Located just 15 minutes inland from the sunny beaches of Waikiki, the Manoa Falls Trail transports hikers into a prehistoric rainforest wonderland featured in Jurassic Park and LOST.

Key Takeaways

  • Free trail, paid parking: The state charges nothing to hike; the Paradise Park lot at the trailhead charges $7 per car ($5 for kamaʻāina and military).
  • Hours: The trail is open daily from sunup to sundown, and the state advises not starting after 5:30 PM.
  • Mud is guaranteed: About 0.8 mile each way with roughly 400 feet of gain over roots, rocks and wet soil. Wear shoes you can hose off.
  • View, don’t swim: Stay behind the rock-wall viewing area at the falls; the pool and upper pools are closed after deadly rockfalls and accidents.

Manoa Falls Essential Highlights

• The Trail: 1.7 miles roundtrip winding through towering bamboo groves, prehistoric eucalyptus trees, and tropical ferns, concluding at a 150-foot cascading waterfall.
• Mud Warning: The Manoa valley receives over 150 inches of rain annually; trail paths can be very muddy—wear dark athletic shoes you do not mind getting dirty.
• Swimming Prohibited: Swimming in the waterfall pool is strictly forbidden due to leptospirosis bacteria risk and rockfall hazards.

Detail Manoa Falls Trail Information
Trail Distance 1.7 miles roundtrip (~1 hour hiking time)
Admission & Parking Free pedestrian entry ($7 parking fee for vehicles at Paradise Park)
Bus Transit from Waikiki Transfer at Ala Moana Center to TheBus Route 5 Mānoa Valley (last stop); $3.00 two-hour HOLO pass
Key Filming Locations Scenes from Jurassic Park, LOST, and Jumanji

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Manoa Falls Hike at a Glance

The Manoa Falls hike is the easiest rainforest escape from Waikiki: a state trail managed by DLNR’s Nā Ala Hele program that climbs gently up the back of Mānoa Valley to Mānoa (Waihī) Falls. Officially it is 0.8 mile each way with about 400 feet of elevation gain, and most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours round trip including the walk from the parking lot.

  • Start: past the compost toilets, the path crosses ʻAihualama Stream and an open, film-famous meadow before entering eucalyptus and hau groves.
  • Middle: the trail follows Waihī Stream on gravel, rock paving and plastic steps; expect deep mud and slick roots after rain.
  • Top: you climb through a bamboo grove on raised steps, pass the signed junction with the ʻAihualama Trail and reach a rock-wall viewing platform facing the falls.

The waterfall runs strongest after rain and can shrink to a trickle in dry spells. Mānoa is one of the wettest corners of Honolulu, so bring a light rain jacket even when Waikiki is sunny; see our Waikiki weather by month guide for the rainy season.

Getting There from Waikiki by Bus or Car

  • Drive: about 15 to 20 minutes via Punahou Street and Mānoa Road to the end of the road at Paradise Park. Park in the Paradise Park lot, which is run by Paradise Park, not the state, or legally in the lower neighborhood for free. There is no parking on the fire lane above the lot, and the Lyon Arboretum lot is for arboretum visitors only; hikers’ cars there are towed.
  • TheBus: ride from Waikiki to Ala Moana Center (Routes 8 and 13 both connect), then take Route 5 Mānoa Valley to the last stop and walk about 0.6 mile uphill past Paradise Park. A HOLO card two-hour pass costs $3.00 and covers the transfer; cash is $3.25 per ride with no transfer as of July 2026.
  • Rideshare: about 15 minutes, but phone signal and drivers are scarce at the top of the valley, so book your return before you lose coverage.

Car break-ins have been a long-running problem at the trailhead, and the state’s own notice says not to leave valuables in your vehicle.

Safety and Trail Etiquette

A landslide next to the falls in 2002 led to the protective fence and viewing area you see today, and the state warns that rushing water, falling rocks and falls from wet rock have caused fatalities beyond it. A hiker was airlifted after a fall on the trail as recently as September 2026.

  • Do not climb past the rock wall, closed-area signs or toward the upper pools.
  • Stay out of the stream if you have cuts; leptospirosis bacteria can be present in Hawaii’s fresh water.
  • Leave if heavy rain starts; the trail lists flash floods and landslides among its hazards.
  • No drones in forest reserves, no loud music, and dogs must be leashed.
  • Check DLNR news before you go: the trail closes now and then for maintenance, as it did on weekday mornings in spring 2026.

Extend the Day in Mānoa Valley

Fit hikers can turn left at the junction just below the falls onto the ʻAihualama Trail, which switchbacks 1.4 miles through bamboo to Pauoa Flats with views toward Diamond Head; note that the state runs pig control hunts with dogs there on Wednesdays and Sundays. For something gentler, the Lyon Arboretum sits right beside the trailhead, open on weekdays with free entry. Fans of the movie scenery can see much more of it on a Kualoa Ranch tour on the windward side.

Where to Stay Nearby

If you plan to go by bus, stay at the Ala Moana end of Waikiki so your connection to Route 5 is short; our guide to the best hotels near Ala Moana Center lists good options. The Ilikai Hotel is a practical base with kitchen suites for rinsing muddy gear. To compare every part of town, see where to stay in Waikiki.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Manoa Falls hike free?

Yes. As of October 2026 the State of Hawaii charges no fee and requires no reservation to hike Mānoa Falls Trail. The only cost is parking: the private Paradise Park lot at the trailhead charges $7 per car, or $5 for kamaʻāina and military. Bus riders pay just the TheBus fare.

How long does the Manoa Falls hike take?

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. The trail is 0.8 mile each way with about 400 feet of gain, but mud, roots and photo stops slow most people down. Add about 15 minutes of walking from Paradise Park, or 15 minutes from the last Route 5 bus stop.

Can you swim at Manoa Falls?

No. The pool beneath the falls and the upper pools are closed, and the state asks hikers to stay behind the rock-wall viewing area because of falling rocks, rushing water and past fatalities. Leptospirosis is another reason to stay out of the water. For a waterfall swim, look at Waimea Valley on the North Shore.

Is Manoa Falls good for kids?

Yes, for school-age children who can handle mud and uneven steps; it is one of the easiest waterfall hikes on Oahu. Strollers will not work past the trailhead. Bring a change of clothes and shoes for the ride home, and hold small hands near the stream crossings.

What should I wear to hike Manoa Falls?

Closed shoes with good grip that you do not mind ruining, or old trail runners, plus a light rain jacket and insect repellent for the mosquitoes. Flip-flops slip badly on the wet roots and rock steps. Bring water and a small towel, and leave valuables at your hotel.

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