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Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls
4.5
About
This scenic 150-foot-tall falls is only accessible via a hike through the rainforest. It's a 1.5-mile round trip, which takes about an hour or two from the trailhead. Wear good shoes as the path can get muddy and slippery, and bring bug repellent and plenty of water. Manoa Falls is a great photography spot, and the location has featured in movies and television shows like Jurassic Park and Lost. Cool off in the pool at the base of the falls and grab a snack and a refreshing pineapple smoothie for your walk back to civilization. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • TheeJAS
    Hamilton Parish, Bermuda49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great hike, close to Honolulu
    Very nice rain forest hike close to Honolulu. We're hiking shoes or good sneakers with a tread. Lots of rocks and moisture on the trail. A hiking pole would not be out of place. The falls were more of a slow stream in Sept but you could still see the beauty of them and the surrounding area even though they weren't flowing heavily. Beautiful views along the way too. Mostly an ascent on the way out and decent on the way back.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 October 2023
  • Annalies H
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice hike even in dry season (october)
    Easy-moderate hike, i would recommend wearing shoes not sandals, and prepare to get muddy. Beautiful rain forest, takes about 35 min there and back if you're walking swiftly. The fall was beautiful for its size alone (100 ft), but apparently we went during the dry season (though we still needed ponchos), and the fall was more like a light trickle. Still a nice outdoor activity. Prepare for traffic jam and parking issues if you don't arrive first thing in the morning; we ubered for about $20 from waikiki with no issue.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 October 2023
  • Andy S
    45 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mango Falls Climb
    Active climb but no water fall at the top of a steep climb. Maybe in the rain season. Very lush but disappointed there was no water. We went Oct 22nd. So plan accordingly and check reviews before going.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 November 2023
  • Yeraldin S
    28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and moderately easy
    It was a very beautiful park to go to. So green, with lots of different vegetation. The hike was long bad. My five year old was running back and forth and my parents both with bad knees did it. Make sure to not take flips flops or sandals. The best hiking shoes aren’t required but at least sneakers are because some parts were muddy and others the rocks were slippery. Bathrooms are only at the park entrance. We went mid November and the waterfall was barely a trickle. It’s posted that you can’t go into the bottom of the waterfall but there’s a path to get into it and a couple of people were in it. At the time it was only knee deep. Worth it to go. I think it took us about half the day but we took our time with the kids and parents, pictures, and lunch. For us it took about 1 hour 20 minutes one way. Worth it and a hike that pretty much everyone can do. Just take you’re time and wear good shoes.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 November 2023
  • Sightseer779040
    509 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jungle-y hike with less crowds, falls are tall but not super flow-y
    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 less crowds.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 November 2023
  • Tony B
    Phoenix, Arizona80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning
    Once again I used TA to plan an E-bike ride and hike to Manoa falls. Found a great place for bike rentals ( see review) and they helped us map our way to avoid the worst of the traffic ( tip: wear your helmet, no earbuds, obey traffic signs, stay off sidewalks!!) We arrived after a leisurely ride checking out the awesome architecture of the houses on the route. We hit the main entry where they charge cars to park but….Not Bikes!! The trailhead is easy to spot and it wasn’t crowded. Full disclosure: It’s humid and can get hot in the sunny spots, it’s straight up (for me lol), it is rocky and slippery in spots ( wear good hiking shoes: no flips, crocs etc.) Hints: Take time to enjoy the incredible plant life- massive trees, deep bush and the creek sounds below. Don’t just mob to the falls. Take plenty of water (liter per person) I forgot my cooling towel and really missed it !! If you have older knees wear your patellar brace and use a hiking stick- people often leave homemade ones at the sign Don’t swim in the pool!!! Bacteria is drained there from above w/ the constant rain. Had to tell a couple of foreigners there as I had read about it in TA Go slow on the way down especially if it has rained Otherwise enjoy this natural beauty Aloha
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 December 2023
  • kevan j
    Norman, Oklahoma1,504 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Short and steep (sweet)...
    We hiked this trail on a whim and found it to be very nice indeed! It's a short drive from downtown Honolulu up into the mountains. It costs $7 to park but well worth it. Check out all the wild chickens and the magnificent banyan trees at the parking lot. The hike is a little less than 2 miles total and ends at a very beautiful waterfall. The trail itself is very nice. It is a bit rocky, and it is a bit steep most of the way, but the surrounding flora are spectacular. All sorts of rain-forest type trees and plants, lots of bamboo plants, lots of palms and banyan trees. I really enjoyed this hike! Definitely recommend.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 29 December 2023
  • Julian M
    San Antonio, Texas4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great hike. 10/10
    My wife and I did this hike and it was very much so worth it. We took public transportation (bus) from Waikiki just enter in the destination on your phone and click public transportation and the correct bus stops and bus number came up, also very safe transportation and made a breakfast stop at Yogurt story on the way, highly recommended. The bus leaves you about .25 mile from the falls entrance and it’s a beautiful walk to the falls and even better hike. If you do this hike after or during a rain the too close to the falls gets a little slippery so just wear good shoes, this was a easy, hike that I recommend for mostly everyone don’t let the slippery part scare you I just don’t recommend flip flops. We didn’t get in the water at the falls due to the bacteria that was warned about. After the hike we took the bus back to Waikiki and had a great day.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 31 January 2024
  • lovetraveling121
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun hike!
    Beautiful hike! The path is uneven from rocks and can be slippery. If you have hiking poles, you should bring them. Be sure to bring water and stop along the way to notice the beautiful greenery as you are walking. The waterfall was trickling down, and you are not allowed to go into the water. There are many beautiful stops along the way for photo shots.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 February 2024
  • PatCincinnati
    236 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice hike among plants and birds with a waterfall at the end.
    Good hike. Not too long. lots to see along the way. like walking on a rocky river bed with some slick clay - like soil covering the rocks so you need to take care as you walk. All ages can do this. If you are a geocacher, there are a few caches along the way. Parking could be a challenge but we were lucky to get a spot. Would recommend for a nice morning stroll.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 7 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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J H
Calgary, Canada413 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Very muddy. They are working on it so make sure to check the open schedule. We went on a Friday, got there around 8am. Glad we started then as it was pretty busy when we were coming back down. There are some beautiful views around along the hike. Honestly I don't think it matters what shoes you wear, they will be so caked in mud that you'll have no grips anyways. I would actually not recommend heavy hiking boots as you'll likely lose them in the mud. There is a steep section that is tough with wet muddy conditioned. We didn't have a stick when walking up but were sure glad to have one for the way down. It's a small area near the falls but it's pretty. It is a very busy hike though, if you're looking for a quiet hike this is not it. But it was quick. Luckily the bugs weren't too bad when we went but I can imagine they can get terrible. Took us about an hour with the muddy conditions. In dry conditions this would be an easy peasy walk.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

