Just minutes from Waikiki, the Manoa Valley opens into a lush tropical rainforest. This guided half-day hike walks you through towering bamboo and giant ferns to the 150-foot Manoa Falls, with a scenic Tantalus Lookout stop, lunch, and a round-trip ride that picks you up near the hostel.
Adults 12+ $119, Children 4 to 11 $99. Round-trip Waikiki pickup and lunch included.
Just minutes from Waikiki, the Manoa Valley opens into a lush tropical rainforest, and this half-day tour walks you through it to the tall, ribbon-like Manoa Falls. A guide picks you up in Waikiki, stops at Tantalus Lookout for a sweeping view over Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head, then leads the way up the trail. The valley is often called the Valley of Rainbows, and the light rain that drifts through only makes the forest greener.
The hike is about 1.6 miles round-trip and takes roughly 45 minutes each way at an easy pace, though the trail is unpaved and can be muddy, with steps, roots, and rocks, so closed-toe shoes are a must. Along the way you pass through towering bamboo, giant ferns, and dense jungle that has stood in for the movies, with scenes from Jurassic Park and Lost filmed in these hills. Your guide points out the endemic plants and birds and shares the stories of the valley as you go.
At the top the 150-foot Manoa Falls spills down a mossy cliff into a small pool. Swimming is not allowed here for safety and to protect the stream, so it is a look-but-do-not-touch finale, and a beautiful one. On the way back the tour stops at the Treasures and You gift shop for coffee and shortbread samples, and lunch is a fresh local-style sandwich. You are back in Waikiki by early afternoon.
The tour runs about 5 hours with round-trip transport and operates Monday through Friday. It goes rain or shine, and light rain is common in the valley. Times and the order of stops can shift with the group and the weather.
Wear closed-toe walking or hiking shoes, since the trail is unpaved and often muddy. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, and a light rain jacket or poncho, because a passing shower is part of the Manoa experience. A camera is worth it for the falls and the lookout.
There is no need to drive or find parking. A guide and round-trip ride are included, with Waikiki hotel pickup between about 9:00 and 9:35 AM, a scenic stop at Tantalus Lookout, and a return around 2:00 to 2:30 PM. The trail begins at the Manoa Falls trailhead just above Honolulu. The map below shows the trailhead.
About 5 hours from Waikiki pickup to drop-off, including the drive, the Tantalus Lookout stop, the hike, lunch, and the gift shop stop. It runs Monday through Friday.
It goes to the Manoa Falls trail just above Honolulu, with a scenic stop at Tantalus Lookout. Round-trip transport is included, with Waikiki hotel pickup about 9:00 to 9:35 AM. Ask the front desk to confirm your pickup.
Easy to moderate. It is about 1.6 miles round-trip, roughly 45 minutes each way, on an unpaved trail with steps, roots, and mud. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and a walking stick is provided.
No. Swimming is not allowed at Manoa Falls for safety and to protect the stream and environment. It is a viewing stop at the base of the falls.
The tour goes rain or shine. Light rain is common in Manoa Valley and is part of what keeps the rainforest so green. Bring a light rain jacket or poncho.
A fresh, local-style lunch with a choice of pastrami, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich, plus coffee and shortbread samples at the Treasures and You shop. The meals cannot accommodate special diets, so bring your own if you have restrictions.
Adults ages 12 and up are $119, and children ages 4 to 11 are $99. Ask the front desk about booking.
Any cancellations or amendments, including tour date and time, must be made at least 48 hours before the departure time on your reservation date for a full refund. Reservations made within 48 hours of departure are final sale, and we do not provide refunds for no-shows or late arrivals.
