Manoa Falls Trail

The Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve is a protected area on the island of Oʻahu designed to conserve native ecosystems, protect watersheds, and offer recreational opportunities. It spans over 9,000 acres and includes some of the island’s most iconic trails and landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to ridgelines with sweeping views of the ocean and Honolulu.  Located within the Koʻolau Mountain Range, this reserve covers parts of Mānoa, Nuʻuanu, Tantalus, and other nearby areas. It is easily accessible from Honolulu.

The Manoa Falls Trail is near the Lyon Arboretum and is popular with both locals and tourists. The trail leads to the Manoa Falls which drops 100 feet into a pool that is roped of for swimming (due to rock slides that have occured in the past.)  Although hikers are told to be careful at the trailhead, we found it occupied by an attendant and had no issues with vandals. The Manoa Falls Trail winds through a classic Hawaiian forest and follows a creek to the base of the waterfalls. Although the trail is often crowded due to its proximity to Wakiki Beach, it is well worth the two hour roundtrip if your have an afternoon to spare in Oahu.