Manoa Valley waterfall hike

Name: Halia Private Tours
Price range: $$$

Oahu hiking tours

Minutes from Waikiki, the Manoa Falls Trail winds through lush rainforest to a beautiful waterfall. Whether you’re here to hike or spot film locations, this peaceful valley feels far from the city.

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Manoa Valley falls hike

This 1.6-mile round-trip trail winds through bamboo groves and giant ferns, ending at a 150-foot waterfall surrounded by green cliffs. The area’s misty charm has made it a favorite for films like Jurassic Park, Lost, and Hawaii Five-0. But it’s the real-life beauty that keeps people coming back.

Waikiki Ahupuaa

Mauka (upland) of Waikiki area.

Costs & Reservations

Guided option cost not included.

Self-guided option

No costs or reservation required.

Movies & Television

Featured in countless productions.

Weather dependent

Not available during bad weather.

More information about

Manoa Valley & waterfall

Whether you’re here to walk beneath the canopy, catch a waterfall photo, or escape the heat in the valley’s cooler air, Manoa Falls is a great way to see a different side of Oahu.

The trail is easy to moderate but often muddy and slick. Closed-toe shoes are required, and bug repellent and water are highly recommended. The trail may be short, but the humidity is real.

A great stop for nature lovers, families, and film fans alike. There’s parking at the trailhead, a small snack shack nearby, and restrooms at the entrance.

Featured excursions for

Manoa Valley trail & falls

We can guide on this Na Ala Hele trail, but we usually recommend our self-guided shuttle stop due to weather and notice. It’s more flexible. Manoa fits into several Honolulu tours and pairs well with Circle Island or Pearl Harbor, which are easy to incorporate into movie or photography tours.

Frequent questions

About Manoa Valley & Falls

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, movie moments, or just a quiet walk under the trees, Manoa Falls offers one of the most rewarding short hikes on the island. Keep scrolling for quick answers to common questions to help plan your visit to Hawaii.

Where is Manoa Falls, and how do you get there?

The trailhead is at the end of Manoa Road in Honolulu, about 15 minutes from Waikiki. There’s a private parking lot nearby with a small fee. You can also find free street parking a short walk down the hill.

What makes Manoa Falls unique vs. other hikes?

Few trails offer this much tropical scenery in such a short distance. It’s also one of the easiest ways to see a real Hawaiian waterfall up close, with plenty of shade and cinematic jungle vibes the whole way.

What are the hours and best times in the valley?

The trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Early morning is best to beat the heat and the crowds. Avoid hiking late in the day, as the trail gets muddy and can be dark in spots.

Do you need a reservation or permit for Manoa Falls?

No reservation is required for casual hikes. Admission is included when you park at the lot by the trailhead. Guided tours need advanced notice. On the other hand, we can always shuttle you to the Valley for a self-guided stroll as long as the weather and conditions are favorable for a safe trip.

Are there rules or restrictions to know at Manoa?

Yes. Please stay on the marked trail, as going off-path damages the ecosystem and can be dangerous. Swimming is not allowed at the falls’ base due to the risk of leptospirosis. No pets or drones are permitted, and the trail may close during extreme weather.

We only recommend visiting the first waterfall for the vast majority of hikers.

Looking for more fun?

Similar activities & places

Whether you’re kicking off the day in the forest or wrapping it up with a quiet walk, Manoa Falls is a great way to connect with Oahu’s natural side. Want more waterfall hikes and nature? We’ve got a few more favorites.

But wait, there’s more. Click the button to discover Hawaii hiking tour locations.

These are the top nearby activities and location options available on this featured tour.

Top tour featuring Manoa Falls

Related excursions & Tours

More ways to experience Manoa Valley

Manoa Falls is a favorite for movie fans, nature photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape near the city. Want to make it part of your island day? Here are a few private tours that include time in the Valley.

Half-Day

Spend 6-hours on a custom classic Pearl Harbor tour

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Pearl Harbor Tour

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$699

Full-Day

Plan 9 hour private tour around any theme or activity

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Extra Custom

Oahu Specialty Tour

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$799

Long-Day

12 hour private tour circling Oahu's Koolau Mountains

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Circle Island Tour

Group rates from
$899

In Hawaii, we encourage guests (as we try to do) to tread lightly and leave places better than we found them. So please help us do our part during your hike to help keep this Valley thriving.

Choose Route

Pick from iconic destinations like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or a majestic Circle Island adventure to perfect your getaway!

Plan By Time

Enjoy a half-day excursion or a full-day adventure. You can go all out with a sunrise-to-sunset tour and make the most of your day.

Tour Locations

Customize your private tour with family favorites, local cuisine, shopping, hiking, and visits to some of the islands best beaches.

Things to do on Oahu blog

More ideas from Halia Private Tours

Over the years, we’ve shared this hike with travelers worldwide. Watching someone turn the final corner and see the falls appear through the mist never gets old. So keep in touch and hopefully we can do it again and again.

For those who love Manoa or want something entirely different, start with our guides and blog for more special places. We always share new favorites, insights, attractions, scenic lookouts, and historic gems.

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Hiking spots like Manoa have a way of bringing people together. Over the years, we’ve shared the trail with many great folks. We’re lucky those connections often last long after the hike ends.

Halia Private tours

More great Oahu hiking tours

Looking for something shorter, sunnier, or even a paved stroll? No problem. We’ve got a few mellow trails and scenic lookouts that might be a better fit. Keep scrolling for several excellent private tours that match the kind of day you’re after.