S.A.
5 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021
Manoa Falls, Kolowalu, and Pua Pua trails --- all in Manoa, on Oahu are CLOSED!!. You will will be given a huge monetary fine for entering. Also, if you need to be rescued the City & County of Honolulu will send you the bill for the rescue. In Fall & Winter months Manoa has a lot of rain so these trails are extremely dangerous to hike because they are muddy & full of mosquitoes. BEWARE: there are homeless people living along the trails. Posted: January 21, 2021
Written 21 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John R
Carlsbad, CA745 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We were told that this was an easy walk. Unfortunately it was extremely muddy, slippery and a hard climb. Here are some good pieces of advice. Get there before 8 am because the crowds are really heavy. Wear good hiking boots, clothes that can get muddy and lather up with a really good mosquito repellent with "Deet". Even so they bit me right thru my heavy socks so cover everything with repellent. Carry lots of water and a snack. This is only less than 2 miles round trip but once you get to the top it's nice to just sit and watch the falls. Some people went in swimming. The restaurant "Tree Top" at the Trail Head was closed when we were there so call in advance to insure they are open including the Trail. They are working on the trail so until further notice the trail is only open Friday, Sat. & Sunday. Go when you know there has been no rain for at least a week, if that is ever possible, or go fully prepared to be in a real slippery muddy mess when you are done. Worth the trip though.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve W
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
Manoa Falls trail is about 8.5 miles from Waikiki and if you take Uber it would cost around $30 one way. A very nice hike with only about an 800' gain in elevation when going to the falls. For those that say the hike does not offer much to see along the way I disagree. There are scenic areas with trees hundreds of feet high in vast open areas. It looks like a scene out of Jurassic Park. We hiked this yesterday (27 Sept '21) and it was great. They have parking which is $7 regular, $5 for military. But you can park below and walk to the falls without having to pay a fee (its free).

