ALOHA!
So you want to check out some waterfalls when you’re on Oahu.
But you don’t have that much time, so you’ve narrowed your choices down to 2 of the most popular waterfall hikes on Oahu.
So…
Manoa Falls…
Or…
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!
…Waimea Falls
what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking in Hawaii – best shoes for hiking in Hawaii
near waterfall trails >> things to do on waikiki beach – things to do in central oahu – things to do on the north shore
Which waterfall hike on Oahu to choose?!
1. Manoa Falls Trail is more of a standard hiking trail
The trail to Manoa Falls is more of what you might envision when you talk about going on a hike.
It’s a dirt trail with bushes and plants lining the trails.
Waimea Falls is a paved trail.
2. You’ll be surrounded by nature on both waterfall hikes
Waimea Falls may be a paved trail, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of nature!
Waimea Falls is within the nature park that’s called Waimea Valley, and you’ll have plenty of botanical gardens to explore on your way to the waterfalls.
Here are things to do at Waimea Valley.
Manoa Falls Trail will also give you a variety of plant life as you make your way to the waterfalls. You can think of it as a jungle hike in Oahu.
3. Manoa Falls Trail can get buggy and muddy
As a jungle hike, you have a chance of experiencing lots of bugs on the Manoa Falls Trail.
There is also a chance that you may experience some muddy trails.
It’s not always the case that you’ll experience tons of bugs or tons of mud, and you may not experience either to the point that it’s a nuisance.
But you may want to prepare accordingly.
For the bugs, it could mean packing some travel-friendly bug repellent wipes or spray like these.
For the mud, it could mean having extra socks after your hike, as well as some sandals to change into from your hiking shoes.
With the Waimea Falls Trail, since it’s on a paved trail in a more open area, you don’t really have to worry much about bugs and mud.
4. Manoa Falls Trail has an international claim to fame as the filming location of popular TV shows and a movie
Areas around the Manoa Falls Trail is also known for being the filming location of some scenes from popular shows, including Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-0, and Lost.
5. There’s an admission fee for Waimea Falls, and no fee for Manoa Falls
The entrance fee to Waimea Valley is around $15 per person.
No fee at Manoa Falls!
6. Manoa Falls is closer to Waikiki and Honolulu
If you have a rental car, Manoa Falls is the shorter drive.
Driving from Waikiki to Manoa Falls will likely take you less than 30 minutes, and maybe even closer to 20 minutes.
Driving from Waikiki to Waimea Falls will take you around an hour.
7. There’s a parking fee at the Manoa Falls parking lot, and no parking fee at Waimea Falls
There is no parking fee at Waimea Falls, while the parking lot that is closest to the Manoa Falls Trail costs around $5.
The Manoa Falls parking lot also has a tendency to fill up.
You can likely get away with parking down the street for free in the residential area of Manoa with no issues, which would require a little extra walking. But you are there to hike after all!
8. Waimea Falls has more things to do in the area
If you’re going to Manoa Falls, you would be going there pretty much just for the waterfall hike.
Although there is the Lyon Arboretum right next to the trailhead that you may want to check out.
But as far as a variety of things to do in the area, Waimea Falls gives you more options being on the North Shore.
If you’re looking to get in some snorkeling in Oahu, Shark’s Cove is nearby.
Have a look at things to do on the North Shore.
If you’re driving to Waimea Falls, you’ll be passing through Central Oahu. Here are things to do in Central Oahu.
9. Manoa Falls is better to get to by bus from Waikiki
While neither Manoa Falls or Waimea Falls are what you can call super convenient to reach by bus, you can get to both waterfalls by bus.
Since the Oahu bus system covers much of the island, while it may take extra time, at least it is possible!
Naturally, Manoa Falls is better when it comes to taking the bus since it’s closer.
The time on the bus to Manoa Falls from Waikiki will likely be around 30 minutes.
The time to get to Waimea Falls by bus from Waikiki can take over 2 hours.
Even though Manoa Falls is closer to Waikiki, it will likely require a bus transfer.
And it’s located near a residential area where bus timings are less frequent than around Waikiki and Honolulu.
If you’re looking at taking the bus, have a further look:
- Manoa Falls by bus
- Waimea Falls by bus
- Things to know about getting around Oahu with public transportation
10. You are allowed to go swimming at Waimea Falls, and you are not supposed to swim at Manoa Falls
The pool of water at the bottom of Waimea Falls is monitored with a lifeguard.
With a life jacket that’s provided, you’re able to go swimming at Waimea Falls.
Manoa Falls is not monitored, and technically it’s off limits.
There’s a sign in front of a roped off area that says the pool of water at the bottom of Manoa Falls is off limits.
But this sign is largely ignored by hikers and you may see people getting in the water.
Just keep in mind that the reason that it’s off limits is because of the risk of landslides.
So if you also choose to ignore the sign, do so at your own risk!
Also, for any fresh water swimming, you run the risk of being exposed to a dangerous bacteria that can be found in Hawaii.
So, to recap…
Here is the quick list of points to consider for Manoa Falls vs Waimea Falls:
Manoa Falls Trail is more of a standard hiking trail.
You’ll be surrounded by nature on both waterfall hikes.
Manoa Fall Trail can get buggy and muddy.
Manoa Falls Trail has an international claim to fame with Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-0, and Lost.
There’s an admissions fee at Waimea Falls.
Manoa Falls is closer to Waikiki and Honolulu.
There’s a parking fee at the Manoa Falls parking lot.
Waimea Falls has more things to do in the area.
Manoa Falls is better to get to by bus from Waikiki.
Waterfall swimming is allowed at Waimea Falls.
BRING WATER!
Hawaii can get hot.
A hike to Manoa Falls or Waimea 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 both Manoa Falls and Waimea Falls, you will likely be on the trail for more than an hour, so this means that you should really consider bringing along water!
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 very good idea when you’re hitting the trails in Hawaii.
more: What to wear hiking in Hawaii
More hikes on Oahu
And to explore more hiking trails on Oahu, be sure to have a look at Oahu hikes and the map!
Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu
- Diamond Head Hike
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Koko Head Hike
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Puu Maelieli Trail
- North Shore Pillbox Hike
HAPPY MANOA FALLS HIKING OR WAIMEA FALLS HIKING!
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
more things to do on oahu | map >> things to do on waikiki beach – things to do in central oahu – things to do on the north shore
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🐠 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:
- walking sandals:
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