Manoa Falls-All You Need to Know

Oahu is known for its beautiful beaches and great surfing, but if you go a few miles from the busy streets of Waikiki, you’ll find a world of lush rainforests and waterfalls. Manoa Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall that has fascinated travelers for generations, is at the center of this lush landscape. This famous place is a must-see for anyone who comes to the island because it has a beautiful tropical paradise hike that is very rewarding.

This guide is meant to help you plan your trip to Manoa Falls by giving you all the information you need. We’ll talk about the best time to go, what to expect on the trail, important safety tips, and things to do nearby. Based on many visits and local knowledge, this post will help you safely and responsibly experience the magic of Manoa Falls, making sure that your trip is as memorable as the falls themselves.

Planning Your Visit to Manoa Falls 

Careful planning is the key to a successful trip. The Manoa Falls trail is easy to get to and popular, but knowing a few important things ahead of time can make your trip go more smoothly.

Is the Manoa Falls Trail open right now?

Most days, the Manoa Falls trail is open. But it can close without warning because of bad weather, flooding, or trail work. Heavy rain can make the path very slippery and cause flash floods in the area.

It’s very important to check the official trail status before you leave. The Na Ala Hele Program website, which is run by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) in Hawaii, is the best place to find the most up-to-date information. They give you real-time information about all the trails that the state manages, including Manoa Falls, which may be closed or have warnings. If you search for “Na Ala Hele Manoa Falls,” you should be able to find out what the weather is like right now.

The Falls of Manoa Hours of business

The trail is usually open from dawn to dusk. Plan to go between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to be safe. It’s best to start your hike early in the morning. You’ll have more places to park, and the weather will be cooler and there will be fewer people on the trail. It’s dangerous to hike later in the afternoon because you don’t want to be on the trail after dark.

Do I need to buy tickets or make reservations to see Manoa Falls?

As people who want to hike the Manoa Falls trail don’t need to make a reservation or get a permit from the state. The state is in charge of the public trail. You can just show up, park, and start your hike. But it’s always a good idea to check the Na Ala Hele website again before you go, since rules can change.

How to Get There: How to Get to the Rainforest

Manoa Falls is in the Manoa Valley, which is a residential area right behind the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. It’s surprisingly close to Honolulu and Waikiki, so it’s easy to get there in half a day.

How to get to Manoa Falls

The drive from Waikiki is about 5–6 miles and takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

1. Go west on Ala Wai Boulevard.
2. Turn right onto McCully Street. 
3. Go down McCully Street and then turn right onto Kapiolani Boulevard.
4. Make a quick left turn onto University Avenue.
5. Follow University Avenue as it goes through the University of Hawaii campus. It will eventually become Manoa Road.
6. Go all the way to the end of Manoa Road, where you’ll find the trail’s parking lot.

The easiest way to get around is to use a GPS app like Google Maps or Apple Maps and type in “Manoa Falls Trail” as your destination.

Parking at Manoa Falls

There is a designated parking lot at the end of Manoa Road that is run by a private company called Paradise To Go. Usually, it costs about $7 to park a car. The lot isn’t very big, and it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This is another great reason to get there early.

If the main lot is full, you might be able to find some street parking in the nearby residential area. If you choose this option, be very respectful of the people who live there. Don’t block driveways, pay attention to parking signs, and keep the noise down.

Taking the bus

You can also get to Manoa Falls by taking Oahu’s public bus system, TheBus. To get to the trailhead from Waikiki, take Route 13 to the Woodlawn Drive & Kahuawai Street stop. Then, walk about 10 minutes up Manoa Road. The best way to get somewhere can change, so it’s best to use the official TheBus app or Google Maps to plan your trip.

The Hike: A Journey to the Falls 

The hike to Manoa Falls is just as beautiful as the destination itself. The path goes through a thick rainforest that looks like a scene from Jurassic Park. This makes sense because parts of the movie were filmed here!

