Manoa Falls Trail

Trailhead

Description: This is the most popular trail on Oahu to both visitors and residents second only to the Diamond Head Trail. It is the common waterfall hike alternative to the once-popular Sacred Falls Trail which was permanently closed due to a fatal rockslide in 1999. Entirely graded and shady for about 90 per cent of the walk this trail almost straight-lines its way deep into Manoa Valley. The trail is well maintained and the vegetation is kept in total check. At the end is the 60-foot-high vertical rock face down which the Wahi Stream slushes down into an oblong pool about 15-feet wide. The waterfall is permanent and flows year-round. The boulder-lined pool is deep enough to allow a few persons (in close proximity) to submerge below the water's surface. Like its sister waterfall, Lulumahu Falls, in neighboring Nuuanu Valley, the water source of Wahi Stream originates on the leeward side of the Konahuanui peaks nearly 1.5-miles upstream from Manoa Falls. What to Expect: The trail, for lack of a better description, has long been developed for easy, "low-risk" hiking. Most of the muddy footpath is layered with gravel for better traction. There are terraced sections for erosion management and the final stretch utilizes a stepped, solid boardwalk. Absolutely no four-point or hand-over-hand climbing is required. There have been several trail enhancements due to recent rockslide activity in the area and the lawsuit paranoia derived from the Sacred Falls incident. The trail was temporarily closed in 2002 to accomodate the improvements. The most significant is the cable erected in front of the waterfall and pool. While the metal posts, cable, and warning signs do not hinder physical access, it is obvious that you have been warned of the risks and dangers if you do decide to cross. Because of the trail's immense popularity, expect heavy foot traffic on the trail and vehicular traffic at the trailhead every day of the week. Expect sweltering humid conditions due to the thick vegetation and continual presence of water. Trailhead Location: The trailhead begins beyond the metal sign posted at the end of the narrow and jungle-like parking lot designated for the Manoa Falls Trail. This is at the mauka end of Paradise Park past the Lyon Arboretum. Parking is extremely limited and dangerous (see dangers/warnings below). Accessing the Trail: This has to be one of the easiest trails to find and access. Upon reaching the end of West Manoa Road, the roadway narrows out of the residential area and enters the defunct Paradise Park. There are metal signs which specifically point the way to Manoa Falls Trail. The trailhead is also within walking distance of city bus routes. Property/Access: Official Na Ala Hele trail Open/state-maintained trail, public access Dangers/Other Considerations: A posted sign at the parking lot immediately fronting the trailhead warns of the high-theft area and recommends parking elsewhere. Thievery seems to be on a daily basis here. In fact as your author exited on his latest visit to Manoa Falls, Honolulu Police were busy dusting fingerprints on a hiker's car which had been burglarized during broad daylight (2 PM). Despite the ease and short length of this trail, proper footwear, attire, and equipment are still in order. The trail can be extremely slippery due to the muddy rocks and boulders you step on and over. While this trail has "smooth", level stretches with good traction, there are sections where the footing is uneven and slick. In other words, don't wear sandals, loafers, or other non-hikeworthy shoes (as many tourists are seen wearing right before they slip and fall!).	Trailhead (From parking lot)
	Trail (Typical in first half)
	Trail (Typical in second half)
	Trail Terminus (Waterfall on right)
	Trail Terminus (Waterfall pool)

This page updated August 16, 2004.