Manoa Falls In Oahu - A Complete Guide

Located in a tropical rain forest, the stunning Manoa Falls in Oahu are quite easy to get to. Here’s all the info for visiting.

Table of Contents

How To Get To Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls in Oahu are located in the Manoa neighbourhood of Honolulu. Approximately 8km inland from Waikiki.

By Car:

If you have hired a car, it’s quite a straightforward, 20 minute drive to the area of Manoa and the start of the trail to the falls.

Take the H-1 west out of Waikiki towards the airport, until you reach the Punahou exit. Follow the Punahoe road, which becomes the Manoa Road and takes you all the way to the start of the trail.

You will find a small car park at the top of Manoa Road with a charge of $5. However, some people choose to park in the nearby residential area for free and walk the extra short distance.

By Taxi/Uber:

A taxi is an alternative and easy way to get the falls and will cost between $10 – $20.

Used in most larger towns in Hawaii, Uber, Lyft and Holoholo are ride-sharing apps that enable you to hail on-demand private drivers and may be a little cheaper than taxis.

By Bus:

From Waikiki you would need to catch a bus (number 8, 19 or 20) to the Ala Moana Shopping Centre in Honolulu.

From here jump on a number 5 bus to the end of the line in Manoa. It’s then about a 10 minute walk to the start of the trail.

By Tour:

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

The Manoa Falls Waterfall Hike with Lunch and Transfers is a great choice that will give you all the local info as well as lunch!

Manoa Falls Entrance Fee

It’s free to visit Manoa Falls.

Manoa Falls In Oahu Waterfall — Jen at the entrance to Manoa Falls.

Manoa Falls Opening Times

The trail to visit Manoa Falls is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset.

Best Time To Visit Manoa Falls + Tips

The recommended time to visit is from June to November – outside the rainy season. During this time, there is less rain and fewer risks of landslides.

This is one of the top things to do in Waikiki, so I would recommend getting there early if you want to avoid too many people on the trail.

This part of the island is very wet and has frequent rainfall. So be prepared for rain and also mud.

(When you get back to the start of the trail there hoses to rinse off any mud.)

At the old Paradise Park at the start of the trail there is a gift shop and a snack bar as well as water fountains and toilets.

Don’t forget the insect repellent, as insects love this damp environment!

The dappled sunshine streaming through the jungle canopy creates some beautiful photo opportunities!

What To Pack

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

What To Expect at Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls in Oahu are tucked away in a stunning tropical rain forest. So, unlike most trails in this area, there is plenty of shade, making the route up really pleasant.

This is actually the second most popular hike in Oahu after the Diamond Head hike. So, if you are up for doing both, Diamond Head and Manoa Falls Hiking Trails Tour is perfect.

Starting at the top of the Manoa Road next to the old Paradise Park building, this well maintained trail provides a moderately challenging hike for all ages.

With an elevation of 193m, it takes about 30/45 minutes of steady climbing to reach the base of the falls.

The views are amazing as you climb up through the lush ‘jungle’ path. You are surrounded by banyan, eucalyptus and guava trees, along with plenty of bamboo and brightly coloured tropical flowers.

The Trail

The path can be muddy in places and there are some boulders to climb over at the last little bit. Don’t panic though, it’s all very manageable and the reward is definitely worth it!

The flow of water is not massive and will vary in size depending on recent rainfall. It is, nevertheless, a beautiful waterfall that cascades down 150ft through its lush jungle surroundings, into a static pool at the base.

As inviting as it may look, swimming in the pool is highly discouraged, as the water is stagnant which poses a health risk.

It is, however, possible to dip your feet in the water for a refreshing and relaxing treat after your climb up.

In addition, if you feel like you could be in a Jurassic Park Movie, you’re right! Some of the jungle scenes for the famous 1993 movie were shot in this area!

A great addition to your Oahu itinerary.

Where To Stay In Oahu

Luxury: Sheraton Waikiki

Just 4 miles from the Diamond Head Crater Park, the Sheraton Waikiki features two oceanfront pools, an adult-only infinity pool and Helumoa Playground featuring two fresh water swimming pools, and a 70 foot long water slide

Modern rooms feature a flat-screen TV and video games at Sheraton Waikiki. Rooms come with a private balcony, some with mountain or ocean views. In-room coffee and a work desk are also provided.

The Sheraton offers 4 on-site dining options, including Pacific Rim inspired RumFire, the Edge of Waikiki bar situated just above the ocean, a breakfast and dinner buffet featuring Hawaii’s locally grown products at Kai Market and Hapa’s Pizza.

Mid-Budget: Best Western The Plaza Hotel

Featuring an outdoor pool, free WiFi and all guest rooms include a refrigerator.

Guest rooms include a microwave, a TV with cable channels and pay-per-view movies, and air-conditioning.

An on-site restaurant is available at the Best Western The Plaza Hotel.

The hotel also provides a 24-hour front desk and a business center and is completely non-smoking.

The Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial and the Missouri Center are 3.7 miles away from this hotel. Downtown Honolulu is 9.9 miles from the Best Western The Plaza Hotel.

Budget: Polynesian Hostel Beach Club

Located on the southern coast of Honolulu Island, this hostel is one block from Kuhio Beach and the Honolulu Zoo. The Polynesian Hostel offers comfortable accommodations.

Polynesian Hostel Beach Club offers dormitory rooms where guests can meet other travelers. Private studios feature en suite bathrooms and kitchens.

The common room at Polynesian Beach Club provides a TV for entertainment. The hostel has Wi-Fi, barbecue equipment and laundry facilities.

Kapiolani Park, which provides tennis courts and soccer fields, is less than one mile from the Polynesian Hostel. Waikiki Aquarium is a 5-minute drive from the hostel.

For more places to stay in Oahu, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.