13 Things to Know Before Hiking to Manoa Falls, Oahu

No Trip to Oahu Would Be Complete With At Least One Hike. But as Always, Its Best to Be Prepared and Hence Here Are Things You Need to Know Before Hiking to Manoa Falls.

Apart from its pristine beaches and gorgeous coastline, Oahu is very well known for its hiking trails. From easy hikes to extreme trekking, there is a trail to suit everyone’s hiking capabilities. Although Hannah is not a big fan of hiking, she knew she wouldn’t get away with at least one small trek. So, we decided to check out the 150ft Manoa Falls. As always, we inevitably came back with some tips and things we wish we knew before heading out on our adventure.

#01 – HOW TO GET TO MANOA FALLS

Getting to Manoa Falls by Bus

Take the #5 Manoa Route Bus from the Ala Moana Shopping Center to the last bus stop up Manoa Road. When you get off the bus, head towards the mountains and you’ll see the start of the trail.

The regularity of the bus is every half hour before 8am and then approximately every hour after that. So, it is important to make sure you’re there ahead of time, so you don’t miss it.

Getting to Manoa Falls by Taxi/Uber

This was how we decided to go to Manoa Falls. It was about 20 minutes each from Waikiki and was by far the easiest option for us.

Getting to Manoa Falls by Car

It’s easy to find your way to Manoa Falls by car, regardless of which direction you’re coming from. If you’re in Waikiki, take H-1 West towards the Airport and take the Punahoe Exit. There is unattended parking at the base of the falls for USD$5.00. Hikers have known to park in the nearby residential areas to avoid the fee in exchange for an extra quarter of a mile walk.

We got there around 12.30pm and there were no parking spots left. But we left around 03.30pm, there was quite a few so perhaps go very early or wait until later in the afternoon.

#02 – WHEN IS MANOA FALLS OPEN?

This trail is open from sun-up to sun-down.

But before embarking on the hike, check that the trail is even open. Just recently it was closed for rock fall mitigation whilst another time, it was closed due a mudslide.

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#03 – IS THERE AN ENTRY FEE ?

Entry to the hiking trail is free.

#04 – BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO HIKE MANOA FALLS

We went in the height of summer at noon, which is the hottest time of the day. The entire hike was pretty much sheltered from the scorching sun so from that perspective, it was fine.

The heat and humidity are of course still on the high, but I thought it was quite cool seeing the large trees blocked the sun. As with anything, hiking earlier in the day is the coolest time if heat is an issue for you.

From the perspective of crowds, I am of the understanding that when I went it was not busy, despite seeing people on the trail the whole time. It was by no means crowded and we didn’t have to stop because there was a hold up.

#05 – CAN I GET FOOD AND DRINKS?

At the base of Manoa Falls you’ll find the Rainbow Ends snack shop. It will meet your basic needs for snacks and water. Shaved ice is also available.

#06 – ARE THERE TOILET FACILITIES AT MANOA FALLS?

The old Paradise Park building is open with access to public restrooms.

#07 – HOW DIFFICULT IS THE HIKE?

The length (one way) is approximately 0.8 mi / 1.29 km whilst the elevation change is 800 ft / 243.84 m. It is therefore a great hike for beginners and families with small children. It takes about 45 minutes each way if you do it slowly and steadily. Experience hikers can get this done in 25-30 minutes easily.

The start of the trail is flat and narrow as you follow the trail that leads to into an expansive lush forest. Now I know why some of the scenes of Jurassic Park was filmed here! I could just image that Triceratops charging through the thick forest. You’ll be taking some happy snaps in this space and rightly so!

The trail then starts to ascend without too much difficulty. The last 25% of the hike however got very slippery, narrow and a little steeper. The steepness and the lack of grip made it very hard on the calves and knees on the descend. A walking stick may be helpful if you feel you need support.

Otherwise its by no means a difficult hike. I saw kids as young as 2-3 running up and down the trail!

#08 – WHAT SHOES DO I NEED FOR MANOA FALLS?

Due to the high rainfall in Oahu, the trail is slippery more often then it is not. Therefore, shoes with grip will be essential especially if you have weak knees like me. We had our hiking shoes on and even then, we slipped a few times here and there.

In saying that however, it is possible to hike without them if you don’t have any or have forgotten them. Plenty of hikers in basic runners and some people were even in flip flops or were bare feet. I don’t recommend flip flops at all as one went slipping and sliding all over the place! Nor would I recommend not wearing shoes either as part of the trail is filled with gravel and lined with plastic planks.