Trail Description and How Hard It Is

The Manoa Falls trail is an out-and-back trail that is about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long in both directions. The path is well-kept and has a gravel surface for most of the way, but it can get muddy, rocky, and slippery, especially after it rains. The trail goes up slowly and steadily, gaining about 633 feet in height.

Overall, the hike is considered easy to moderate. It’s good for most levels of fitness, even families with older kids. But the mud and bumpy ground can be hard for people who have trouble moving around.

Do you know how long it takes to hike to Manoa Falls?

The round trip takes 1 to 2 hours for the average hiker. This includes time for stopping to take photos and enjoying the scenery. If you want to spend some time at the waterfall, plan on spending about two hours on the whole thing.

What to Wear 

Wearing the right clothes will make your hike a lot more comfortable and safe.

• Shoes: You need to wear shoes that are strong and have closed toes. The best shoes for hiking are those with good grip, like hiking shoes or athletic sneakers. Sandals and flip-flops are not safe to wear on this muddy, uneven ground.
• Wear clothes that are light, comfortable, and that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. A t-shirt or tank top and athletic shorts are good choices. The valley is humid, so it’s best to wear clothes that let air in. It’s also a good idea to bring a light rain jacket because rain can come out of nowhere in the valley.

Important Safety Tips

While Manoa Falls is a popular and relatively safe hike, it’s important to be aware of potential hazards. 

Is it possible to swim in Manoa Falls?

No, you can’t swim in the pool at the bottom of Manoa Falls. There are prominent signs indicating this, and for good reason. Leptospirosis is the biggest threat. It’s a bacteria that lives in Hawaii’s freshwater sources and can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, damage to the kidneys or liver. The bacteria get into the body through cuts or by drinking the water.

Also, rockfalls are a known danger in the area. The rocks that fall from the cliff face around the waterfall can hurt people very badly. Stay behind any posted barriers and admire the waterfall from a distance for your own safety.

Other Risks

• Trails that are slippery: Manoa Valley gets a lot of rain, which makes the trail very muddy and slippery. Walk carefully, take your time, and use handrails where available. 
• Mosquitoes: Since you’re in a rainforest, you should expect mosquitoes. To avoid getting bitten, it is highly recommended to wear insect repellent.
• Flash Floods: When it rains a lot, the stream along the trail can rise quickly. If the water starts to look high or move quickly, it’s best to go back.

What to Bring on Your Hike 

Packing light is a good idea, but bringing a few important things will make sure you have a great time.

• Water: Bring a lot of water so you don’t get dehydrated in the humid weather. A reusable water bottle is perfect. 
• Insect repellent: You need this to keep mosquitoes away.
• Sunscreen: While much of the trail is shaded, you’ll still get sun exposure. 
• Small towel: Great for wiping off sweat or mud.
• Snacks: A piece of fruit or a granola bar can give you more energy.
• Camera or smartphone: You’ll want to take pictures of the amazing scenery. Make sure it won’t get wet.
• Small First Aid Kit: For little cuts and scrapes.
• Change of Shoes/Socks: Keep a clean pair in your car. After the muddy hike, you’ll be glad you have them.

Looking around the Manoa area

There are a number of other interesting places nearby that you can visit after your hike.

• The University of Hawaii runs the Lyon Arboretum, a 200-acre botanical garden that is just down the road from the Manoa Falls parking lot. It has a large collection of tropical plants and more than seven miles of hiking trails.
• Manoa Marketplace: This cute shopping center in the middle of Manoa Valley has a number of great local restaurants where you can eat after your hike.
• Take a scenic drive up to Tantalus Lookout for some of the best views of Honolulu, Diamond Head, and the coast.

Your Hawaiian Adventure Awaits 

Manoa Falls is a great place to see the natural beauty that makes Oahu so special. The trail is a quiet place to get away from it all and see the strength and peace of a tropical rainforest up close. You can make memories that will last a lifetime on this amazing hike if you plan ahead and take care of the environment.

Let us help you plan a Hawaiian vacation that goes off without a hitch. At Hawaii Guide Hub, we specialize in crafting personalized itineraries that showcase the best of the islands. Call us to book your trip and let’s start planning your dream vacation right away.