UPDATED MAR 2020. The Manoa Falls Hike would have to be one of the most convenient waterfalls to get to on Oahu. It’s located in Honolulu and only 15 minutes from Waikiki which makes it very easy to get to. It’s also a short and easy trail that is suitable for just about anyone. Today I’m sharing a guide on how to hike the trail as well as some other things to do in the area. I hope it can help you plan your own adventure!
Everything You Need To Know About The Manoa Falls Hike On Oahu
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
FAQ for hiking the Manoa Falls trail
Where is it located?
Honolulu, about 15 minutes drive from Waikiki.
How much does it cost?
Free to hike and $5 for parking if you choose to park in the lot.
What skill level is required?
Beginner.
How long do you need?
1-2 hours depending on your pace.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash.
What should you bring with you?
- Good hiking shoes (I use the New Balance Minimus
) - Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Camera (I use the GoPro and this selfie stick which is floaty for water adventures too)
- Swimsuit and lightweight towel if you want to go to the beach afterward
)
if you want to go to the beach afterward
Where to park
To get to the Manoa Falls hike, just drive to the end of Manoa road. You can use ‘Manoa Falls Trail Parking’ in Google Maps to get you close, however, you have two options for parking once you arrive.
You can use the parking lot Google Maps will take you to and pay $5 to park in the parking lot.
The other option is to park along the street on Manoa Road and walk to the trailhead.
How to get to Manoa Falls by bus
Take bus #5 and get off at Manoa Rd + Opp Kumuone St. From there you’ll be able to walk to the trailhead and will have about the same distance to walk as people who drive and park on the street.
There are a couple of different ways to connect to bus #5 so check which is most convenient for you based on where you will be staying.
What to expect
A big tip before you even get started hiking is to wear bug spray and lots of it.
As with most waterfall hikes on Oahu, there are plenty of little critters here who would love to suck your blood!
It’s a short, well-maintained trail that is easy to conquer.
The only difficulty is that it can be a little slippery and muddy in a couple of sections. With that being said, you want to come dressed to get a little dirty so don’t wear your favorite shoes if you don’t want them getting wet or muddy.
There are plenty of spots to take photos along the way and you’ll get all the FernGully vibes while you’re there.
Manoa Falls
Unlike some of the other waterfall hikes on Oahu, Manoa Falls is not a waterfall you can swim in. The waterfall area is fenced off and you cannot get close to it.
The good news is that there is enough room on the safe side of the fence to still get sprayed from the gushing water and take some photos.
There’s lots to see on the Manoa Falls hike.
The Upper Manoa Falls Hike
There is another trail that connects to the Manoa Falls trail which will take you up above the falls. It is a more advanced hike and would take about another hour to do.
To do this one, you will start with the Aihualama Trail (you will see signs for this on the Manoa Falls trail), and then take the small trail to the right. If you’re not an experienced hiker, I wouldn’t recommend doing it.
If you do choose to do it, absolutely stick to the trail while you are up there to prevent falling because the ground can give way.
Safety tips
Stick to the trail. The area is very slippery, muddy and the ground can be loose off the trail. Don’t risk slipping and falling by going off the trails, it’s not worth it.
It will also help prevent erosion in the area so it can be enjoyed by others in the future.
Take it slow if you need to. Since it can be very slippery, just prevent yourself from slipping over by taking it as slow as you need to.
View this post on Instagram
Other things to do in the area
There are some great ridge hikes in the area and I recommend:
- Kuliouou Ridge Trail
- Waahila Ridge Trail
- Wilinuwili Ridge Trail
- Kapena Falls
As far as beaches in the area, I recommend
- Cromwell’s Beach
- Sand Island
- Ala Moana Beach
- Or any of the beaches in Waikiki
They’re not the best for snorkeling, but nice to hang out at while you’re on this side of town.
For food in the area, you have no shortage of choice. I’d recommend getting a Malasada from Leonard’s Bakery and lunch at the famous Rainbow Drive-In.
Where to stay on Oahu
I recommend staying in Waikiki during your visit because there is so much going on and it has an energetic vibe to it. I have stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and really loved my stay. They also put on the free fireworks show in Waikiki every Friday night.
If you’d prefer to stay at a different hotel, I recommend searching on Booking.com. I use this to book accommodation when I travel and can always find a good deal on their site.
Other guides to help you plan your trip to Oahu
Waterfall Hikes On Oahu – 12 Incredible Hikes That Will Blow Your Mind
Best Shave Ice Oahu Edition – The Best Spots In Each Area Of The Island
Waimea Bay Rock Jump – How To Plan A Day Trip To This Famous Beach
Off The Beaten Path Oahu Adventures – How To Explore Like A Local
I hope this post can help you plan an adventure on the Manoa Falls hike.
As always, be safe while adventuring. Use your best judgment as far as if this is a suitable trail for your skills, stick to the trail, and take your trash with you.
If you found it useful, return the favor by sharing it or following me on Instagram!
<3 Thanks for the mention, Katie 🙂 Lovely post. Such a fun Thanksgiving!
I loved it too! <3