Located near the University of Hawaii, 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 is unforgettable.
Manoa Valley falls hike
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.
Not available during bad weather.
Tour Guide & Founder
I’ve hiked this trail long before I started guiding tours. When friends visit, with Mom after she gets off work, or just to cool down. But even after a decade of bringing guests here, each trip is refreshing.
Tour Guide & Founder
I’ve hiked this trail long before I started guiding tours. When friends visit, with Mom after she gets off work, or just to cool down. But even after a decade of bringing guests here, each trip is refreshing.
Manoa Valley & waterfall
Just minutes from world-famous Waikiki Beach, this rainforest trail feels surprisingly removed from Honolulu’s busy streets.
Manoa is a great self-guided stop for nature lovers, families, and film fans alike. The trail is a little over a mile and a half total, so most people spend one or two hours on the trail.
The nearby the Lyon Arboretum showcases much of the valley’s introduced canopy, including tall Albizia trees that shape the landscape today.
Manoa Valley Hiking Tours
The waterfall hike in the back of Manoa Valley does not require reservations like the Diamond Head Crater hike, but does have a charge for parking. There is a complex with restrooms, a snack shop, and foot washing station before you start the trail.
| Detail | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | ✓ Easy to moderate with muddy sections and gradual incline. |
| Trail Type | ✓ Shaded rainforest path through dense vegetation dirt trail. |
| Exposure | ✓ High mud and slipping risk especially after rain. |
| Visit Time | ✓ Most guests spend 1–2 hours round trip. |
| Best For | ✓ Families and visitors seeking lush waterfall scenery. |
| Key Challenge | ✓ Mud, exposed roots, and slippery footing after rain. |
| Access Note | ✓ No swimming allowed due to safety restrictions. |
- Operating Hours: Sunrise to sunset (last hike 5:30 pm)
- Restriction: No tour access on weekends/holidays.
- Hiking Costs: Parking is $10 but no trail access fee
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate sloped rainforest trail
- Parking Address: 3737 Manoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822
- From Waikiki: 15 minute drive, 1 hour bus ride (1 Transfer)
- From Ko Olina: 45-60 minutes (H1 East), 2.5 hours by Bus
- From Turtle Bay: 90 minute drive (H2), 3.5 hour bus ride
Similar activities & places
Whether you’re kicking off the day in the forest or wrapping it up with a quiet walk, this trail is a great way to connect with nature. Want a more accessible hike? Then make sure to checkout the Waimea Valley botanical garden when you visit the North Shore of Oahu.
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.
Manoa Valley trail & falls
We can secure guided permits for this trail, but we usually recommend the self-guided shuttle stop due to weather and scheduling. It’s more flexible, and easy to incorporate into movie or photography Specialty Theme Tours.
Oahu Specialty Tour
-
Group rates from
$699
- Around any theme/activity
- 1 activity + 2-3 photo stops
- 9 hour custom private tour
Circle Island Tour
-
Group rates from
$799
- Circle the Koolau Mountains
- 1-2 activities + 3-5 photo stops
- 9 hour custom private tour
About Manoa Valley & Falls
For those chasing waterfalls, movie moments, or just a quiet walk, private Oahu hiking tours offer some 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?
What makes Manoa Falls unique vs. other hikes?
What are the hours and best times in the valley?
Do you need a reservation or permit for Manoa Falls?
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.
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. The trail can often be rainy and slippery so please prepare accordingly for your trip.
Explore Routes
Pick from iconic destinations like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or a majestic Circle Island adventure to perfect your getaway!
Select Length
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.
Must See Stops
Customize your private tour with family favorites, local cuisine, shopping, hiking, and visits to some of the best island beaches.
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 Things to Do in Oahu Blog for more special places. We always share new favorites, insights, attractions, scenic lookouts, and historic gems.
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More great Oahu hiking tours
Looking for something shorter, sunnier, or even a paved stroll? No problem. We’ve got a few custom Oahu private tours with mellow trails and scenic lookouts. Keep scrolling for several excellent excursions that match the kind of day you’re after.
Pearl Harbor Tour
-
Group rates from
$699
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- 1 Memorial + City or 2 Memorials
- 6 hour custom private tour
Oahu Specialty Tour
-
Group rates from
$799
- Around any theme/activity
- 1 activity + 2-3 photo stops
- 9 hour custom private tour
Circle Island Tour
-
Group rates from
$899
- Circle the Koolau Mountains
- 2-3 activities + 4-6 photo stops
- 12 hour custom private tour
Not sure which Honolulu hike or island tour fits you best? Take our short quiz or scroll to the footer for quick links and trip ideas.
