Manoa Falls is a stunning nature hiking trail located about a 20-minute drive from Waikiki.
As the closest majestic jungle to Waikiki in Hawaii, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike!
The trail to the waterfall is beginner-friendly, taking about 30 minutes one-way with no steep inclines.
However, the area around Manoa Falls is particularly rainy, and the ground can often be muddy depending on the season, so be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty!
Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to rejuvenate in the refreshing air of nature is one of the great pleasures of a vacation.
Exploring the Manoa Falls Trail
The Manoa Falls trail is essentially a single path, so you won’t get lost.
However, there are many mosquitoes in the forest, so be sure to prepare and apply insect repellent!
Your trek begins at this entrance, which already exudes a sense of adventure.
Near the entrance, you’ll find scenery that was used as a filming location for Jurassic Park and Lost.
It’s hard to believe this incredible nature is just a 20-minute drive from Waikiki!
It feels like a dinosaur could emerge from the shadows at any moment, which is quite thrilling.
After that, the path narrows as you walk deeper into the forest.
About 15 minutes into the hike, you’ll come across a popular photo spot: a natural archway formed by tree roots that looks like it’s straight out of a Ghibli film.
One of the great things about the Manoa Falls trail is that it’s not just a simple walk through the woods; the variety of trees and plants changes along the way, keeping the scenery interesting.
As you make your way up the mountain path, enjoying the forest air and scenery, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived at the falls in no time!
The appearance of Manoa Falls can change dramatically with the seasons and rainfall, so some days you might be awestruck, while on others you might think, “Is that all?”
You may see people in the pool at the base of the falls, but it’s best to avoid going in, as the water quality isn’t great and the rocks are jagged and dangerous.
Take a break, snap some photos, and let the refreshing mist from the falls soothe you.
Incidentally, the Manoa Falls trail is also a popular course for trail runners.
They often create their own paths through the forest, so be careful not to accidentally follow one and stray from the main trail!
Parking and Restrooms at Manoa Falls
There is a paid parking lot with plenty of spaces near the trail entrance.
However, you can find plenty of free street parking just a five-minute walk away, so if you’d like to save a few dollars, it’s worth the stroll.
The paid lot can also fill up on weekends, so if you’re driving, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning!
As for restrooms, there are generally none on the trail itself as you’ll be in the forest.
Before you start the trail, there are restrooms available in the building near the parking lot!
Keep in mind that you won’t have access to a restroom for a little over an hour during the round trip, so plan accordingly.
Manoa Falls Basic Information
| Name | Manoa Falls |
| Address | 3737 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Closed | Open Daily |
| Duration | Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Restrooms | None on trail |
| Parking | Available (Paid) |
Recommended Transportation to Manoa Falls
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