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    Manana Trail

    4.2 (200 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Nicole P.

    Love this trail down to the waterfall. This hike was pretty light and we spent about an hour swimming by the waterfall. They also have a rope you can swing/jump from. There is no parking or entry free to this trail and wasn't very busy when we went. Be sure to come prepared with proper shoes, swimming gear, and water!

    Lynn B.

    I went last week and it was a beautiful sunny day! When we parked on the street (for free!) and started walking towards the trail it began sprinkling. I thought... no big deal! I had my hiking boots on and I thought I was prepared. The hike itself isn't that long. Around 3 miles. The problem with the trail is it's MUDDY!!! I saw people slowly walk down by grabbing ropes and branches and they were still falling!! Including myself! I fell sooooooo much. I was covered in mud from my head to my toes! I had sooo much mud in my shoes. It was comical how muddy I was! I've never felt so dirty after a hike! This hike is a challenging hike and not good for kids or someone with bad knees. Beautiful view! If I were to do this trail again I would bring the following 1) hiking boots (or shoes with really good grip!) Don't wear your nice shoes as it will get ruined!!! 2) socks (extra socks!!) I would have loved to change out my socks! 3) towel (to wipe away the mud or to clean up after jumping in the water) 4) plenty of water! I only brought one water bottle and it wasn't enough! 5) snacks

    Second falls
    Krista U.

    Download an offline map before hiking! My friends and I almost got lost on this trail. The water looked a bit questionable so my party and I did not hop in. Parking is in a neighborhood so be respectful. Great hike for some moderate exercise! Look for the pink ribbons to help you along your journey!

    Mira S.

    Nice hike and one of the longer day hikes on the island. Weirdly the typical end isn't all the way at the ridge with the overlook of Kailua and K-Bay, it's about two-thirds of the way. Maps only showed a one-way out-and-back, not the loop some reviews reference, so that's what this review is for. The last third is therefore a bit overgrown and takes a longer time than it otherwise would. There are some spots before the earlier stop where you'd want pants and I'd definitely want full-length pants to make it to the ridge. The more well-traveled part took about 1:40 one-way. The whole thing took about 3:20 one way. It was a little quicker back down. Total was about 6:30, so it's a pretty long hike. The view at the end is great, but there are quicker and easier hikes to get to the top of the ridge. The trail had a few muddy patches but it was just annoying, not on any steep areas that made the climb difficult; you probably want several dry days before hiking. There were some ropes along the way, but it's doable without them. There are a couple of benches along the way, and a shelter maybe an hour from the trailhead. Beware mountain bikes on the trail, there were a couple tearing down at high speed at different points. Parking is on the street in a neighborhood. Dogs seem to be allowed and there were some hunters out with lots of dogs. Towards the end there's a section where a sign says there are pig snares out, so you wouldn't want an off-leash dog there.

    Jada C.

    A light hike anyone can accomplish. I don't often do many hikes, but this one turned out surprisingly simple. I like this trail because it doesn't have any steep climbs or scary curves that other trails have. The weather cooperated by giving us sunny and warm weather. The trail led to some open areas of branches and shrubs. Through some of the open areas, we can see the deep valleys. Manana Trail gives good lookouts from the top mount around where the electrical towers are. The hike only took about 42 minutes in total. If we were to go further, the trail then leads up to a fork. We did not go that far. Being a dog friendly trail, our dog, Lola loves hiking. She took in the trail and liked to explore the area. Coming onto this trail made us feel relaxed and not rushed. We can hear some birds chirp and sing. When on a vacation or a staycation, come to Manana Trail. Bring a date, friends or family.

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    Keesha F.

    I didn't make it far, hell I didn't even glimpse a single waterfall lol! My daughter slid down the hill and skinned her hands and knees! But, I was still blessed to say that I experienced nature's beauty in the brief time I was there. And human kindness by everybody that helped us back to the car!!

    Clarise C.

