Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is a waterfall in Manoa Valley on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where water tumbles over a steep rock wall into a shallow basin. The cascade lies at the end of a winding path through tropical rainforest, surrounded by tall trees, ferns, and bamboo groves that shade the approach even on sunny days.

Hawaiian communities used the valley as a residential area for centuries, growing taro in irrigated fields along the streams. European and American settlers arrived from the 1820s onward and planted coffee and fruit plantations, which were later abandoned and gave way to regrowth of the rainforest.

The name comes from the Hawaiian language and means "vast," referring to the wide valley through which visitors walk to reach the cascade. Local residents still gather plants from the surrounding rainforest for ceremonial purposes and to prepare traditional remedies.

The trail takes about 45 minutes each way and crosses roots, rocks, and sometimes muddy sections that require sturdy footwear. Rain falls almost daily in the valley, so waterproof clothing helps, and visitors should come early in the day to avoid crowds.

Film crews have used the forest around the cascade for scenes in television series and movies, including jungle settings supposed to be on distant islands. During heavy rain, the shallow basin beneath the falls transforms into a fast-flowing stream that prevents visitors from approaching closely.

Location: Honolulu

Address: Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA

GPS coordinates: 21.34206,-157.79918

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24