Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls Trail
3.7
18 Reviews
Manoa Falls
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Details

Distance
1.59 miles
Elevation Gain
600 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Scenic
Family Friendly
Groups
Easy Parking
Waterfall
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Directions
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Track

About this place

Added by Hillary + Matt

Manoa Falls Trail is a short up-and-back hike that's perfect for beginners who are looking for big payoff with little effort.

Located in close proximity to Honolulu, the 150-foot Manoa Falls is accessible from the nearest road by a hike of approximately 0.8 miles (one way). The hike passes through a diverse array of ecosystems in Manoa Valley and feels like a true jungle, which makes it a great photo-zone. This valley is also home to filming locations from Jurassic Park and LOST. The path to the waterfall is often muddy and slippery so wear sensible shoes (read: no sandals!), and be aware that flash floods may occur at anytime. 

Swimming is not permitted in the pool at the base of the waterfall.

Budget approximately two hours for the entire Mānoa Falls Trail hike.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Take McCully Street out of Waikiki and turn right onto Kapiolani Boulevard. Turn left at University Avenue. Follow University Avenue as it turns into Oahu Avenue. At a five-point intersection, veer right onto Manoa Road. After passing Waakaua Street, find free parking along the final residential stretch of the street. It’s a .4 mile walk to the trailhead. Otherwise, continue driving along Manoa Road and follow the signs for $5 parking on the right hand side. After parking, continue following the road toward the mountain. At a fork, veer right toward a fence with signs marking the Manoa Falls trailhead.

CAUTION:
As with all freshwater streams and waterfalls in Hawaii, Leptospirosis bacteria may be present in the water. Do not drink the water and keep water out of open wounds (including small scratches) and eyes.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

  • There is a small fee to park at the trailhead 
  • Seasonal closures can happen due to weather. Visit hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov for updates

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
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Cara Holmes
7/3/2025
Manoa Falls is a very touristed trail on Oahu and the hike is easy on a well marked path through the forest. There is ...
Amazing Views
Well Marked
Bathrooms
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Phoebe Catherine
3/15/2022
Manoa falls
First little trail I did on island and it was beautiful:)
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Andy
11/23/2020
Popular oahu hike
One of the most popular hikes on oahu. Hike it on my first time to Hawaii and it was amazing
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Jared Beeler
9/14/2020
A true Jungle hike
This is an amazing hike especially for how short it is. The landscape here is amazing and there are many oportunities for pictures. The ...
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Elena P
7/10/2020
Mosquitoes present, bring repellent
This is such a beautiful hike, but it can get crowded at times. Mosquitoes are super present so wear your repellent
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Forest Bathing Hawaii
10/15/2019
Try forest bathing
Hawaii state's trail access system, Na Ala Helehttps://www.facebook.com/oahu.hele, announced that the Manoa Falls trail is closed on weekdays until further notice. If you'd like ...
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Emily Kaleal
7/2/2019
For the experience
Cool hike for the experience but SO crowded and VERY slippery.
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Joseph Gulizia
12/10/2018
Extend your hike
The falls itself is not that spectacular, but there is a trail that goes straight up the mountains above. This is worth having a ...
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Steven Yu
9/20/2017
Pretty Good
Cool jungle and waterfall. Nice short walk but it is crowded.
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Micah Hoffmann
1/22/2017
Manoa Falls
This hike is normally crowded, very touristy. But beautiful, and make sure you go after it rains, or else there won't be a waterfall ...
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Lauren Foltz
5/21/2016
Short hike, pretty views
extremely crowded. lots of mosquitos. short hike. some pretty views.
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Itsyouitsme Scott & Giulia
3/20/2016
Hike was short, falls were beautiful! but crowded
Quick little hike to see some beautiful falls, very crowded but nice to see!
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Victor Valladares Jr.
2/24/2016
Super Touristy, Crowded
Probably the most touristy hike next to Diamondhead. Have to pay for parking, almost always lots of people too. Takes about 5-10 minutes to ...
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Mary McCrary
3/4/2015
The falls weren't that impressive, but the vegetation was beautiful.
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Mark Noon
3/2/2015
Love this hike! so much green
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Gayle Ikemoto
12/3/2013
This was a short, easy, hike, right in town but you could have been miles from civilization. It was wet and a bit slippery ...
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Tyler Drake
10/16/2013
If you've got the whole family with you, this is the hike for you. It's not too long and not too challenging, but obviously ...
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Kelly Drake
Club
8/5/2013
Bring lots of bug spray &/or cover up!
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