Manoa Falls
4.6(1.1K)google
4.4(1.3K)yelp
WaterfallHikingForestPhoto Spot
Overview
Mānoa Falls is a 150-foot (46 m) waterfall along the Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii. Swimming in the pool below the waterfall is highly discouraged because there is a threat of becoming infected with Leptospirosis, a disease causing mild to moderate flulike symptoms that can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Many tourists are attracted to the waterfall and the scenery throughout the trail leading to it.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeThe rainy winter-spring corridor from November to April guarantees a heavy, thundering cascade for this 150-foot jungle waterfall. Hit the trail between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM; Manoa Valley is a localized rain magnet, and early morning light filtering through the giant banyan trees and muddy bamboo groves is truly ethereal.
Getting ThereTucked at the dead-end of Manoa Road at 3860 Manoa Rd, Honolulu. Drivers cruise north from town for 15 minutes straight to the road's end, which features a massive private paid gravel parking field ($7 per vehicle) at the trailhead. Alternatively, catch Oahu's TheBus Route 5 from Ala Moana Center, terminating short steps away.
Travel Tips
- The private lot at the trailhead charges a steep 7 USD cash-only fee; park in legal residential stalls 1 mile down to bypass this cost.
- This valley experiences high-frequency flash floods and rockfalls; strictly obey the rockfall barrier and never swim in the pool directly below the falls.
- The trail consists of slick mud, exposed roots, and sharp volcanic rock; open-toe sandals or flip-flops are safety hazards, wear high-traction footwear.
Reviews
Positive
- Hiking through giant bamboo groves and tropical rainforest resembling scenes from Jurassic Park, the towering waterfall exerts a sense of mystery; the core landscape is visually stunning and true to fame.
- Accessible via a short self-drive or public transit (like city buses) within half an hour from downtown Waikiki, it offers superb transportation convenience to experience Oahu's green lung.
- The trail has undergone modern renovations and systematic maintenance, lined with slip-resistant gravel and steps, while hazardous sections feature sturdy fences and multilingual safety signs.
- Aside from a very reasonable parking fee of just a few dollars, the trail itself is completely free to access, offering exceptional value for money for fans of light hiking and natural scenery.
Heads up
- The area is a notorious rainy zone, making the trail frequently muddy and slick; during dry spells, the waterfall shrinks to a mere trickle, lacking grandeur and feeling like a photo trap.
- There is a lack of rest areas and restrooms at the trailhead and along the path, and the mosquitoes are viciously dense; without adequate bug spray, the comfort level drops off a cliff.
- Due to its fame, tourist density during the day is very high. The narrow rainforest path is often choked with bi-directional tour groups, and the noisy environment completely ruins the pristine wilderness tranquility.
- Parking management at the entrance is somewhat loose and spaces are hard to secure in peak season, while adjacent shops sell snacks and water at noticeably marked-up tourist prices.