Oahu: Manoa Falls Rainforest Self-Guided Hike
Description
Hassle-Free Transportation: Enjoy round-trip shuttle service from Waikiki, so you can relax and focus on the hike without worrying about directions, parking, or traffic. Immersive Rainforest Adventure: Explore the Manoa Falls Trail through lush eucalyptus groves, footbridges, and streams. Self-guided at your own pace, it’s perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and Oahu adventure seekers. Trail Support: Water, bug spray, and walking sticks are provided, with ponchos available for purchase in case of rain. The moderately challenging trail includes stairs and boulder climbs, making it both safe and rewarding. Unforgettable Waterfall Views: Reach the base of the 150-foot Manoa Falls and enjoy breathtaking scenery, serene sounds of cascading water, and photo-worthy moments. Our combination of convenience, safety, and natural beauty ensures an unforgettable Oahu hiking experience for all ages.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If you are not staying in Waikiki, a free parking lot is available at 2805 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Please park there and walk to the Queen Kapiolani Hotel for shuttle pick-up. Be on time, as the shuttle will not wait for late arrivals. After booking, please contact Kaimana Tours to confirm your pick-up location and time. International travelers without a U.S. mobile number should provide their hotel room number. We will try to reach you 24 hours before your tour; if we cannot contact you, the shuttle may not be able to operate. Please wait outside of the hotel your pick-up was assigned to. The driver has multiple stops, so you may not be the first or last pick-up of the day. Allow a 5–10 minute window for arrival, and if the driver hasn’t arrived by then, please give us a call. After booking, please contact Kaimana Tours to confirm your pick-up location and time. International travelers without a U.S. mobile number should provide their hotel room number. We will try to reach you 24 hours before your tour; if we cannot contact you, the shuttle may not be able to operate. *Only book this activity if you require transportation.*
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Drivers and Receptionist MAY speak Portuguese as well.
- We do not recommend this hike for ages older than 65
- Not recommended for children under 3 and people with disabilities
Reviews(231)
Extremely wet and rocky and was very crowded. Driver was knowledgeable and was raised on Oahu. That was a plus
Great time, beautiful view walking stick helped a lot as the rocks were slick and kind of muddy. The falls at the top were beautiful . I read that it was an easy hike, but I’ve been on hikes that are easy through the woods and in the forest and with these slick rocks and tall stairs I would’ve called it at least moderate.
You're going to get wet! Trail is slightly difficult and the provided walking sticks were very handy. The final waterfall was worth the hike. Loved our driver who gave good info about the island and surrounding areas. Very personable!
Walking sticks were great. Time at the falls was perfect. It was muddy and rained off and on which was expected. Pick up and drop off was great.
Just a reminder that it is all up hill with very uneven stones to climb. Bring a walking stick to help. We are older and take ur time. Nature was wonderful with a cockatiel laughing like a person in the trees at trail beginning! Falls are worth it.
Aloha, Mahalo for sharing your experience and helpful reminder for future guests! You’re absolutely right — taking your time and enjoying nature along the way makes the hike even more special. We love that you noticed the wildlife at the trailhead — moments like that are what make the journey memorable. For guests who would like extra support, we do provide walking sticks to help with balance and stability along the trail. Our team is always happy to assist and encourage everyone to go at a comfortable pace. Mahalo again for hiking with us, and we’re so glad you enjoyed the beautiful scenery and waterfalls.
The home was tranquil and beautiful. I would definitely sign up for the early hike (7am), got to walk without crowds and could enjoy the bird chatter in the canopy. I would also wear comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
This experience is literally just a ride to the waterfalls, an hour long hike then a ride back. I don’t personally feel it was worth the $50 per person price tag. I don’t believe there’s an admission fee to get into the entry point either so you could easily drive yourself and pay the parking fee or take a taxi instead. The hike itself was moderate, mostly easy but some areas “difficult” because it’s so slippery. The terrain is entirely river rocks, it rained the morning of our hike so lots of mud and slippery rocks. Highly recommend shoes but hiking boots not super necessary. It’s about 45 minutes up due to the incline then about 30 minutes down. A hiking stick was given to us but it’s not necessary if you’re able bodied. The waterfall itself is a bit underwhelming a very thin but tall waterfall. The driver was informative and entertaining so that helps increase the value of what we paid.
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We’d like to clarify a few important points for future guests. As clearly stated in our online tour description during booking, this experience is a self-guided hike, with transportation provided and additional information shared by the driver/guide along the way. Waterfall conditions are entirely dependent on recent rainfall, which is something beyond our control and is also noted in the tour details. On days with less rain, the waterfall may appear thinner, while heavier rainfall creates a stronger flow. The value of the tour includes round-trip transportation, local insight, safety guidance, hiking sticks, and the convenience of not needing to navigate or park on your own. While guests are welcome to drive themselves if they prefer, many choose this experience for ease, comfort, and local knowledge—something we’re glad to hear you enjoyed from your driver. We appreciate your honest input and are happy to hear you found the hike manageable and the driver informative and entertaining.
A bit of a struggle up hill worth what you see at the top tho. Definitely wear gear for the occasion. Can be and is wet a and muddy climb
Our drive/host Orlando was so knowledgeable about the area and all the plants and trees and we found that quite interesting!And the Manoa Falls trail was beautiful!
I am so glad I booked this. It was a great little change up from the beach. It was so beautiful and quiet in this lush rainforest setting. I was a little worried about ability as we aren’t avid hikers. It was easy enough to enjoy, but still a nice little workout. Matt was an awesome driver and it was great having him share information about the area as well as hearing some of his personal stories, and lots of dad jokes. I liked that it wasn’t a guided tour on the hike itself and we could explore and take in the area at our own pace.
