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Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls, Honolulu: Hours, Address, Manoa Falls Reviews: 4.5/5

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Manoa Falls

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Manoa Falls
4.5
3,691
#27 of 343 things to do in Honolulu
Waterfalls
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8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
34 within 3 miles
Rainbow's End Snack Shop
13
0.9 mi$ • Quick Bites • American
Cathay Inn Chop Suey
16
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Cantonese
Waioli Kitchen and Bake Shop
19
2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Morning Glass Coffee
172
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies
78
2.4 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
FEAST by Jon Matsubara
6
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Contemporary
Off The Hook Poke Market
18
2.4 mi$ • Quick Bites
Choco le'a
4
2.3 mi
Bangkok Chef
22
2.3 mi$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Starbucks Manoa Valley
38
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe
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Attractions
302 within 6 miles
Aihualama Trail
11
506 ftHiking Trails
Lyon Arboretum
425
0.6 miGardens • Educational sites
‪Diamond Head State Monument
23,871
Hiking Trails • Scenic Walking Areas
Nu’uanu Pali
918
1.7 miLookouts • Valleys
Waikiki Beach
18,521
Beaches
Tantalus Lookout Puu Ualakaa State Park
1,040
2.2 miState Parks • Parks
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
3,212
Cemeteries
Queen Emma Summer Palace
371
2.6 miHistoric Sites • History Museums
Iolani Palace
7,209
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Puu Ualakaa State Park
727
2.2 miState Parks • Lookouts
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,691 reviews
Excellent
1,992
Very good
1,292
Average
329
Poor
54
Terrible
24
Rik T
Fredericton, Canada1,207 contributions
Scenic, Well Maintained Trail, Beautiful Falls
Dec 2021 • Couples
The falls were certainly worth the hike. It's only a 1.6 mile hike to the falls, but if you're carrying a small child, walking a dog, or if you don't like a bit of a climb on a rocky and muddy trail, it might be too much. I did see older people and people carrying infants doing it so just judge for yourself by looking at photos of the trail. The trail varies quite a lot as to what kind of terrain you're walking on.

Along the trail you'll see some pretty crazy trees, streams, a lush tropical forest, and probably a rain shower. The falls are quite nice and the viewing area is pretty close to the falls. There were signs warning to not go right down into the water at the base of the falls but many were doing it anyway.

You can take the number 5 bus to the falls (about 20 minutes from downtown Honolulu) and walk up the trail for free. Parking a car costs less than $10.

There is a building at the base of the trail with washrooms and a place where you can get some food and snacks and drinks. I highly recommend the pineapple whip inside a hollowed out pineapple. It's kinda like sorbet. There's also a snack truck just a tiny bit further up the hill.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steve W
2 contributions
Manoa Falls - worth the trip
Sep 2021
Manoa Falls trail is about 8.5 miles from Waikiki and if you take Uber it would cost around $30 one way. A very nice hike with only about an 800' gain in elevation when going to the falls. For those that say the hike does not offer much to see along the way I disagree. There are scenic areas with trees hundreds of feet high in vast open areas. It looks like a scene out of Jurassic Park. We hiked this yesterday (27 Sept '21) and it was great. They have parking which is $7 regular, $5 for military. But you can park below and walk to the falls without having to pay a fee (its free).

Very nice scenery, great pictures and videos can be had on this hike. A couple of areas along the way were areas where people could rest. The path had rocks but wife thought they should have been smaller in size to make it easier to walk and I agree. I would suggest tennis or better hiking shoes. Saw a number of people with slippers/flip flops that almost fell because of some muddy spots and a couple that twisted their ankles because of the rocks . Most of the trail had shade from the trees, bamboo, etc. but I would recommend putting on sunscreen because the UV in Hawaii can be extreme. Also suggest talking water or an electrolyte drink along the way. The humidity is high, 60-80% depending on the time of year, and some people were sweating excessively so its a good idea to hydrate before, during and after the hike.