Very nice scenery, great pictures and videos can be had on this hike. A couple of areas along the way were areas where people could rest. The path had rocks but wife thought they should have been smaller in size to make it easier to walk and I agree. I would suggest tennis or better hiking shoes. Saw a number of people with slippers/flip flops that almost fell because of some muddy spots and a couple that twisted their ankles because of the rocks . Most of the trail had shade from the trees, bamboo, etc. but I would recommend putting on sunscreen because the UV in Hawaii can be extreme. Also suggest talking water or an electrolyte drink along the way. The humidity is high, 60-80% depending on the time of year, and some people were sweating excessively so its a good idea to hydrate before, during and after the hike.

At the top are the falls, 150' high and it was pretty cool. Got some great pics. Some people went into the pool at the base but that is not recommended. We hung out for about 40 minutes enjoying the cool mist, took some more pics and headed back down. Took more pics and videos on the way down and took our time. We went on a Monday at 11:30 - there were a bunch of people but not too crowded. I would rate the hike as easy to novice and is worth the trip if you have time.
Written 28 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dave S
Omaha, NE202 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2021 • Family
Absolutely worth seeing. The only fee was $7 to park. The parking lot is small so be prepared to wait for a space. The scenery is amazing. The trail can be treacherous because it is rocks all the way up. Because you are in a rainforest, it is muddy and very humid. You will definitely sweat but the views are worth it. We made it to the falls and it was flowing pretty good. Even if the falls are not flowing, the other scenery is worth the $7. Beware that there are very limited services. There are restrooms in a very dilapidated building and limited drink options at a pineapple stand near the entrance. All in all, this is probably the least expensive thing you will do in Hawaii.
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sightseer779040
509 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
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 less crowds.
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

S.G.
4 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
Manoa Falls, Kolowalu, and Pu'u Pia are not worth hiking. Better to hike other trails on Oahu. These trails have boulders, rocks falling & mudslides. Full of centipedes & mosquitoes. If you need to be rescued the City & County of Honolulu will give you the bill for the rescue! BEWARE: there are homeless people living along the trails who leave excretement & trash. The areas have many rental units and a high rate of burglaries. Vehicles are often broken into. Today's date: Oct. 25, 2021
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jason T
Ottawa, Canada30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Couples
Great falls, but in December it wasn’t much more than a trickle. Even with all the rain we got that week. It was wet on the way up, but not overly so as we were in sandals and didn’t get dirty by stepping carefully. I would recommend hiking shoes but depending on the day they are not really needed if you are careful. The shop at the bottom sells water shoes if you would rather buy those and use them on the way up.
The hike is challenging, but not overly so. Maximum grade is 23% so you might have to take your time if you are not great with grades. Be careful on the way down as it is easy to slip and fall. It would be nice to take water with you as it is a hot and strenuous workout.
It does get busy, so early morning would be best but if you don’t mind waiting at the top for your selfie, people are usually nice to get out of the way when they are done. Unfortunately many were ignoring the signs that say not to cross the barrier and were trying to swim in the water at the bottom of the falls. Please observe the signs.
There is a foot truck at the beginning of the hike that serves pineapple smoothies and shave ice that looked good, but the line was too long for us to take part.
The total hike is at least 3km (1.2 miles) round trip.
Enjoy!
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

amy
Fairfield, CT465 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The entrance is very enchanted with different trees - very tropical rain forest, the trail, be aware : is very muddy, will ruin your shoes ford sure unless you dress for it. Not easy hike, some path are narrow to fit people going both directions. Falls on top, it’s nice, but not worth the long, muddy hike. Some areas can be slippery too. I highly recommend you go there, stop at the beginning where you see trees and mountains in an enchanted circle,
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laura
Minato, Japan33 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
I see that a lot of reviewers mention that this is an easy trail. That's certainly not the case, at least not in the humid winter. If it has rained recently as it had for us, the trail will be very muddy and slippery. You absolutely need sturdy hiking boots. Even tennis shoes will barely cut it. We saw lots of people slipping, especially on the way down. It was pretty crowded and there were no rail guards, so probably not recommended for people with overactive kids (it's a pretty long way down if you fall off the trail). The walk up takes about one hour, but you are then rewarded with an absolutely gorgeous waterfall.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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