ALOHA!
Manoa Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls on Oahu.
To reach these Oahu waterfalls, you’ll hike the Manoa Falls Trail to get there.
The Manoa Falls Trail will offer you a change in scenery from Waikiki and Honolulu. There’s an abundance and variety of plant life to take in as you make your way to the waterfalls.
It’s a rainforest hike and jungle hike! You’ll even start to see this scenery before you even start the hike. The road leading to the trailhead also makes you feel like you’re in a rainforest!
This area is also said to have been a filming location for scenes from shows like Jurassic Park, Lost, and Hawaii Five-0!
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The Manoa Falls Trail is a little under a mile to reach the waterfalls from the start of the trail, so it’s just under 2 miles round trip.
To hike this trail at a leisurely pace and enjoy your surroundings, consider giving yourself 1-2 hours to complete the trail.
Also near the start of the trailhead is the Lyon Arboretum. It’s free, but there are reservations required before going. Take a look at the Lyon Arboretum website for that.
The Manoa Falls trailhead is somewhat near Waikiki and Honolulu. It’s about 5 miles away.
Bus to Manoa Falls
You can get to Manoa Falls by bus! It does take a little extra time, though.
But I’ve been to Manoa Falls twice by bus, and it’s fine! With waiting time included, it might take an hour to get there from Waikiki.
Despite being pretty close to Waikiki, to reach the Manoa Falls Trail by bus will probably require a bus transfer coming from Waikiki.
This is because the road to get to the trailhead is through a residential neighborhood.
Generally speaking, residential areas will have less bus routes passing through them. So you’ll want to pay attention to the bus timings.
Once you get off the bus (arrive near Manoa Falls), check the bus directions on google maps going back to look for the timings just to give you an idea. You can play around on the google maps app and it will show you future timings as well. Screenshot it!
From the bus stop, it’s maybe 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the trailhead.
You’ll pass by a shop, a parking lot for Manoa Falls (fee for parking), the Lyon Arboretum, and then you’ll get to the start of the Manoa Falls Trail.
The shop is more like a little rest area with a convenience store and bathrooms, which you can use no problem.
I’ve taken the bus all over Oahu. I use google maps to get around. There’s a public transportation option. Here’s an example: map
See more about how to take the bus on Oahu and the HOLO card you will want to get if bus is going to be your mode of transport on Oahu!
And more places to go by bus from Waikiki!
Manoa Falls parking lot
There is also a parking lot for Manoa Falls near the trailhead with a small fee.
Can you go swimming at Manoa Falls?
Swimming is technically off limits at these waterfalls. At the start of the trail, there’s a sign that tells you not to swim in the stream or waterfalls.
And in order to reach the pond at the bottom of Manoa Falls, you’ll have to go into an off limits area. The reason there’s a danger sign up is because of the risk of falling rocks.
That said, this sign is often ignored, and there are many hikers who go past the sign to the bottom of the waterfalls. I don’t recommend ignoring danger signs. They are there for a reason. Proceed at your own risk!
Another thing you should know is that Hawaii is home to a dangerous bacteria that can be found in fresh water.
This means that fresh water swimming is generally discouraged if you have open wounds.
More Manoa Falls hiking tips
Hawaii can get hot. A hike to Manoa Falls means that you’ll be sweating. Maybe a lot.
For any hike in Hawaii, even if you’re going to be on the trail for less than an hour, it’s always a very good idea to take water to make sure you stay well-hydrated and SAFE! And since you will likely be on the Manoa Falls Trail for more than an hour, this means that you should really consider bringing along water!
For the Manoa Falls Trail, there are times that it can get a little buggy, so you may also consider bringing along some travel-friendly bug repellent wipes or spray.
It’s known for getting buggy so much so that they actually sell these things near the start of the trail!
You may also want to have some extra socks too, as well as your sandals to change into after the hike, just in case you encounter a muddy trail. There are times that the Manoa Falls Trail can get a little muddy.
Also see what to wear hiking in Hawaii including the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii!
More Oahu hikes:
- Best Oahu hikes
- Diamond Head hike
- Lanikai pillbox hike
- Waimea Falls Trail
- Plus lots more things to do in Oahu on a budget!
More waterfalls in Hawaii:
Happy hiking the Manoa Falls Trail!
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