    There no admission or any parking fee, so you can park by the residents housing but pls be respectful & considerate to the locals. The beginning of the hike was easy going uphill; it's a easy and clear pathway. But when you reach 25% mark, there's going to be a sign; left arrow is the long pathway (5 mile), and on the right is shorter pathway (3/4 th mile). My friends & I took the short pathway. Once you pass the sign, pay attention to the pink markers on the trees because there's different trails in the area. The more you continue heading down the pathway, it's going to be very steep & depending on the weather it can be muddy, so you can use the ropes and tree branches to hold you up while walking down the steep hill. The second rope encounter you see going down the steep hill, there should be another way to go around it. If you're heading to the falls, look on the far right side to see any pink markers. You can also use that pathway to avoid climbing up the ropes. Keep following the pathway. When you see a small river/ pond, and when you pass it you are more than half way there. Once you reach the fall, I highly recommend wearing any type of footwear because it's very rocky. And it's pretty shallow. Enjoy the water fall, very refreshing! Going back up it's alot easier and faster! It took my friends and I, 4-5 hours. This includes breaks, and swimming. If it wasn't muddy going down, It'll be alot more easier and faster.

    Kara I.

    My boyfriend and I have done this hike a couple times this year and it's one of our favorites. We always just google map directions to the hike and it's a nice drive up palisades. The parking for the hike is just street parking in the neighborhood, so please be respectful and don't litter. This hike is perfect for any age and I've seen many people bringing their young children and dogs as well. We hiked on a sunny day and the trail was very dry. I DO NOT recommend hiking if it's muddy there are some slightly steep parts that are just dirt. Throughout the hike there are multiple little scenic views so keep a lookout. Also, if you're adventurous there's also a waterfall hike. Just remember to always stay hydrated and hike with a buddy!

    Beautiful waterfall at the end of the trail
    Sharmaine B.

    I've done this hike a few times and I still find it very challenging hiking back after a nice dip in the fresh water. I am someone who isn't in the worst shape but not the best shape of my life either and I am always out of breath in the end of this hike. There's also three color trail markers so don't get lost, stick together because there will be no signal. I would give yourself extra time to do this hike because you will WANT to soak yourself in the fresh water in the end of the hike. It's absolutely breathtaking, especially if you get the entire place to yourself. If you're thinking about doing this hike, here's your sign, YES! Don't forget to bring some water!

    Hiking the weekend after tropical depression Olivia hit Oahu.
    Dathan C.

    The Waimano waterfall hike diverts from the Manana trail about 10 or so minutes into the hike. There's a sizable sign that's hard to miss. The waterfall only portion is about 3 miles round trip from the residential parking. I know what you're thinking: 1.5 miles in? Cakewalk! Well, it's not. The terrain is rugged for a maintained trail, with sizable drops downs around big boulders, along with lots of and lots of mud. Tree roots are your friends here! I'm fit and even the second time around was tiring for me. There's even a section dubbed "Cardiac Hill" because it's strenuous to hike up. It's not the hardest hike I've done, but it's not easy. If you happen to go during guava season (aka September), prepare for legions of fruit flies. I could use more protein, but not a fan of getting it that way, yuk! Bring bug spray for mosquitos. Hiking sticks may be more trouble than they're worth as the trail is close quarters at times. Water is a must, as is a towel if you plan on jumping into the falls. The trail can be muddy, so bring shoes that have good grip (looking at you Jas J.), and you don't mind getting dirty. Now for some timely directions: You'll come to an unmarked fork after you've finished with all the big boulders. The right path is the long path that also takes you down along the stream and through the mud. There's also an official looking sign if you really must have a selfie with that for your Instagram. If you take the left path you'll head back up along the ridge but get to the falls way faster with way less mud. The left path comes out at the jumping point for the lower pool, but there's also a path up to the top of the main falls for some amazing views and a path down to the lower pool. The falls is multi-tiered with the largest falls about 50 feet above the pool. Don't come in Summer as the falls is just sad with very low flow with very stagnant water. Best saved for the rainy Winter season, or right after a big storm. You can swim in both main pools and people use the overhanging ropes to swing and jump into the lower pool. Go early as it can get crowded. There are no amenities aside from a shoe cleaning brush station. Try to keep the noise down walking to and from your car as its residential neighborhood and pack your trash out!

