Manoa Falls Trail
Hike through a lush rainforest to a stunning 150-foot waterfall, a cinematic backdrop just minutes from Honolulu.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Manoa Falls Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through a lush rainforest to a stunning 150-foot waterfall, a cinematic backdrop just minutes from Honolulu.
"Absolutely STUNNING walk to the "falls". It is absolutely beautiful."
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must due to frequent mud. Avoid open-toed shoes!
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes are common in the humid rainforest. Pack repellent or buy it at the entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manoa Falls
End of the main trail
A stunning 150-foot cascade, especially powerful after rain. A true reward for your hike!
Lush Rainforest
Along the trail
Immerse yourself in vibrant green foliage, towering trees, and unique tropical plants.
Bamboo Forest
Higher sections of the trail
Experience an enchanting, dense bamboo grove that adds to the trail's magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mud!
Timing is Key for Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must due to frequent mud. Avoid open-toed shoes! 
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes are common in the humid rainforest. Pack repellent or buy it at the entrance.
💧 Check Waterfall Flow
The falls are most impressive after rain. Visit during the rainy season for a stronger cascade.
🚗 Skip the Rental Car
Uber or Lyft are convenient and hassle-free ways to reach the trailhead from Waikiki.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must due to frequent mud. Avoid open-toed shoes!
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes are common in the humid rainforest. Pack repellent or buy it at the entrance.
💧 Check Waterfall Flow
The falls are most impressive after rain. Visit during the rainy season for a stronger cascade.
🚗 Skip the Rental Car
Uber or Lyft are convenient and hassle-free ways to reach the trailhead from Waikiki.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The trail offers stunning scenery at every turn, perfect for nature photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of the Manoa Falls Trail, describing it as an immersive rainforest experience with lush vegetation and impressive scenery. While the waterfall's flow can be inconsistent, the hike itself is consistently praised for its natural charm and photo opportunities. Be prepared for muddy conditions and bring insect repellent for a more comfortable trek.
"Flora, Fauna and Views
The trail is distinguished by an impressive biodiversity, which delights visitors with a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Although the waterfall had no water during my visit, the panoramic views that are revealed along the way are spectacular and undoubtedly compensate for the absence of water, making the tour totally worth it.
The Rise and the Adventure
I decided to venture higher, a 25-minute stretch that is characterized by a dense presence of bamboo and roots that cover the road. This section of the trail offers an additional challenge and a feeling of total immersion in the forest. I chose to return because of the time, but the experience of exploring this higher part was very rewarding.
Conclusion
In summary, the trail is an excellent choice for nature lovers. It combines an accessible walk with stunning views and the opportunity to explore a rich biodiversity. It is a place that I would definitely visit again to complete the tour."
Paul Pérez
"To check off a must-do adventure in Honolulu, my wife and I planned a morning hike on the Manoa Falls Trail, and it was such a treat! We researched this one well in advance, wanting an easy, fun hike that would let us soak in Hawaii’s stunning nature. Just a quick 20-minute Uber ride from our Waikiki hotel, the trail was super easy to find, with clear signs pointing us toward the waterfall. The round trip is under 2 miles, but heads-up—it can get a bit slippery and wet, especially since it rains often. Luckily, we had dry weather, which made the trek even more enjoyable.
The hike itself was a total delight, winding through a lush forest with towering trees, vibrant native flowers, and plants that made us feel completely immersed in Hawaii’s natural beauty. Every step felt like a little escape into paradise, with greenery all around and the fresh scent of the forest. The payoff at the end was the Manoa Falls, Hawaii’s tallest waterfall, and it was absolutely worth it—just breathtaking! We spent some time taking it all in before heading back, snapping photos and savoring the peaceful vibe.
This was the perfect morning adventure, leaving us plenty of time to relax at Waikiki Beach for the rest of the day. Our tip: skip renting a car and just take an Uber to the trailhead—it’s hassle-free and super convenient. The Manoa Falls Trail was everything we hoped for—simple, scenic, and a beautiful way to connect with Hawaii’s natural charm. Big thanks to this trail for making our trip extra special!"
regis kwong
"Absolutely STUNNING walk to the "falls". You must understand, unless you go during rainy season, you're lucky if you see a steady stream. When I went, there was barely a trickle. However, don't discount the trek there. It is absolutely beautiful. I would highly suggest wearing taller socks and hiking boots as this trail is quite muddy. Beautiful photo opportunities all around."
