Manoa Falls Trail

Manoa Falls Trail is a short, lush rainforest hike that ends at a 150-foot waterfall, located just 15 minutes from Waikiki in the back of Manoa Valley. It is one of the most accessible and rewarding hikes in Honolulu for families -- short enough for preschoolers but atmospheric enough that teens will not be bored. The trail passes through the kind of tropical forest that Hollywood uses as a stand-in for exotic jungle locations (scenes from Jurassic Park and Lost were filmed in this valley).

The trail is 0. 8 miles each way (1. 6 miles round trip) with about 800 feet of gentle elevation gain.

The path is well-defined but rooty, muddy, and uneven in sections -- this is a real rainforest trail, not a paved boardwalk. Kids will need to step over tree roots, navigate around muddy puddles, and occasionally grab onto branches for balance. This is part of the fun -- it feels like a proper adventure.

The terrain is manageable for kids age 3 and up who are comfortable walkers, though parents should expect to assist younger children through muddy sections. A kid carrier or hiking backpack works for children under 3.

The forest itself is the attraction, not just the destination. Enormous banyan trees with aerial roots thicker than telephone poles create cathedral-like archways. Wild ginger, heliconia, and ti plants line the trail with tropical colors.

Bamboo groves creak and rustle overhead. The air smells earthy and fragrant. The canopy filters sunlight into green-tinted beams.

For families from the mainland, walking through a genuine Hawaiian rainforest is a sensory experience unlike anything back home.

The waterfall at the end drops 150 feet over a moss-covered cliff face into a shallow pool. A viewing area at the base provides a clear view and catches the mist from the falls. The volume of water varies significantly with recent rainfall -- after a storm, the falls are thunderous and impressive; during dry spells, they can be a thin stream.

The pool at the base is shallow and tempting but swimming is officially discouraged due to leptospirosis risk from bacteria in standing freshwater. Many people wade at the edges, but parents should make their own risk assessment.

The biggest practical challenge is mud. Manoa Valley is one of the wettest places in Honolulu, receiving rain on most days (usually brief afternoon showers). The trail stays muddy even when it has not rained recently.

Wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty -- old sneakers, hiking sandals with grip, or cheap water shoes all work. Flip-flops are genuinely dangerous on the slick, root-covered terrain. Bring a spare pair of shoes for the car afterward.

Mosquitoes are the other challenge. The valley's warm, wet environment is mosquito habitat, and they are aggressive on the trail, especially near standing water. Apply repellent before starting and bring extra for reapplication. Long sleeves and pants help but are hot.

Parking at the trailhead costs $7 and the lot fills by 10am on weekends. Arrive by 8:30am for guaranteed parking. The trail itself is free -- no entrance fee. The nearby Lyon Arboretum (free, University of Hawaii botanical garden) shares the same valley and is worth a quick visit for families interested in tropical plants.