Details:
Length (one way): 0.8 mi / 1.29 km - Elevation Change: 800 ft / 243.84 m
General Summary:
Mānoa Falls Trail is a lush trail following parallel to the Waihi stream that ends in a large waterfall.
For additional information refer to the "Route description" below.
Hunting may be in progress on or near this hiking trail. Hunting dogs
may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt. Hikers must keep their dogs
leashed at all times and remove dog waste while on this trail.
This trail is open from sun-up to sun-down. However, it is highly recommended to not start the hike after 5:30 PM. The beginning of the trail crosses over a footbridge and then crosses a small stream through a grove of Eucalyptus trees. The 0.8-mile trail gradually ascends through a lush rainforest ending at a viewing area set back from the base of the falls. There is a low rock wall and suspended cable with signs indicating the danger of landslide and instructing hikers to not go beyond that point.
Approximately 50 feet from the viewing area there is a marked trail to the left. This is Aihualama Trail, which switchbacks up the ridge, through bamboo, offering views of Honolulu and Manoa Valley. Aihualama Trail may be challenging for novice hikers. This is a short, well-maintained trail suitable for all levels of hiking skill. The trail ends at a graveled viewing area from which the public may view the waterfall and pool. Signs are posted on a cable indicating to not go beyond that point, and of the potential danger of landslide. This trail is suitable for most novice hikers.
However, conditions can change when it rains. This trail can be very muddy and slippery in many areas. It is recommended that hikers consider NOT hiking this trail during times of heavy rain even if it is open. This trail is not for baby strollers.
Descriptions for route, history, plants and birds were provided by Stuart Ball, author of The Hikers Guide to Oahu and other hiking books.
1. Stay on the trail.
2. Check the weather
3. Watch the time
4. Avoid undue risk
5. Read all posted signs
6. Respect other trail users
7. Pack out at least what you pack in.
8. No loud audio devices allow on trail
9. The trail can be muddy and slippery - Wear covered shoes
First try to click on the “Get Directions” icon at the top of this page. If you are taking TheBus, click on the "Transit" icon at the top of the search bar. You may need to change the starting address to your current location. Clicking on TheBus link provided below will also take you to TheBus website.
If driving, going East bound on H1: Take the Punahou Exit 23 then See below directions. Going West bound on H1: Take the Wilder Exit 24, continue on Wilder to the third light take a right on Punahou. See below directions. Continue up Punahou, heading towards the mountains. Punahou turns in Manoa road by staying left at the fork in the road. You will soon come to a five way intersection. Stay on Manoa road. Manoa Road continues into the back of Manoa Valley and ends at Paradise Park. Due to a high amount of hiker car theft the Manoa Falls parking lot has been unfortunately closed. Therefore, hikers have two choices. 1) Parking in the Paradise Park lot for a fee of $5.00 or 2) Park in the lower neighborhood for free. There is absolutely no parking on the fire lane beyond the Paradise parking lot and before the Lyon Arboretum entrance.
After parking continue up the fire lane to the entrance of Lyon Arboretum. You will see straight ahead the old Manoa Falls parking lot gate and fence. Continue through the fence to the Manoa Falls trailhead. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLE.
Please note that the Manoa Falls Trail(in yellow) is part of the Honolulu-Mauka Trail Network, comprising of 18 interconnected trails (in turquoise). The system may be accessed via the Makiki Arboretum Trail (dark blue) as part of an extended hike. The shortest route from the
Makiki Arboretum Trail to the Manoa Falls trail is 5.1 miles.
From the intersection of Manoa Rd. and Wa`akaua St. continue along narrow Manoa Rd. on foot. Walk underneath a pedestrian overpass leading to Treetops Restaurant in Paradise Park. Follow the main road as it curves left and then right around the lower parking lot, where hiker parking is available for a fee. As the paved road turns left to Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, proceed straight on a gravel road through a chain-link gate to the trailhead. On the left are several compost toilets. At the road end cross `Aihualama Stream on a bridge. Swing left and up and then descend briefly to ford a small side stream. Angle across a flat, damp section toward Waihi Stream. The trail is graveled and lined with plastic planks. Stay on the defined path to minimize trampling and erosion. Ascend gradually along the stream past several hau tree tangles. The path is paved with rocks in several spots. Climb more steeply as the valley narrows. The trail is often rooty, muddy, and rocky. Go through a bamboo grove on raised plastic steps. Just before the falls, reach a signed junction with the `Aihualama Trail in a grove of mountain apple trees. Continue a short distance to a rock platform to view lovely Manoa (Waihi) Falls.
The Manoa Falls Trail passes several groves of tangled hau trees with large, heart-shaped leaves. Their flowers are bright yellow with a dark red center, and resemble those of a hibiscus. Early Hawaiians used the wood for kites and canoe outriggers, the bark for sandals, and the sap as a laxative.
Along the way look and listen for the white-rumped shama. It is black on top with a chestnut-colored breast and a long black-and-white tail. The shama has a variety of beautiful songs and often mimics other birds. A native of Malaysia, the shama has become widespread in introduced forests such as this one.
The Manoa Falls Trail was an early Hawaiian route, probably used by wood cutters, bird catchers, plant gatherers, and bathers. See the `Aihualama Trail write-up for more history about the area.
Potential Trail Hazards - PLEASE READ!!!
NOTICE:
Manoa Falls trail will be closed for a period of not less than forty-eight (48) hours if a Flash Flood Warning is announced by the National Weather Service. The link to the National Weather Service website is provided below under the "Links" section. Normally this website will provide the most current trail closure announcements and updates. However, in the event, a Flash Flood Warning is announced by the National Weather Service the Manoa Falls trail will automatically be closed regardless of any announcements, signs or locked gates at the trailhead.
This trail experienced a landslide next to the waterfall in January of 2002. A viewing area with a bench has been established that restricts access to the pool and waterfall. DO NOT GO BEYOND THE CABLE, CLOSED AREA SIGNS, INTO POOL AREA OR TO UPPER POOLS. THESE AREAS ARE DANGEROUS! RUSHING WATER, FALLING ROCKS AND ACCIDENTAL FALLS HAVE BEEN WITNESSED IN THIS AREA. UPPER POOL ACCESS IS CLOSED AND IS STRICTLY OFF LIMITS. When accessing this trail please be respectful to the trailhead community by keeping noise down, not littering and parking responsibly.
Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.
Downloadable resources are provided below
Rain forest, lush vegetation, heavy use, waterfall, stream side, short, valley, slippery when wet.