    Angel C.

    Manana Trail to Waimano Falls is hands down the most difficult trail I've hiked ever--even more difficult than Koko Head! This hike is all about uproots, mud, and a narrow path off a cliff (think Aiea Loop Trail but narrower) to see a waterfall. Maybe it's because I hiked this the hour before and after sunset...after work and after I drove from Chinatown to this trail on a weekday afternoon (I am not an "afternoon" person and I drove through H-1 West afternoon traffic). Maybe it's because my hiking partner and I were racing against time and the sunset that we hiked faster and barely stopped for water. Maybe it's because of all the uproots we had to cross over during most of this switchback (not a looped) trail which meant tons of leg work and a serious mind game of where to hike through. Apparently, this section is nicknamed "cardio hill." I was extremely tired during the majority of this hike. There were times I thought I was going to pass out, a feeling I never get even when I go beast mode in timed runs! I felt so accomplished once my companion and I reached our destination, the Waimano Falls! Seeing my companion's reaction, a friend's friend visiting from NorCal and a more avid hiker than I am was even more worth enduring the pain for. Hiking back and redoing crossing over roots was more difficult with sunset and darkness approaching. During the last 30 minutes or so, we had to use flashlights. While living in Hawaii for a few years, I intend to try different hikes and not repeat the same trail twice (except for my favorites--Koko Head, Manoa Falls, Diamond Head, and Makapuu). Manana Trail is definitely one I would never repeat, maybe unless you paid me. Four stars because I always love the feeling of a strenuous workout, along with saying I survived another hike in Hawai'i Nei.

    Mel B.

    #117 of 2017 Most of the hikes in this area, and the surrounding area, will take you through the residential area where you will park to get to the trail head. Be respectful. Be nice and courteous to those you meet and all other hikers as well. I have been bringing a bag with me too to take trash out that others leave behind. It doesn't come back empty. Let's take care of the land. You will need to walk through a set a bars to start the hike where it is paved for maintenance vehicles to get through. There were several of them there with a helicopter this day. Nice to see. Continuing on you are kinda walking on a wide ridge when the trail splits. To the left is for the ridge trail. To the right leading down, is the waterfalls. You are then walking on a narrow path but there are many foot holds due to the constant foot tracks made by everyone before. The trail then leads down almost to a 45 degree incline. The many roots make this easier. Walking along the sides affords several small trees to grab onto support. Just make sure they are strong enough to hold and don't bend them too much where they break. At the bottom to trail, it splits off in 2 opposite directions. We took to the left that shortly begins another descent to the valley floor. You will see several ropes in different parts. I tend to be leery of these because I don't know how much wear and tear they have already. i don't want to rely on them and then they break. However, using them for a little support was helpful. I would not like to use my full weight on them. I advise same to you. Towards the bottom, is another rope to get lowered to the bottom. This will take you to the front of the 1st waterfall. Or you can get closer to the waterfall where there are 2 ropes leading across. One to traverse on and the other to hold on to for support. This set up will take you to the knotted ropes that can used to swing on and jump into the pool. Looks like lots of fun but the water was too cold to enjoy this luxury. Following the trail to the left will take you to the 3rd larger waterfall. As you do that, you will pass the 2nd waterfall. Again, there is a rope you can use to rapel down to the floor. The 3rd waterfall is in a contained grotto of fern. Much better looking than the famous Fern Grotto on Kaui. It is gorgeous here. I enjoy the remoteness and remember the times coming here so long ago. I am glad to see it is still pristine for others to enjoy. Let's keep it that way.

    Dave B.