Casey Nicole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by Uber or Lyft, which takes about 20 minutes. Public buses are also an option, though may take longer.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead. It typically costs around $5.
The address is Manoa Falls Trail, Manoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822.
Yes, public buses serve the area, though it's often more convenient to use ride-sharing services.
Yes, the trailhead is well-signed and easy to locate, especially with GPS.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the trail itself is free to access, there is a parking fee if you drive.
The trail is generally open during daylight hours, but it's best to check for any specific park operating times.
There is no admission fee for the hike itself, but parking costs around $5.
Reservations are typically not required for the Manoa Falls Trail.
The entrance is free, but there is a parking fee of approximately $5.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The round-trip hike is approximately 1.6 to 2 miles, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. +1
It's generally considered an easy to moderate hike, with some slippery and muddy sections.
No, swimming is not allowed at Manoa Falls due to bacteria in the water.
The waterfall's flow varies. It's strongest during the rainy season and can be a trickle during dry periods.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and comfortable clothing. Consider bringing a light rain jacket.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers beautiful rainforest scenery. The waterfall itself, bamboo groves, and lush foliage are prime photo opportunities.
The trail can get crowded, so patience may be needed for clear shots. The dense canopy also means lower light conditions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and protected natural areas. Check local regulations before flying.
Use a wider aperture for depth of field in the rainforest and consider a tripod for low-light waterfall shots.
Capture the scale of the trees, the textures of the mud, and the vibrant greens. Golden hour light can be magical if accessible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider insect repellent for added comfort. While swimming is not allowed at the falls, the journey through the vibrant jungle is an adventure in itself. The easy accessibility via ride-sharing from Waikiki also makes it a convenient choice for families.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to save money on purchasing them at the trailhead. The stunning natural beauty and the impressive waterfall provide a high-value experience without a significant financial outlay.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for challenging lighting conditions due to the dense foliage, and consider bringing a tripod for sharper shots of the waterfall, especially if it's flowing strongly. The muddy trail can also add an interesting textural element to your photos. Remember to protect your gear from moisture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Manoa Falls Trail Experience
The trail's defining characteristic is its frequent muddiness, especially after rainfall. This has led many hikers to emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate footwear, such as waterproof hiking boots, to navigate the slippery conditions safely. Despite the potential for mud, the journey is consistently described as beautiful, with unique flora and fauna at every turn.
+1At the end of the trail, you'll reach Manoa Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall. While the waterfall's flow can vary significantly depending on the season and recent rainfall, its presence is always a rewarding sight. Visitors are advised that swimming is not permitted at the base of the falls due to bacteria. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, there are opportunities to explore less-maintained, steeper paths that branch off the main trail, offering a more rugged experience.
Best Times to Visit Manoa Falls
+1If you prefer fewer crowds and drier conditions, consider visiting during the drier months, from June to November. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, and early mornings are ideal to avoid the peak visitor rush and the midday heat. Many visitors find that even if the waterfall is not at its fullest, the beauty of the rainforest itself makes the hike worthwhile.
It's also worth noting that while the trail is shaded year-round, the intensity of the sun can affect the trail's dryness. Some visitors suggest that even during drier months, a recent light rain can enhance the lushness of the vegetation, making the experience more vibrant.
Navigating the Manoa Falls Trail
+1Along the path, you'll find signs indicating a harder, longer trail that leads to higher elevations. This alternative route offers a more challenging trek through dense bamboo and roots, providing a sense of deeper immersion in the forest. While the main trail leads directly to the waterfall, these offshoots can add an extra layer of adventure for those seeking it.
Key considerations for navigating the trail include being prepared for the weather, as rain can occur unexpectedly. Bringing insect repellent is highly recommended due to the humid environment. While the main trail is not overly strenuous, taking your time, especially on muddy sections, is advised to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit