Manoa Falls Trail

Manoa Falls Trail starts at the end of Manoa Road, beyond Paradise Park, in Manoa Valley, Honolulu, Hawaii, and leads to a roughly 150-foot waterfall inside the Koolau Mountains rainforest. The route is about 1.6 miles round trip and climbs gradually through dense forest of bamboo, banyan, hau and towering eucalyptus. The path runs along Manoa Stream and crosses small bridges, with rooted and rocky sections that become muddy and slippery after rain. Manoa Valley is one of the wettest places on Oahu, so showers are frequent, and the humidity keeps the forest lush. Hikers will see native and introduced plants, birds and sometimes the scent of ginger. The trail ends at a viewing area facing the falls, where a pool at the base is closed to swimming because of the risk of falling rocks and leptospirosis. Visitors typically need 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The best views are from the final viewing area, and the best photo angles are of the stream and the bamboo grove midway. Crowds are heaviest from mid-morning to afternoon, and the small private parking lot at Paradise Park charges a fee and fills quickly, with limited free street parking lower on Manoa Road. Early morning gives cooler temperatures, parking availability and quieter paths. The trail is free. Hikers should wear shoes with good grip, carry water, bring insect repellent and a rain layer, and avoid leaving valuables in parked cars, since break-ins have been reported at Oahu trailheads. The trail is managed by the State of Hawaii.