How to get to Manoa Falls Trail by bus from Waikiki? Waikiki to Manoa Falls bus :: Oahu

ALOHA!

When it comes to waterfalls in Oahu that are popular among visitors, Manoa Falls is at the top of the list!

It requires a hike to get to the waterfalls, which will take you through the forests of Hawaii with diverse plant life.

How to get to Manoa Falls?

Driving: With parking near the start of Manoa Falls Trail, driving is a convenient option if you have a car. See Manoa Falls parking details here.
Bus: With Oahu’s convenient bus system, getting to Manoa Falls Trail by bus from Waikiki isn’t a bad option either.

See pictures from the Manoa Falls Trail here.

what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling – what to wear to a luau

Bus to Manoa Falls Trail

Taking the bus to Manoa Falls from Waikiki likely means that it will require at least one transfer.

It depends on where in Waikiki you’re catching the bus from, and it will also depend on your timing.

Even though this Oahu waterfall hike is pretty near Honolulu and Waikiki, it usually requires that extra transfer since the trail is nestled at the back of a residential neighborhood.

Residential neighborhoods mean less bus routes pass through them, unlike if you were to take the bus along a busier part of Oahu like Honolulu and Waikiki.

The total time that you’ll be on the bus is about 30 minutes.

Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!

Google Maps public transit directions make it super easy to take the bus anywhere on Oahu

Have a look here for directions from Waikiki to Manoa Falls.

It will give you an idea of your bus route and timings with about how long the whole bus trip will take from start to finish.

Make sure that the start time represents around the time you may be taking the bus when you’re on Oahu for a more accurate representation of the bus routes available.

If you know where you’re staying, plug that into the start too.

Waikiki Travel Guide:

To get to the start of the Manoa Falls Trail, here’s what you might see on your walk once you get off the bus in Manoa.

It will be about a 10 minute walk getting from the bus stop to the start of the trail.

You pass through the residential neighborhood of Manoa to get to Manoa Falls Trail.

Then you’ll enter a forested area, which means you’re getting closer to the trail!

You’ll pass by the Manoa Falls parking lot…

There’s a parking fee at Manoa Falls if you decide to change your mind and drive there.

Subject to change, but as of spring 2017, the cost of parking was $5.

If it’s full, or you want to save that $5 on a Dole pineapple whip 😉 you can park down the street in the residential area (at your own risk!) and then walk up to the trail.

And then you’ll see a glimpse of the Lyon Arboretum…

And then you’ll see the start of the Manoa Falls Trail!

And so begins your journey to the waterfalls!

After the hike on Manoa Falls Trail

On your way back to the bus stop, you can stop by the shop if you didn’t come prepared for a hike in Hawaii with plenty of water. 😉

There’s a gift shop too, if you want to do some souvenir shopping for Hawaiian gifts!

There are also restrooms here, which is no problem for you to use even if you don’t buy anything.

There’s also a little hallway with artwork on display that you can learn about native Hawaiian history.

This is a good way to get a glimpse into the native culture if you don’t have plans to explore Hawaiian culture otherwise!

If you’re not headed straight back to Waikiki, your walk to another bus stop may have you pass by the Chinese cemetery in Manoa:

BRING WATER!

Hawaii can get hot.

A hike to Manoa Falls means that you’ll be sweating.

Maybe a lot.

For any hike in Hawaii, even if you’re going to be on the trail for less than an hour, it’s always a very good idea to take water to make sure you stay well-hydrated and SAFE!

And for Manoa Falls, you will likely be on the trail for more than an hour.

Add to that, the time it’ll take you to get to and from the trail by bus.

And while there is that convenience store as a back-up, this means you should really consider bringing along water!

This way you can be sipping that water throughout the time on the hiking trail and the bus!

This is a popular water bottle in Hawaii. It is a bit heavy (and expensive) but it keeps cold drinks cold!

Here are some travel-friendly water bottles.

And here are some small backpacks to take a look at to pack along those extra snacks. Because snacks are also a good idea when you’re hitting the trails in Hawaii.

For the Manoa Falls Trail, there are times that it can get a little buggy, so you may also consider bringing along some travel-friendly bug repellent wipes or spray like these.

You may also want to have some extra socks too, as well as your sandals, just in case you encounter a muddy trail. And a plastic bag to put your dirty socks and shoes in. There are times that the Manoa Falls Trail can get a little muddy.

more: what to wear hiking

More hikes on Oahu

Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu

HAPPY MANOA FALLS HIKING!

There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.

🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!

Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
Water shoes
Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
lightweight travel towel:
- turkish towel
walking sandals:
- teva sandals for women
- teva sandals for men

I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.

Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.

There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.

see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling

📌 Pin this post for later! Save on Pinterest! 👈📌