Oahu: Manoa Falls Rainforest Self-guided Hike

Great Hike experience. Pik up on time and well organized. Driver Matt was friendly and imformative.

Guide was very good, gave story of place and mentioned places we were driving by. He offer walking stick and rain ponchos- for a price. Ackward situation is that guide left a message indicating that tour finish at 2:00 pm and he was going to leave us behind. Luckily he called and when I asserted I practically bag him to wait for us. I must add we are elderly. Maybe guide could have said “don’t take tour you might not make it on time and I will leave you behind “

It can it steep the farther you go, my friend and I almost made it to the top but for health concerns had to stop. This is a very beautiful place to see.

The trail is much harder than it needed to be due to lack of maintenance on the trail. The trail washed washed out in several places and the rocks were very unstable. At the top of the path the curbing that was installed to prevent the path from washing out was at least a 24 inch step up. The trees had grown up and around the view of the fall which prevented a clear picture of the actual falls. It is a lot harder to walk up due to all the loose rocks. If Hawaii is promoting this park for tourists it should do a much better job of making it safe to view. All in all it is a great hike with a 150 foot waterfall trickling over the rain forest mountain and is worth the trouble to see.

Everyone needs to experience this for themselves!!! The nature and views and all the plantlife will have you in amazement

great experience! lush beautiful greenery everywher!! the water fall is the best part

The oeratir changed the meeting pleace at the last minute and even though it was only half a block away, they did notcome to pick us up. I contated them and they still did not wait. Four people's money was lost . I don't recomend this operator.

Was great! Was provide bug spray and walking stick which was very helpful!

Fantastic, my tour kind was hilarious. Didn’t even charge us extra for the jokes. We were warned that we’d get “stick envy” on the way down… and boy did we. The company provide you with every thing you need for the walk. The waterfall hike itself is a little challenging (I have moderate/good fitness) and I did find myself looking at the woman next to me and her inhaler and wondering if she’d let me half a quick puff… inhaler envy I guess. But the way down Is harder, especially if it’s wet. This is definitely when you see stick envy. You can choose to just curl up and roll back down. But I don’t think it’s advised. There is a hose to clean off your trainers, but it was long and slow because some people seemed to want to get them back to show ready. My favourite part was when someone asked if there was a toilet and the guide keeping a straight face while replying, “Well. This is the middle of a rainforest, they don’t normally come with bathrooms” 😅😅… there is one just, but it’s at the bottom of the car parks. My only regret was that I didn’t get to tip my guide. I forgot cash and UK sims don’t allow V payments and I really wanted to give a tip. I’m so sorry about that. Thank you for such an awesome trip, so worth the money. Mahalo

Great time! Different from the diamond crater and the beach. You are submerged into a beautiful tropical rainforest. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy😎

Manoa falls trail was a great experience for our family. We had a great time. Matthew was a great driver. Very knowledgeable and friendly. We recommend this experience.

Our driver Matthew was great!! He made sure the drive was enjoyable with his jokes. Also, provided as with wood sticks that really helped for the hike!

I clicked five stars because I don't leave negative reviews. My tour was canceled. I'll tell you all about it next time I sign up for it.

Beautiful hike. Matthew was excellent. Lots of information along the way. Prompt pick up and drop off. I would definitely recommend this tour!

This was cancelled, very disappointing.

Extremely wet and rocky and was very crowded. Driver was knowledgeable and was raised on Oahu. That was a plus

Great time, beautiful view walking stick helped a lot as the rocks were slick and kind of muddy. The falls at the top were beautiful . I read that it was an easy hike, but I’ve been on hikes that are easy through the woods and in the forest and with these slick rocks and tall stairs I would’ve called it at least moderate.

You're going to get wet! Trail is slightly difficult and the provided walking sticks were very handy. The final waterfall was worth the hike. Loved our driver who gave good info about the island and surrounding areas. Very personable!

Walking sticks were great. Time at the falls was perfect. It was muddy and rained off and on which was expected. Pick up and drop off was great.

Just a reminder that it is all up hill with very uneven stones to climb. Bring a walking stick to help. We are older and take ur time. Nature was wonderful with a cockatiel laughing like a person in the trees at trail beginning! Falls are worth it.

The home was tranquil and beautiful. I would definitely sign up for the early hike (7am), got to walk without crowds and could enjoy the bird chatter in the canopy. I would also wear comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.

This experience is literally just a ride to the waterfalls, an hour long hike then a ride back. I don’t personally feel it was worth the $50 per person price tag. I don’t believe there’s an admission fee to get into the entry point either so you could easily drive yourself and pay the parking fee or take a taxi instead. The hike itself was moderate, mostly easy but some areas “difficult” because it’s so slippery. The terrain is entirely river rocks, it rained the morning of our hike so lots of mud and slippery rocks. Highly recommend shoes but hiking boots not super necessary. It’s about 45 minutes up due to the incline then about 30 minutes down. A hiking stick was given to us but it’s not necessary if you’re able bodied. The waterfall itself is a bit underwhelming a very thin but tall waterfall. The driver was informative and entertaining so that helps increase the value of what we paid.

A bit of a struggle up hill worth what you see at the top tho. Definitely wear gear for the occasion. Can be and is wet a and muddy climb

Our drive/host Orlando was so knowledgeable about the area and all the plants and trees and we found that quite interesting!And the Manoa Falls trail was beautiful!

