Hiking Mānoa Falls Trail

This article was originally published on Oct. 8, 2012, and was updated Jan. 17, 2026.

Mānoa Falls Trail is an easy hike less than a mile long, but because it's in a rainforest it is often muddy and prone to flooding during the rainy season. Despite those conditions, it is one of Oʻahu’s most popular hikes, rewarding visitors with a 150-foot waterfall at the end. Here is everything you need to know about hiking Mānoa Falls Trail, including weather considerations, safety, parking fees and trail conditions.

Trail conditions

Mānoa Valley receives rain almost every day of the year. The trail is consistently muddy, especially in winter and early spring when rainfall is heavier. Recently, the trail was upgraded with gravel surfacing from start to finish, significantly improving footing and reducing deep, slippery mud.

Winter

• Trail conditions: Muddy and slippery with possible flooding on rainy days
• Crowd level: High during the holiday season
• Best time to go: Late January through February, early morning
• Safety notes: Check weather conditions, wear hiking boots with good traction, consider trekking poles

Spring

• Trail conditions: Muddy and slippery with possible flooding on rainy days
• Crowd level: High during spring break
• Best time to go: Late spring, early morning
• Safety notes: Check weather conditions, wear hiking boots with good traction, consider trekking poles

Summer

• Trail conditions: Still muddy but less slippery
• Crowd level: High due to school breaks
• Best time to go: Early morning
• Safety notes: Wear hiking shoes with good grip

Fall

• Trail conditions: Still muddy but less slippery
• Crowd level: Moderate
• Best time to go: After school is back in session, early morning
• Safety notes: Wear hiking shoes with good grip

Best time to go and weather warnings

• Check the forecast before heading out and heed flash flood warnings.
• Avoid hiking during or immediately after heavy storms.
• Rain is common year-round, so bring a light rain jacket and non-slip hiking shoes.
• Early morning hikes help avoid crowds.
• The waterfall is strongest from fall through spring.
• Summer offers less mud but lighter water flow and more visitors.

Transportation, parking and fees

• Trail hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Parking: Paradise Park lot, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., $7 fee, $4 for kamaʻāina and military
• Location: End of Mānoa Road in Mānoa Valley
• Directions: After parking, follow the road past the Lyon Arboretum entrance and veer right at the fork toward the trailhead
• Cost: Free
• Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
• Hike duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
• Facilities: Restrooms near the parking area
• Alternative transportation: TheBus, guided tours, taxis, rideshare or shuttle services
• Website

Safety and gear checklist

• Wear hiking shoes.
• Bring water, mosquito repellent and a light rain jacket.
• Do not bring a stroller. The trail is uneven, muddy and includes stairs in some sections.

Best time for most travelers

For most visitors, the best time to hike Mānoa Falls Trail is on a clear day just after sunrise in late spring, summer or fall. While heavier rain produces a more dramatic waterfall, it also creates hazardous trail conditions.

Additional Oʻahu hikes you may enjoy:

• Discovering Lēʻahi: A Journey to the Summit of Diamond Head Crater

• Hiking Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail

• Kid-Friendly Oʻahu Hikes and Tide Pools