    AWESOME!! Great challenging hike. Mostly shaded, muddy and tricky in spots. I would call this a moderate to difficult hike. Our 11 and 15 year olds did it, but I would not recommend for very young or for that matter very old people. Would be difficult for dogs too. The waterfall(s) at the end were great!! Well worth it!!

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    Easy trail to do, parking is limited, but that is Hawaii for you. Trail can be slippery when it rains

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    Manana Trail Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Manana Trail

    Is this place dog friendly?

    Yes

    Where did you park?

    The directions here will take you up through residential. I usually drive all the way up to the trailheads and you will see "no parking" signs, so turn around and park as close to the trail head along the side of the road. Be mindful of residents… 

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    Review Highlights - Manana Trail

    We were so scared of Cardiac Hill after reading reviews that when we finally reached it, it wasn't so bad.

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    Keaiwa Heiau State Park

    Keaiwa Heiau State Park

    4.6
    (19 reviews)
    5.1 km

    This is currently my favorite park on island, although this is only because it is connected to my…read morefavorite hiking trail on island. I actually haven't really enjoyed this park as a park proper because I simply transit through it to get to the hiking trail (also the campsite appears to be closed off), but it has enough amenities that I was left impressed. There are benches to sit with overhead shelters. Bathrooms helped me clean up after I got caught up in mud along the trail. The sinks were outside the lockable portion, so running water is always available thankfully. There are places to sit and be in community with the gorgeous trees around. I heard the Oahu Amakihi at this altitude even, which was a pleasant and rather welcome surprise. The park warden is a self-described grumpy old man, but he was responsive and helpful when I knocked on his door to report a water leak at the entrance of the Aiea Loop Trail.

    I was surprised I haven't written a review for Keaiwa Heiau State Park but maybe I did and the…read moreYelp Ghost stole it! Anyway this is the park that you enter in order to get to the Aiea Loop Trail with breathtaking views from the coastline thru the beautiful Halawa Valley with H3 smack in the middle. The Heiau is well marked and as a Hawaiian Spiritual place it is noted that it is to be respected as such. When you enter the park the Heiau is immediately on your left and parking in marked stalls is required. There are restroom facilities next to the covered pavilion and walkways from one to another. The path to walk into the Heiau is uneven and not easy to access so watch your step if you intend to walk around. I've seen feral chickens, feral pigs, feral cats and campers here. Permits are required for the campers not so much for the aforementioned animals. Dogs are required to be on leash. Beautiful and cooler temperature wise. The drive up Aiea Heights Drive isn't as perilous as others comment about but you do need to pay attention.

    Photos
    Beautiful day for a drive through
    Beautiful day for a drive through
    I wonder if this was made with felled trees from the park
    I wonder if this was made with felled trees from the park
    Respect is requested and given

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    Respect is requested and given
    Oneula Beach Park

    Oneula Beach Park

    3.0
    (26 reviews)
    16.9 km

    Warning: Be extra cautious when stepping on the sand. Apparently a guy in the tent next to us…read morewarned that his daughter almost stepped on a filet knife sticking straight out of the sand and he found metal sparklers sticking up as well....so much firework rubbish everywhere. Swear our party picked up more than a 100 of those long pink sparklers all over the sand. This beach is also known as Hau Bush. I wouldn't have known about it had I not been invited. It's a beautiful beach to pull up and go surfing. An Ewa local told me they cleared out all but one of the homeless peeps. As long as you float in the beginning, you should be fine. But stepping on those rocks in the shallow, ouch! Other than that, if you wanna tan, *cough*, get burnt, this is the spot lol.

    Oneula Beach Park in Ewa Beach is a rare gem to find. It it away from the hustle and bustle of our…read moreisland and just a nice beach to relax enjoy the sunset or the sounds of waves crashing. This is definitely a locals beach. It's nothing fancy in fact there is not even a bathroom anymore. But there is lots of parking and trash bins to save the environment. The sand is clean and the waves are forever. Locals love to fish and surf at this location and the sights are amazing. It does look like our city officials are planning something.....hopefully great here and I hope it doesn't interrupt the peacefulness of this special beach.

