Manoa Falls or Waimea Falls
Manoa Falls or Waimea Falls: Which Oahu Waterfall Hike Should You Choose?
There is no arguing that Manoa Falls (and the Manoa Falls Hike) are among the top must-do activities on Oahu.
Some visitors to the island with limited time wonder whether to do the Manoa Falls Hike or the Waimea Falls Hike, another popular (and family-friendly) Oahu waterfall hike.
Both hikes are of course worth doing if you have the time, but if you can fit only one into your Oahu itinerary, here we break down the two hikes and waterfalls from different perspectives, to help you decide.
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Oahu, check out the some of the top things to do in Oahu, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Cost — Manoa Falls vs. Waimea Falls
There is NO entrance fee to the Manoa Falls Trail.
There is a parking fee of $7.00 per car if you choose to park in the Paradise Park parking lot that’s right by the trailhead. If you’d rather not pay and are okay with walking some more, you can park along a street in the nearby residential neighborhood and walk 0.5 mile or so to the trailhead.
Waimea Valley, in which Waimea Falls is located, charges an entrance fee. General admission per adult is $25.00, with a discounted price of $20.00 per senior or student, and a price of $15.00 per kid aged 4-12. Discounts are also offered for Hawaii residents and military personnel.
There is no separate parking fee.
The better option: From a cost perspective, therefore, Manoa Falls wins over Waimea Falls!
Tried and tested: the top, 5-star rated, immensely popular Oahu experiences!
Ease of Access from Waikiki: Manoa Falls vs. Waimea Falls
Manoa Falls is located in Manoa Valley, about 5.5 miles from the heart of Waikiki, the place where most visitors to Oahu choose as a base.
While you can easily drive to Manoa Falls from Waikiki if you have a rental car, you can also take the local bus, a taxi, or an Uber or Lyft.
Waimea Falls is located in Waimea Valley, on the north shore of Oahu. While easy to access if you are based on the north shore, it is a long drive from Waikiki: 37.2 miles, about an hour in normal traffic.
If you do not have a rental car, your best option would be an Oahu circle island tour that includes Waimea Valley, or a paid shuttle transfer. The local bus does go there, but it can take 2 hours each way.
The better option: With regards to ease of access from Waikiki, Manoa Falls is definitely easier (and quicker) to access when compared to Waimea Falls.
Beauty of Setting: Manoa Falls or Waimea Falls?
The Manoa Falls Trail winds through some of the most lush rainforest, with a backdrop of equally lush and green mountains.
Look for creepers with gigantic leaves, and a thick canopy of trees on either side of the trail, perhaps even dripping with moisture.
If you are looking for a Jurassic Park or jungle vibe, Manoa Falls offers that exact setting. In fact, so stunning is the setting that scenes from Jurassic Park and Lost were filmed here.
The Waimea Falls Trail also offers beautiful scenery, but here you make your way past landscaped botanical gardens. You will also find cultural structures along the route.
On your way back from Waimea Falls, you can leave the main trail to explore gardens on either side as you make your way back to the entrance.
The better option: It depends on what you seek — Manoa Falls for an tamed rainforest ambience, and Waimea Falls for curated plant collections.
Difficulty Level: Manoa Falls Hike vs. Waimea Falls Hike
Manoa Falls is usually classed as an easy to moderate hike.
The Manoa Falls Trail is 1.6 miles round trip, out and back, while the Waimea Falls Trail is 1.5 miles round trip, also out and back.
The Manoa Falls Trail, notorious for being muddy, has been overlaid with loose gravel to make it easier to walk. The Waimea Falls Trail is paved.
Both trails are uphill on the way to the falls, but overall, the Waimea Falls Trail has gentler inclines.
The easier hike? Waimea Falls! Although both Manoa Falls and Waimea Falls are considered easy and family-friendly, the Waimea Falls Trail is overall an easier hike.
Plus, if you’d rather not hike at all, you can pay to take the park shuttle to Waimea Falls and back ($10 each way per person). The shuttle is also offered free to mobility-challenged visitors.
Swimming in the Plunge Pool: Manoa Falls vs. Waimea Falls
It is dangerous to swim in the plunge pool at Manoa Falls, due to the risk of rock slides and bacteria in the water.
In fact, it is illegal to get into the pool at Manoa Falls, and if you are caught by an official, you may even be cited.
Swimming is allowed in the plunge pool at Waimea Falls, conditions permitting. Lifeguards make the call each morning, and you can call Waimea Valley at (808) 638-7766 to verify status, if being able to swim is important to you.
The better option? Waimea Falls, if you want to swim in the waterfall plunge pool!
The Waterfall: Manoa Falls vs. Waimea Falls
Manoa Falls is an impressive waterfall, plunging 150 feet down a dark cliff face. Surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfall plunges down into a small pool at the bottom, and you may sometimes see a rainbow.
Depending on whether it’s rained recently or not, the Manoa Falls flow can be downright powerful or just a thin trickle.
Waimea Falls is a wider, less tall waterfall, at just 45 feet. It plunges over a cliff face and is surrounded by vegetation. Just like Manoa Falls, Waimea Falls is a natural waterfall.
The plunge pool at Waimea Falls is large.
The flow of Waimea Falls can vary as well. Sometimes, as in 2023, drought conditions can mean the waterfall isn’t flowing at all.
The better option? We think both waterfalls are worth visiting!
Overall Take: Manoa Falls versus Waimea Falls
So, which is better: Manoa Falls or Waimea Falls?
Overall, if you are looking for a wilder, more jungle-like rainforest waterfall hike that’s close to Waikiki, pick Manoa Falls. If you will enjoy a more manicured trail experience with cultural elements and a chance to swim in the pool, go with Waimea Falls!
Planning to hike the trail? Visit our Manoa Falls home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
Also, check out our guide to choosing Manoa Falls vs. Diamond Head!