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Kailua

North America

United States

Amidst the lush greenery of Honolulu lies the enchanting Mānoa Falls Trail, a breathtaking journey that beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike. This picturesque path winds through a vibrant rainforest, where the air is infused with the earthy aroma of damp soil and the sweet scent of tropical blooms. Towering trees arch overhead, their leaves casting dappled shadows that dance on the trail underfoot. 

As you traverse the winding route, the sounds of life surround you — the gentle rustle of leaves, the melodic calls of native birds, and the soft trickle of nearby streams merging into a symphony of tranquility. Every step on the 1.6-mile trail brings new discoveries: vibrant orchids punctuate the greenery, while exotic ferns unfurl like nature's own artwork. 

Just ahead, the majestic Mānoa Falls reveals itself, cascading from heights of 150 feet into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by mossy stones and wild flora. The sight is nothing short of a scene from a fairy tale, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and soak in the serene beauty. For those brave enough, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters — a perfect respite from the island sun. 

Mānoa Falls Trail is not just a hike; it's an immersion into the heart of Hawaiian nature. Positioned conveniently near Honolulu, it offers a delightful escape from the city while still allowing easy access to urban amenities. Venture here, and allow yourself to be captivated by the raw, untouched allure of Hawaii's landscapes, where every turn unveils nature's artistry at its finest.

This picturesque rainforest trail leading to Mānoa Falls has appeared in several movies.

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If you want a good, safe hike that the kids can do, this can be one. I found Hawaii interesting because getting places is just odd. We drive through neighborhoods and then sort of by Hawaii campus to get here. It's muddy and wet. Being a rain jacket. You'll probably need it if you don't want to get wet. It's a rain forest. My guess is if there is heavy rain, don't go. It's beautiful. Little tricky terrain but nothing major.  Once you get there, you'll see the waterfall. If seen better water falls but it was nice to do a hike to get there. There is another trail off to the side. Looks a little more difficult. We didn't take it.

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While the waterfall at the end is underwhelming, the actual hike is quite good. It is on varied terrain and has elevation elements as well as flats but it takes you through beautiful lushes rainforest which makes for a good time. The trail itself is easy to moderate and doable for people of all ages though it would be a bit of a challenge for kids. Doable for parents with baby carrier but have to be careful.

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Medium to difficult trail. Lots of gorgeous endemic plants and trees to see, just like in the Jurassic Park films. Easy to navigate. There's a very challenging hike at the end of the main hike (by the waterfall).

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What an incredible experience! We visited in September when temperatures ranged from the 80s to 90s. We recommend wearing short sleeves and shorts due to the heat and humidity. If you tend to sweat, consider bringing a towel or extra clothes. The trails can be uneven and rocky, so make sure to wear shoes with good traction, preferably hiking shoes. Don’t forget mosquito repellent, too. There are benches near the stunning waterfall towards the end of the trail, and I was truly amazed by the enormous plants and trees there.

We took the bus from Waikiki Beach, which involved two transfers and took about an hour to reach the final stop. From there, it’s a walk up a hill in a residential area to the jungle entrance. You can buy a day pass for the Halo bus card at the ABC store or pay $3 in cash each time you board the bus.

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Beautiful jungle trail with a few hundred feet of elevation gain with a hundred foot waterfall at the end. You can't swim in these falls. You're kept at a distance of about 50 feet, looking down into a small pool that the falls pour into.

Lots of tree cover so you won't need sunscreen and no bugs, at least when we went. However the trail is rocky and wet so wear good trail shoes that have good traction on wet, muddy surfaces. Don't wear 'nice' shoes as they most likely get dirty with clay and mud. The clay stuck to my feet (I wore trail sandals) all the way back to the beach and through a swim and didn't wash off until I physically scrubbed it off in the shower, so it's sticky stuff. They do provide a hose by the snack bar/gift shop to rinse off your shoes. It was up at the end of the pedestrian bridge connecting the upper lot to the gift shop.

There was plenty of parking, they have 3 lots, and it's $7 to park. No admission fee. There's a small snack shop and gift shop, but the gift shop was closed for renovations when we were there. Nice little hike, but be careful of slippery, loose rocks.

Hike the Scenic Mānoa Falls Trail in Honolulu, HI

Rating

Allows Dogs

Good for Children

Parking

Trail Difficulty

Mānoa Falls Trail is a picturesque rainforest trail in Honolulu, HI, leading to the stunning 150-foot Mānoa Falls. This enchanting path winds through lush greenery, offering a serene escape into nature, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Mānoa Falls Trail

Explore Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu, HI—lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and unforgettable hikes await! Embark on your adventure today!