Manoa Falls vs. Diamond Head
Manoa Falls Hike or Diamond Head Summit Hike: Which Trail Should You Choose?
Manoa Falls is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu, but most first-time visitors also have the Diamond Head Hike on their wish-list for the island.
These two iconic Oahu hikes are short enough that you can hike both trails if you have the time, but if your Oahu itinerary allows for only one, here we break down the pros and cons of the Manoa Falls Hike vs. the Diamond Head Hike, to help you choose!
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. Diamond Head
There is no entrance fee for the Manoa Falls Trail.
If you wish to park in the Paradise Park parking lot that’s by the trailhead, there is a parking fee of $7.00 per car.
If you prefer not to pay for parking, there is free street parking in the nearby residential neighborhood. You’ll walk about 0.5 mile or so to get to the Manoa Falls trailhead, but you will hike Manoa Falls without spending a penny.
The Diamond Head Hike is located inside the Diamond Head State Monument. Non-residents of Hawaii must pay $5.00 entry fee per person, plus a parking fee of $10.00 per car to park in the parking lot at the monument.
While there is some free parking along Diamond Head Road, it’s limited and the hike is popular so you’d need some luck to get a spot. Plus, you’ll have to walk up the road and into the monument, distance depending on where you get a spot along the road.
The Better Option: From a cost perspective, the Manoa Falls Hike wins over the Diamond Head Hike!
Tried and tested: the top, 5-star rated, immensely popular Oahu experiences!
Ease of Access from Waikiki — Manoa Falls vs. Diamond Head
Most visitors to Oahu base in the tourist hub of Waikiki.
You will find Manoa Falls in the Manoa Valley, about 5.5 miles from the center of Waikiki, and it’s a breeze to get to Manoa Falls from Waikiki.
If you have a rental car, you can easily drive to Manoa Falls from Waikiki in about 15 minutes in normal traffic. If you do not wish to rent a car, you can take the local bus to Manoa Falls, or a taxi or rideshare.
Diamond Head State Monument, where you can hike to the summit of the Diamond Head Crater, is also located close to the heart of Waikiki. The distance is only 2.3 miles!
You can drive to Diamond Head State Monument if you rent a car on Oahu. To be assured of a parking spot, make a parking reservation online ahead of time and pay the fee of $10.00.
You can also take a taxi or an Uber or Lyft from Waikiki to Diamond Head State Monument. The local bus service serves the monument as well.
The Better Option: Both hikes are easy to access from Waikiki, so you can choose either Manoa Falls or Diamond Head!
Difficulty Level — Diamond Head vs. Manoa Falls
The Manoa Falls trail length is 1.6 miles round trip. It is an out and back trail. The hike to the waterfall is uphill, but the incline is mainly gradual.
There are some steps on the Manoa Falls Trail, especially towards the end where you near the waterfall, and the trail can be muddy after rains.
Overall, the Manoa Falls Hike difficulty level is rated easy to moderate.
The Diamond Head Summit Trail is also 1.6 miles round trip. The elevation gain is about 560 feet, but there are steep stairways on this trail.
The first stairway is made up of 76 steps, and the second stairway has 99 steps. The steps are steep and run in a stretch, so expect to huff and puff a bit if you aren’t in the best shape.
Diamond Head is rated a moderate hike.
The Better Option: Most people consider Manoa Falls somewhat easier than Diamond Head, mainly because of the number of steps on the Diamond Head Trail. Trekking poles or a hiking stick can come in handy on either trail.
Do You Need Reservations — Diamond Head vs. Manoa Falls
Hiking the Manoa Falls Trail is hassle-free in that you do not need to make any reservations in advance. Just show up and enjoy the rainforest trail!
The Diamond Head Hike, on the other hand, does require advance reservations. Slots may fill up, because this is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu, so you will want to jump on the reservations as soon as your date opens. Reservations can be made online here.
The Better Option: Manoa Falls, if you prefer to keep your itinerary spontaneous!
Hike Setting and Payoff — Diamond Head or Manoa Falls?
Manoa Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes on Oahu, whereas the Diamond Head Hike takes you to the summit of the iconic Diamond Head Crater for views over southeastern Oahu.
Both Manoa Falls and Diamond Head offer spectacular, but completely different experiences.
If you are looking for a “Jurassic Park” ambience, with lush rainforest and a waterfall tumbling over a cliff face, opt for Manoa Falls. You’ll be blown away by the dense vegetation on either side of the trail, and the misty wet conditions in Manoa Valley.
There are views all along the Manoa Falls Trail, so it’s about more than just the 150-foot waterfall.
If views from above excite you, then Diamond Head offers matchless views over Waikiki and the coastline of southeast Oahu. It’s thrilling to be at the top of the extinct crater.
The Better Option: Both Manoa Falls and Diamond Head are must-have Oahu experiences. Which one you choose is entirely a personal preference!
Overall Take — Manoa Falls vs Diamond Head Summit Hike
So, which hike is better: Manoa Falls or Diamond Head?
Overall, if you seek a Hawaii tropical jungle experience, complete with waterfall, bamboo, banyan trees, and a mist-laden vibe, opt for Manoa Falls. If you are looking for stunning aerial views of the beautiful Oahu coastline, and do not mind navigating some steep steps, choose Diamond Head.
Planning to hike the Manoa Falls Trail? Visit our Manoa Falls home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
Also read our helpful article to decide if Manoa Falls or Waimea Falls is right for you!