At the top are the falls, 150' high and it was pretty cool. Got some great pics. Some people went into the pool at the base but that is not recommended. We hung out for about 40 minutes enjoying the cool mist, took some more pics and headed back down. Took more pics and videos on the way down and took our time. We went on a Monday at 11:30 - there were a bunch of people but not too crowded. I would rate the hike as easy to novice and is worth the trip if you have time.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dave S
Omaha, NE157 contributions
Great value, great scenery only minutes from Honolulu
Jul 2021 • Family
Absolutely worth seeing. The only fee was $7 to park. The parking lot is small so be prepared to wait for a space. The scenery is amazing. The trail can be treacherous because it is rocks all the way up. Because you are in a rainforest, it is muddy and very humid. You will definitely sweat but the views are worth it. We made it to the falls and it was flowing pretty good. Even if the falls are not flowing, the other scenery is worth the $7. Beware that there are very limited services. There are restrooms in a very dilapidated building and limited drink options at a pineapple stand near the entrance. All in all, this is probably the least expensive thing you will do in Hawaii.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cassandra B
Windsor, Australia71 contributions
Pretty but busy
Jun 2022
The walk to Manoa Falls took about 1 hour up and 1 hour back. The scenery along the way was stunning but be prepared for some step inclines over rocky/loose pebbles. The ground was muddy when we were there making it harder for grip especially on the way back down. The path way and vantage spots for photos were very busy often with lines of people waiting to take the perfect picture. Once at the top due to not being a rainy season the waterfall was running but not as majestic as I was hoping or expecting after the walk. There were people of all ages completing the walk but if your fitness isn't of a decent standard expect to struggle with some of the walk. I do recommend if you get the chance to complete it as the views on the way to the top are quite pretty, feels like you're in a prehistoric world at points.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
S.A.
13 contributions
Manoa Fall trail CLOSED indefintely - January 21, 2021
Jan 2021
Manoa Falls, Kolowalu, and Pua Pua trails --- all in Manoa, on Oahu are CLOSED!!. You will will be given a huge monetary fine for entering. Also, if you need to be rescued the City & County of Honolulu will send you the bill for the rescue. In Fall & Winter months Manoa has a lot of rain so these trails are extremely dangerous to hike because they are muddy & full of mosquitoes. BEWARE: there are homeless people living along the trails. Posted: January 21, 2021
Written January 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
S.G.
11 contributions
Hike other Oahu trails!!
Oct 2021
Manoa Falls, Kolowalu, and Pu'u Pia are not worth hiking. Better to hike other trails on Oahu. These trails have boulders, rocks falling & mudslides. Full of centipedes & mosquitoes. If you need to be rescued the City & County of Honolulu will give you the bill for the rescue! BEWARE: there are homeless people living along the trails who leave excretement & trash. The areas have many rental units and a high rate of burglaries. Vehicles are often broken into. Today's date: Oct. 25, 2021
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dregehr
61 contributions
Amazing
Jan 2020
I will begin with a tip: the trails are not for very small children nor strollers or if you have trouble with any type of stairs. The trail was very muddy on the day we arrived which is very normal for the area, bring bug spray, there are lots of roots / stairs / areas where there is only room for one person to walk but for us this was wonderful! we loved all the flora, trees and the quietness of the trip to the falls it was very exciting to hear the falls before we even saw it. We went early at 8 am to avoid the crowds, the park provides a hose to wash off the mud from your shoes, etc. be sure to pay for parking either inside the restaurant if the parking attendent is not around or at the parking lot "Cash Only". It took us about 3 hours to walk both ways but we took lots of breaks for photos and to enjoy the beauty around us.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Amusementparkguy
Pataskala, OH1,324 contributions
A Fun but Challenging Hike to see a Neat Waterfall
Jun 2022
A friend and I took the hike to see this phenomenon. Though the amount of water coming down the falls was not a large amount, it is still a beautiful sight to behold! The terrain is quite rocky and steep in parts. You will definitely need to have a back pack with water on this journey. It is about a mile hike back to the falls, and the round trip will take just under two hours, depending on how long you stay at the falls. There are signs warning about not getting in the water, and they should be heeded.
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ronniea525
Benicia, CA87 contributions
Amazing from Beginning to End
Dec 2019
It was in December when we first hiked this trail. In this review, I would like to offer the readers some constructive advice and provide some insight before hiking up to Manoa Falls. I would not recommend this hike to anyone who is frail or have difficulty navigating through rocky terrain.

First, make sure the trail is open and not closed due to flash floods. You will pay $5 for parking and 2 lots are available. Rainbow's End Snack Shop is conveniently located next to the parking lots where there is also a bathroom. Do use the bathroom before the hike since there are no bathrooms along the trail to Manoa Falls. Bring some water with you since there are no water fountains on the trail.

Don't expect the trail to be dry! The trail could be extremely muddy. I wore my WHITE running shoes; big mistake! Best to wear beach shoes or sandals that strap onto your feet. Use old shoes if you can. There is a small area to wash your muddy shoes after the hike at the 1st parking lot but one might find a long line since there is only one hose for everyone to use.

Don't be in a hurry. I've seen people slip along the way. The terrain is also sometimes rocky and narrow so be very careful. I recommend a walking stick if you have one. Expect your hike to take at least an hour. This includes taking pictures and not rushing it. Lastly, have fun! It's truly a great experience being one with nature and you won't be disappointed. It's truly worth the hike and you will be amazed.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
J H
Calgary, Canada424 contributions
Slip and slide
Feb 2020
Very muddy. They are working on it so make sure to check the open schedule. We went on a Friday, got there around 8am. Glad we started then as it was pretty busy when we were coming back down. There are some beautiful views around along the hike. Honestly I don't think it matters what shoes you wear, they will be so caked in mud that you'll have no grips anyways. I would actually not recommend heavy hiking boots as you'll likely lose them in the mud. There is a steep section that is tough with wet muddy conditioned. We didn't have a stick when walking up but were sure glad to have one for the way down. It's a small area near the falls but it's pretty. It is a very busy hike though, if you're looking for a quiet hike this is not it. But it was quick. Luckily the bugs weren't too bad when we went but I can imagine they can get terrible. Took us about an hour with the muddy conditions. In dry conditions this would be an easy peasy walk.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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