Manoa Falls is a hike in Mānoa Valley on Oʻahu, open seven days a week from sunup to sundown.
How long is the Manoa waterfall hike?
The trail is 0.8 miles one way, with an elevation change of 396 feet. Bike Hawaii's Hawaiian Waterfall Hike at Manoa Falls runs 3.5 hours. Kaimana Tours' Manoa Falls Rainforest & Self-Guided Hike also runs 3.5 hours. Bike Tour Hawaii's Manoa Falls Electric Bike to Hike runs 4.5 hours. If you book one, plan for that full block of time.
Where to park to hike Manoa Falls?
The Paradise Park lot is managed by Paradise Park, not by the state trail program. Hikers can park there for a $5.00 fee, or park in the lower neighborhood for free. Lyon Arboretum's directions page lists the Paradise Park lot fee as $7 general and $5 for kamaʻāina and military. Confirm the current fee at the lot before you drive in.
There is no parking on the fire lane between the Paradise Park lot and the Lyon Arboretum entrance. The Mānoa Falls parking lot was closed because of a high amount of hiker car theft, so do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
The trail ends at a graveled viewing area where the public may view the waterfall and pool. The viewing area is contained by a rock wall, and hikers must not go beyond it. Rushing water, falling rocks and accidental falls have caused fatalities in these areas, so stay behind the wall and off the closed area signs.
How difficult is the hike to Three Sisters Falls?
Nā Ala Hele calls the Manoa Falls trail a short, well-maintained trail suitable for all levels of hiking skill. The ʻAihualama Trail may be challenging for novice hikers, so check its details before you hike it.
Why is Three Sisters Falls closed?
Closures can change, so check the status with the land manager before you plan a visit. Don't assume the reason for one closure applies to another site. Upper pool access at Manoa Falls is closed and strictly off limits. Nā Ala Hele also lists landslides and flash flood as hazards on the Manoa trail.
How hard is the Waimea Falls hike?
Check the land manager's page for the length, elevation and current conditions of the Waimea Falls hike before you go. Plan your visit around the daylight hours. The Manoa trail is open sunup to sundown, and Nā Ala Hele highly recommends not starting after 5:30 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to hike Manoa Falls?
The state does not charge a fee to hike the trail. The Paradise Park lot charges for parking, and the lower neighborhood option is free.
Can you start the Manoa Falls hike late in the day?
Nā Ala Hele highly recommends not starting the hike after 5:30 PM. The trail is open sunup to sundown.
Can you bring a drone or play music on the trail?
No, playing music or operating drones on the trail is not allowed, and this is enforced by law. No drones are allowed in forest reserves.
