Manoa Falls, Waterfall in Manoa Valley, Honolulu, United States

Manoa Falls is a 150-foot (46 m) waterfall at the head of Manoa Valley on Oahu, Honolulu, Hawaii. A narrow column of white water splits into strands as it drops down a dark, cracked rock face of gray and charcoal tones, widening slightly near the top and tapering below. Green vegetation lines both sides of the fall, which empties into a small pool.

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.