#09 – DO I NEED INSECT REPELLENT?

Simple answer, yes! Hannah was bitten despite having applied thoroughly.

#10 – WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MANOA FALLS?

There is no need to dress for all day hiking. Everyday summer wear is fine. Some people were hiking in their bikinis as they came straight off the beach! I don’t recommend that though! I wore my long active wear pants, which definitely helped with the mosquito situation.

Don’t need sun hat or sunglasses as the whole trail is pretty much undercover due to the massive trees blocking the scorching sun.

#11 – SHOULD I BRING A CAMERA?

Absolutely! We had them all! Mirrorless, DLSR and our iPhones. It is so picturesque on the trail. Definitely many photo-taking moments.

#12 – CAN I SWIM AT MANOA FALLS?

Swimming in the pool below the waterfall is highly discouraged and prohibited because there is a threat of becoming infected with Leptospirosis. In saying that however there were people swimming in the pool below despite the area being roped off. However, there was no one to police it.

The water there is stagnant and prone to a collection of all sorts of bacterial diseases so please don’t swim in it. The other reason you shouldn’t swim there is that the area is prone to falling rocks. The only pool under a waterfall you can swim in is at Waimea Falls.

#13 – BEST SEASON TO SEE THE WATERFALL

The winter sees the heaviest rainfall in Oahu. This then lends itself to a cascading waterfall. We went in the driest of all months and the waterfalls was reduce to a thin trickle. Still beautiful and worth the hike.

And there you go! You’re all ready for your hike to these lovely waterfalls. Was it worth it? Yes! Was it family friendly? Totally! Have a great time hiking up Manoa Falls!

BONUS TIP #1 – RELATED ARTICLES

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Top 50 Things to Do in Oahu With Kids

15 Essential Things to Know Before Going to Hanauma Bay, Oahu

BONUS TIP #2 – WHERE TO STAY IN OAHU

Oceanfront Resort: Outrigger Waikiki Beach
Located directly on Waikiki Beach, this is one of Oahu’s favourite resort. It also features ocean front restaurants and pool which puts you and your family right in the midst of all the Waikiki action. Free child-friendly Hawaiian cultural activities are offered daily and may include fresh flower lei-making or ukulele lessons. Should you be renting a car the hotel offers valet parking whilst they can also arrange for your airport transfers. The Outrigger Waikiki Beach has so much to offer, you may not even need to leave but with so many things to do in Oahu with kids, we certainly hope you’ll explore the island!
Book Now Pay Later – Check Prices Here

Resort in the North Shore: Turtle Bay Resort
If you’re thinking of staying away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, you might like to consider staying in the North Shore. The Turtle Bay Resort is a world class golf resort suitable for families and is only a 5-minute walk from the beach. All their rooms offer ocean views and they have rooms with 2 queen beds so perfect for families of four. Guests are also privy to the resort’s private beach area which is perfect for those wanting a quieter space for the kids. They have a wellness center, access to a plethora of activities for kids including horse riding, wind surfing and fishing as well as ample parking for those renting a car. If you have enough time you might even want to split your holiday between the north and the south.
Book Now Pay Later – Check Prices Here

Apartment – Ilikai Condo Rental
Family Globetrotters recently stayed at the Ilikai and loved it! We stayed on the 19th floor and had beautiful views of the marina with the lagoon and Waikiki beach to the left. Waikiki Beach is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the apartment and literally half the price of the central beach front hotels on Waikiki. It is also close to the lagoon for those who have babies. Located next to the Hilton, we could see the Friday night fireworks whilst it is also of close proximity to the Ala Moana Shopping Centre. We always prefer to stay in apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and a lounge space for the family. The balcony is a good size from which we had breakfast every day.
Book Now Pay Later – Check Prices Here

Mid-Priced Hotel – Pagoda Hotel
Finding cheap accommodation in Honolulu is not an easy task. The Pagoda Hotel in downtown Honolulu is a 2-star property and does not have beach front. It is however comfortable and accessible Oahu’s premiere shopping and local dining district. The hotel offers rooms with 2 double beds so a good option for families without having to pay for a second room. They also have a renovated pool & sun deck for lounging.
Book Now Pay Later – Check Prices Here

 

 

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