The Everything Guide to Manoa Falls: Oahu’s Jungle Waterfall Hike💦
When it comes to Oahu waterfall hikes, it’s hard to beat this lovely jungle trail just minutes from Waikiki.
Nestled in the lush Manoa Valley just a few miles from Waikiki, Manoa Falls is yet another testament to Oahu’s diverse natural beauty.
Just a short drive from the Waikiki hotel zone, the Manoa Falls trail is one of the best hikes near Waikiki. It’s also one of the most popular waterfall hikes on the island of Oahu and a great hike for your Oahu Bucket List.
Read More: The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List: 50 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat🍍🌺🏖️
This jungle-style trail through Manoa Valley is sure to satisfy your inner Tarzan without any actual danger stuff. It’s kid-friendly and a fun, easy hike for the whole family.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
Read More: 5 Easy Oahu Hikes for Those Who Love Nature But Hate Hiking
About Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a 150 ft waterfall, accessible via the Manoa Falls Trail. It’s an impressive waterfall due to its sheer size. However, the actual water flow here varies quite a bit.
After heavy rain, it can be quite impressive. But for much of the year, it’s more of the trickle you see in these photos.
Generally speaking, the wetter winter months offer better water flow. But it’s still worth the hike in the summer (when these pictures were taken).
The jungle vibe of Manoa Falls has long captivated both hikers and the film industry. The area has been used as a filming location for everything from Jurassic Park to TV shows like Lost and Hawaii Five-O.
Tip: If you’re a movie buff, don’t miss the awesome movie tours at Kualoa Ranch when you visit Oahu!
Manoa Falls also makes my list of 25 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu That Won’t Cost You a Dime🌺 (unless you have to park!).
So let’s cover what you need to know before you tackle the Manoa Falls Hike…
First, You’ll Need a Car
Sure, you can book a tour to get to Manoa Falls. If you like the idea of a guided tour to better understand the local flora and fauna, this Manoa Waterfall Hike with Local Guide is an excellent choice.
But honestly, there’s no need to book a tour.
It’s easy to get there on your own with a rental car. For rental cars in Hawaii, it pays to go local. That’s why I always recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental
For rental cars in Hawaii, go to the local experts. They’ll find you the best rate among all the major companies with no booking fees. And their customer support is top-notch.
The Manoa Falls Trail
Here’s the need-to-know info for the Manoa Falls hike:
Manoa Falls Trail Quick Facts
| Location | Manoa area (15 minutes from Waikiki) |
|---|---|
| Cost | No entrance fee, just parking |
| Parking fee | $7 |
| Hours | Trail open daily, 6am-6pm |
| Elevation & Distance | 1.6 miles roundtrip, 800-foot elevation |
| Time | About 1-1.5 hours |
| What You’ll See | Trees, plants, and a WATERFALL 🌳💦 |
How Long Do You Need for the Manoa Falls Hike?
On average, hikers spend about 1-2 hours exploring the trail, and the bamboo grove, and marveling at the waterfall. Two hours is enough time to allow for a leisurely pace and ample photo opportunities.
What to Bring to Hike Manoa Falls
- Water: Stay hydrated throughout the hike.
- Appropriate Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes are best, tennis shoes are OK, flip flops are a no-go.
- Bug Spray: This is a jungle hike and you may need it.
- An Extra Pair of Shoes – A change of shoes for the rest of the day might be in order when the trail is muddy.
- Rain Gear – The Manoa Valley is known for its rainforest climate, so light rain is common. Pack a rain jacket!
What to Expect on the Manoa Falls Trail
The trail is approximately 1.6 miles round trip and takes most people 1-2 hours to complete.
The trail is a well-trodden path that can be muddy and slippery, especially after a rain. Proper footwear is a must.
The Manoa Falls Trail is considered an easy to moderate hike. It’s accessible for hikers of all levels, including families with kids. The elevation gain is gradual, about 800 feet, so it’s a gentle climb to the waterfall.
What to See on the Trail
You’ll walk through a tropical rainforest, surrounded by towering trees, bamboo forests, and an abundance of ferns.
The dense jungle foliage means you’re in the shade for most of the hike which can be a nice thing on a hot summer day in Hawaii. The Manoa Valley is a good example of one of Hawaii’s many microclimates.
So even when it’s sunny and dry a few miles away in Waikiki, it’s often raining here.
Because of its shady jungle vibe, most of the trail here doesn’t get much sun. Which makes it a great place to beat the heat on a sunny day.
The downside of all that shade is that the trail conditions are often damp and muddy. And that can make it slippery in some places.
My advice is to wear good shoes (not flip flops!) and take extra care going back down the trail if you want to avoid landing on your backside.
Along the trail, there’s an old shipping container turned into a makeshift bridge. There are also plenty of benches along the way to stop and take a break if you need it.
There’s also a fun photo op where an old banyan tree’s intertwined branches create a “frame” around a man-made chair.
This is a cute place to stop for a photo break.
Can you swim at Manoa Falls?
While it may look tempting, taking a dip at the base of Manoa Falls is not allowed. The reasons behind this include both safety and environmental concerns.
Despite the obvious warning signs, you will see people down at the base of the waterfall. These people are ignoring a posted sign that warns of falling rocks.
Don’t be these people.
Respect closures and advisories
When hiking in Hawaii, always pay attention to any trail closures or advisories due to hazardous conditions or ongoing preservation efforts. These closures are put in place to protect you and to preserve the environment.
This is especially true at Manoa Falls.
Stick to the marked trails and paths while hiking. Not only can you harm delicate ecosystems, but you’ll increase the risk of an accident or rescue situation. And I’m quite sure making the local news is not on your Hawaii Bucket List.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to go to Manoa Falls? There’s no entrance fee for the hike itself, but parking at the Manoa Falls parking lot costs $7.
- Is there food at Manoa Falls? Technically, no. But the Rainbow’s End Snack Shop near the parking lot is a good place to grab water or a shave ice and hit the restrooms before or after your hike. They also sell bug spray.
- Which is better, Manoa Falls or Waimea Falls? The two trails are similar but different. Manoa Falls is known for its lush, natural trail (mud and all!). While Waimea Falls is more accessible with a paved path and the opportunity to swim. Waimea Falls is better for younger kids because it’s an easier trail and less slippery. It also typically has more flow than Manoa so it’s more impressive.
And that’s a wrap!
Manoa Falls is the closest waterfall to Waikiki and one of Oahu’s best hikes. So be sure to add it to your Oahu Bucket List when you visit.
Read More: The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List: 50 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat🍍🌺🏖️
P.S. If you’ve worked up a serious appetite with all this talk of hiking, I can help you with that, too:
7 Divinely Delicious Waikiki Breakfast Spots You Just Have to Try
The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki (#4 is literally a hidden gem!)
And for more great things to do on Oahu, start here:
Why Hiking Diamond Head Crater is an Oahu Must-Do
The 7 Absolute Best Things to Do on Oahu (if time is short!)
