Route Editor
Route Scout
paradise found by PrestonSands Overview: The popular Manoa Falls Trail follows Waihi Stream through a lush rainforest and bamboo thickets to a one hundred foot waterfall in the mountains above Honolulu. Although Manoa Falls is perennial, its flow varies with local rainfall, and it may only be a trickle during the dry season. Bring rain gear, and expect to get muddy! Hike: From the parking lot at Treetops Restaurant, walk up Manoa Road to the signed start of the trail, located where the road switchbacks to the left to enter Lyon Arboretum. Passing through a gate at the trailhead, the trail leaves civilization behind, following an old road into a tropical rainforest. A little ways in, the trail crosses Aihualama Stream in a small open area, where one gets a rare view of the surrounding ridges. Continuing north, the trail climbs into a forest of enormous ferns and massive broadleaf trees, and crosses over to the Waihi Stream drainage. For the rest of its length, the Manoa Falls Trail follows the lush course of Waihi Stream along a series of stairs and muddy pathways, where bamboo thickets, dense trees, and even familiar pothos houseplants do an excellent job of choking out the sunshine. After one mile of hiking, the Manoa Falls Trail arrives at the bottom of Manoa Falls, in a narrow, steep walled canyon, where it meets the Aihualama Trail. The falls emerge from the dense tree canopy above, sliding down a sheer wall of dark volcanic rock into the boulder filled course of Waihi Stream, next to the trail. Apparently, a landslide occurred next to the falls in 2002, and Hawaiian authorities are paranoid of a future occurrence here, hence the warning signs and ropes near the falls forbidding hikers from leaving the trail. One can continue hiking on the Aihualama Trail, or return the way they came. Check out the Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Manoa Falls Trail
went to hawaii with my folks. they let me have a couple of days to myself so i could get out and be more active. i went with a high school friend on a couple of short hikes. this was a popular spot, but we were there early enough to beat most of the crowds. lots of japanese tourists trying to hike in the mud with slippers.
2012-04-29 cindyl
Manoa Falls Trail
Saw this hike in a book I'd bought at an ABC store, it was close by and looked like fun. We journeyed through a muddy rainforest paradise to Manoa Falls, enjoying an environment so completely different than our southern Arizona home. There were plenty of hikers out, but it certainly wasn't what I would call crowded. I enjoy people-watching in tourist areas, and this adventure paid off with a guy hiking in a very nice suit, unaware of the mud.
2009-07-09 PrestonSands
