Complete Guide to Manoa Falls: Trail Details, Parking Info, and More

Manoa Falls is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu.

And for good reason! It’s a short distance from Honolulu/Waikiki, it’s rated moderate, it’s very well-maintained through a beautiful, lush jungle, and it ends at a 150-foot waterfall!

What more could you ask for?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Manoa Falls trail:

Where to Park?

Thankfully, there is parking available at the trailhead of this hike. There is a fee ($7 per vehicle, $4 for military), but it’s worth it.

Parking is such a struggle on Oahu. So, knowing that parking is available takes away some of the stress.

We parked in the first parking lot past the parking attendant, but there were signs for additional parking in another area.

However, make sure you don’t park in the Lyon Arboretum parking lot, as you can be towed. (The arboretum isn’t open on weekends, so this wasn’t an issue for us, since the gate to their parking lot was closed anyway.)

What to Expect

From the parking lot, you walk along a paved road until you reach the trailhead.

After that, the majority of the trail is gravel, which helps with the muddiness. (This hike was much less muddy than Lulumahu or Likeke Falls.) Some of the rocks were a little slippery in places, but not bad at all.

The trail itself is very well-maintained. (Apparently, it closed for a while in 2021 for improvements, and I’m impressed with what great shape it’s in.)

The beginning of the trail leads you through a makeshift bridge made out of a shipping container and another wooden footbridge. When you search Manoa Falls on Instagram, these are some of the most photographed parts of this hike.

For a large portion of the hike, you walk along a stream. There are several ‘little waterfalls’ along the way and plenty of beautiful views and foliage.

I was most impressed by all of the King Ferns along this trail. Seriously, they are ferns as big as small trees!

One thing you can expect on the Manoa Falls trail is to be out of breath! I huffed and puffed all the way to the waterfall.

The hike to the waterfall is mostly uphill. Towards the end, it gets steeper, but large gravel-filled ‘stairs’ make it a little easier (and safer on the way down).

Along the trail, there is a rest area with benches. In that same area is an ‘Arch of Roots/Vines’ with a little chair under them that is a perfect photo op.

Since this is one of the most popular trails on the island, you should expect crowds.

Our hike was on a Saturday afternoon, and honestly, there were fewer people than I expected. Thankfully, the trail is wide enough that it’s not a problem when you meet other groups.

Manoa Falls

Once you get to the falls, there is a designated viewing area. However, you can see and hear the waterfall before you reach it!

Manoa Falls is 150 feet tall! Depending on recent rainfall, it can be a trickle (like what we saw) or a torrent. Either way, the hike is worth it!

At one time, people were allowed to walk down to the base of the waterfall and play in the water. However, this is no longer allowed due to occasional falling rocks and the risk of leptospirosis.

We saw people walking past the signs and going down to the water anyway. I can’t tell you enough how much I DON’T recommend that.

Leptospirosis isn’t uncommon in Hawaii, and while it usually isn’t deadly, the flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting) can last up to 2 weeks and require antibiotics for treatment. (Not the way you want to spend your vacation!)

It’s enough to snap a few pictures of Manoa Falls from the viewing area and enjoy the sounds of it trickling over the rocks. You don’t have to touch it to appreciate it!

This hike was a fun way to spend an afternoon, and I’m already looking for more hikes and island adventures.