    Photos
    Diamond head and town in the distance
    Diamond head and town in the distance
    Oneula Beach Park
    Oneula Beach Park

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    Kalauao Trail

    Kalauao Trail

    4.3
    (17 reviews)
    5.7 km

    What's the date I went there? I better check it out! Last time I went Tantalus & stopped by a…read moretrail, I saw something quite disturbing, I should actually tell the Police about it! Although...Police? I only saw like 3 on duty (commander in plain clothes) @ Pearl City, and 1 officer on duty @ window in Kapolei. Thanx fer the heads up!

    ***UPDATE: Alright. I redid this hike and even I had a hard time figuring out where to go so I…read morefigured I should update this review with more details!*** Whoever bothers to listen to TLC, you're missing out completely. Waterfalls are meant to be chased, especially after Tropical Storms and heavy rain! (Just don't be dumb and hike during those dangerous conditions.) Located deep into Kalauao Valley in 'Aiea, this hike showcases the raw beauty Oahu has to offer. This trail is located off of the well-known 'Aiea Loop trail. Make your way to Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area and park on the second level parking once you enter the camping grounds. There, you'll see restrooms and the head of 'Aiea Loop Trail. Be sure to lock your vehicles and not to leave any valuables. Start heading onto the 'Aiea Loop Trail (park opens at 7:00am FYI). Within about 15 minutes of walking along the Loop trail, you'll come across your first fork. Take the LEFT fork. It's a pretty obvious fork. Follow the ribbons. The next fork is a little less obvious. If you see a tower for power lines, you're heading in the right direction. Keep going past the power line tower. You'll seem like you're headed straight (not going down yet.) It'll seem like you are just staying on the ridge for quite a while, but just look for a pink little ribbon hidden on the right side. You'll see a mango tree (which there's a few) but you'll take a RIGHT this time (kind of like a U turn.) The mango tree has a pink bottle cap on it as well as carvings in the trunk (LANZ.) Once you see this mango tree on the right, make almost like a U turn and just keep following the trail which takes you down, down, down into the valley. It's steep, could be wet, just be careful. There's a portion that you can use a rope. It's up to you. Once you hear the stream, you'll follow it as it leads you to the falls. You can cross the stream as many times as you see fit. We found it more difficult going there and probably crossed nearly 7-8 times but on the way back, we crossed about 3-4 times. Just be on the lookout for ribbons on your side. If you see them, there's a high chance you'll have to cross and you'll see the ribbons on the opposite side. Some mentioned passing a "wrong way" rock, but we didn't see this. Just keep following the stream and VOILA, you've made it to the falls. There's a short path that leads you to the lower and upper tiers of the falls. If you jump, just be careful. There's been quite a few hiking accidents on the news lately. Better be safe than to be on the news. On the way up, it's pretty steep and can be extremely exhausting. Take breaks as needed. Honestly, we went on a day that actually rained that morning. We didn't find the hike to be extremely muddy or slippery. In fact, I thought it was relatively safe compared to some of the ridge hikes I've been on. Total hiking time (including a 15 minute stop at the falls): just under 3 hours. I believe the hike is approximately 3.5-4 miles. Tips: 1) Wear long pants or long socks. If you want to jump in the pool, bring a change of clothes. 2) Bring extra socks/shoes/slippers in your car. Your feet will probably be wet by crossing the stream. 3) If pants or long socks aren't your thing, bring mosquito repellent. 4) Bring water because you'll want it after that trek back UP the valley. 5) Go slowly until you find each fork. 'Aiea Loop Trail isn't the most exciting so you don't want to end up doing that!

    Photos
    Kalauao Trail
    African Tulips in bloom in the valley.
    African Tulips in bloom in the valley.
    Kalauao Trail

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    Manana Trail - hiking - Updated August 2026

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