I am so glad I booked this. It was a great little change up from the beach. It was so beautiful and quiet in this lush rainforest setting. I was a little worried about ability as we aren’t avid hikers. It was easy enough to enjoy, but still a nice little workout. Matt was an awesome driver and it was great having him share information about the area as well as hearing some of his personal stories, and lots of dad jokes. I liked that it wasn’t a guided tour on the hike itself and we could explore and take in the area at our own pace.

No one told us there was not going to be a WATERFALL….. hike all the way to See Nothing so Disappointing. If i knew this i wouldn’t have wasted my money.

The trip was canceled due to not enough people registering. I received refund but was disappointed I did not get to go.

Fun quick family fun on this trail tour. Definitely make sure to wear hiking boots as the rocks can be super slippery.

One of the highlights of our vacation. Appropriate shoes a must. The foliage is amazing, I hear that the waterfall is better and runs harder in the wetter winter months. I found a walking stick to be very beneficial.

It was a great, but there are a large amounts of mosquitoes. Best to wear leggings and use a lot of bug spray. Matthew was our tour driver and he was fantastic!

Matthew was a great guide. We were provided with a walking stick, water, and bug spray. We needed all of it. This is a steep inclined trail with wet rocks and loose pebbles. The waterfall was worth it though.

The drive from Waikiki to Manoa in itself is so beautiful, & then you’re taken away with how much beauty the trail has 💚 We were given 2 hours to complete the hike which is more than enough time if you’re at a moderate fitness level. There is a slight incline closer to the waterfall, and the trail is mostly rock/pebble so best to wear enclosed shoes and ones with good grip. But in saying that, I do recommend using the sticks the tour guides give you for coming down the trail cause it can get slippery. Our tour guide was prompt, funny & a pleasure to have!!! Would love to do it again 💚 Mahalo team!

Our tour guide, Matt, prepared us really well for the conditions of the trail, which is challenging--slippery and very rocky. He had walking sticks for all of us, bug spray, and great advice, all of which I took. Though the path is only about .75 mile, the incline is considerable in several parts. I made it up and back, stopping several times, taking rests, and it was worth it. It was a real workout!

Matt was very knowledgeable - he’s provided plenty of water, as well as bug spray and walking sticks, which was essential

Finally got to hike in the rainforest and totally worth it. It was just my wife and I but we will definitely take the kids next time we come. Such a great experience and so beautiful.

Our driver Matthew was great. He did a good job. We enjoyed the diamond head crater hike. But, not so satisfied with the manoa falls hike, we did not reach the falls due to a tree that had blocked the trail. Felt bad for the other hikers that did not even get the chance to enter the trail. It is not anyone's fault though.

That hike was awesome! But seriously, if you're not super fit or into nature, maybe reconsider, 'cause I'm neither! I was totally gasping for air the whole time, and there were a million bugs! But that waterfall at the top? Totally worth it.

The hike is very steep, rocky, and may be muddy. Lots of people will be hiking with you, as it's a popular hike. The tour driver was great! He had lots of knowledge about movies along the trail, and also restaurants suggestions for later in the day.

The rainforest hike was beautiful and peaceful. Our guide provided us with bug spray, water, and walking sticks. At the end of the hike there's a waterfall.

Beautiful hike but very slippery. When the tour guide recommends the walking stick he is serious! Matthew was informative and helpful. It's a fantastic way to experience the beauty of this area.

Matthew was a great tour guide and so informative about the island. The Manoa Falls were so pretty after the rain fall from the night before.

It was great! The ride was fun and the driver had lots of jokes and information. What a wonderful hike. Would recommend for solo or groups. Cost is cheaper than a cost of uber and ticket.

This was a nice activity, that would have been a lot better if there was water coming down the waterfall. There was no rain in the rain forest or water in the waterfall. Basically it was a hike up a very rocky mountain.

This review is for Kaimana Tour, Manoa Water Fall. Honestly, it is not a tour, it is just a guy that pick you up at one location, drop you off at water fall track, and pick you up again 2 hrs later and charge you 300 dollars. You are better off taking an uber, a lot more cheaper. We borrowed 2 hiking stickers, which we lost one of them, and had me pay penalty of $25.

Lots of gorgeous endemic plants and trees to see, just like in the Jurassic Park films. Easy to navigate. There's a very challenging hike at the end of the main hike (by the waterfall).

If you’re looking for a simple way to explore the Manoa rainforest without a formal guide, this self-guided tour does the trick. The rain was on and off, which is expected in a rainforest, and while the ground was a bit muddy, it was manageable with decent footwear. The trail was a little busy but offered a nice, relaxed hike through beautiful scenery. The transportation included a couple of quick points of interest: the driver noted Obama’s first job at Baskin Robbins and pointed out the hospital that issued his birth certificate on the way to the trailhead. From there, you’re free to hike at your own pace. The trail isn’t too steep, so it’s suitable for someone with moderate fitness, but it might be a bit challenging if you’re not used to hiking. Though it’s a bit pricey for what you get, this self-guided tour is a solid choice if you’re happy to explore on your own and simply need transportation to the trail. It’s a great, low-key way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Manoa rainforest.

Amazing hike and experience. Although it was a bit short, we still enjoyed the experience. Very cool scenery and lush greenery. Highly recommend!

Amazing hike, steeper than indicated but worth the effort. Will take the full two hours. Some sections are a fast incline.

Second shuttle in two days with this company: friendly, fun, and oh so kind. Diogo thank you oh for your patience and understanding!