Manoa Falls

Mānoa Falls is about a 20-minute taxi ride from Waikiki, so it’s not far at all. It’s a great place to escape the busy tourist atmosphere of Waikiki. Once you arrive, the environment quickly transforms into a lush rainforest, which is absolutely beautiful. The waterfall at the end of the trail is also very impressive in person. When I went, it was lightly raining, and the trail itself can get quite muddy, so getting your shoes dirty is almost unavoidable. Still, I think it’s a very worthwhile hike. I really enjoy hiking through wild rainforest environments like this. If you go early in the morning, it’s not hot at all since the whole trail is shaded by trees. The ground can be quite wet and slippery, and hikers often end up smiling at each other and encouraging one another along the way. No reservation is needed, and there is no entrance fee. It feels much more enjoyable than places like the Byodo-In Temple in terms of activity and experience. Diamond Head (P11 & P12) and the Pillbox hike are also very beautiful, but they are extremely exposed to the sun, so it’s best to go very early in the morning. Overall, Mānoa Falls is highly recommended, especially if you want to avoid direct sunlight. Nearby, Lyon Arboretum is also worth visiting. It currently does not require reservations, and it is located right next to the Mānoa Falls Trail, making it a great combination of learning and rainforest hiking. Lyon Arboretum is affiliated with the University of Hawaiʻi and spans about 200 acres. It contains more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants. On weekdays, there are sometimes guided activities or research tours available, which can be very interesting. Opening hours are generally 9:00–15:00 on weekdays. It is closed on weekends and holidays such as Independence Day. The Mānoa Falls Trail is relatively easy, about 3 km round trip with around 150 ft of elevation gain. However, the terrain can be muddy and slippery, which makes it slightly more challenging. The scenery has a very “Jurassic Park” and “Stranger Things” kind of atmosphere, which I personally really liked. If you don’t have a car, there are also guided tours that provide pickup from hotels in Waikiki. The trail is usually open from around 6:00 to 18:00, and it’s best not to go too late as it can get dark on the way back. Address: 3860 Mānoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA