently curves left, it starts to gain elevation. Along the way, there were a couple of wooden bridges over the small streams. The vegetation turned into tall bamboo and banyan trees as well as tall ferns covering the trail. It must have rained the day before or so but the trail started to get quite muddy. When it becomes muddy, the trail becomes more difficult because it was very slippery. It also becomes very rocky. At this point, it was too slippery and rocky so our parents decided to turn back. Dustin, my sister, and I pressed on.
The Wooden Throne and Tree Arch
Eventually, we came up to a fork in the trail. The right trail leads down to an interpretive sign and a wooden “throne” framed by an arch formed by tree roots. It was super cool. It reminded us of something out of an Indiana Jones movie. Of course, we had to pose for photos!
The Manoa Falls
After this throne, it was a short distance before we came upon the stone steps that lead up to the viewing platform for the waterfalls. We could see the waterfalls cascading down even before reaching the steps. From the viewing platform, you can see the waterfalls in their entirety. It was tall but wasn’t super impressive. I imagine maybe after some good rain, it probably will have a better flow. Along the rock wall, there are signs for you to “KEEP OUT”. There are also signs warning against swimming in the pool below Manoa Falls because there’s a threat of becoming infected with Leptospirosis.
Once we were done taking photos of the Moana Falls, we returned back the way we came from. I have to say, Manoa Falls Trail was definitely a wonderful surprise. We didn’t expect it to be so beautiful. If you’re looking for more things to do, check out our top 10 things to do in Oahu. For extreme hikes yet worth the rewards, we recommend Moanalua Valley Middle Ridge or Olomana Trail. If you’re up for some peaceful activities, check out the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden or kayaking on the Anahulu River.
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
The trail can get very muddy and slippery. Therefore, proper hiking shoes with good tractions are recommended. We love our La Sportiva. Vy’s version.
Dustin’s version for La Sportiva shoes
Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
- Insect Repellent – there are a lot of mosquitoes there.
- Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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