The trail runs along a stream the entire time, so keep that in mind if you are not sure in which direction to walk. DO NOT wear flip flops! Much of the trail is uphill when you are hiking toward the falls. It is not a particularly difficult hike, but on some parts of the trail you will be walking on boulders and tree roots, so be sure to wear shoes with firm, non-slippery soles and take care not to slip in those areas. The trail to the falls winds through a tropical rainforest full of giant ferns, wild ginger, guava trees, and bamboo groves. It is a point to point trail, so after you reach the falls you will turn around and hike back the same way you came. The rainforest canopies and stands of bamboo along this trail are so close to Waikiki hotels that it makes for the perfect hike any time of the day. The trail is located just outside Honolulu at the end of Manoa Road. On June 1, 2009, I had the pleasure of hiking on the Manoa Falls Trail while vacationing in Hawaii. It was a great, quiet, escape from the crowded beaches of Waikiki! Also, because of the humidity and mud, you will get sweaty and icky on the hike, so don't plan on going anywhere nice after your hike. The trail was not tough, but as I am rather uncoordinated, I had enough trouble staying upright while climbing over rocks. That is just an injury waiting to happen, especially because it is so rocky and slippery. I saw many people on the trail with flip flops. I think pretty much every reviewer has mentioned this, and I will reiterate: WEAR GOOD SHOES. It starts out fairly easy, but the closer you get to the end the more rocky and slippery it gets. The trail is fun, though it would not be doable in any way with a stroller. There are huge leaves and large bamboo forests (at least I think it was bambo). The rainforest was green and gorgeous and sounded like what I imagined a rain forest would sound like (bird, rushing water, etc). There were plenty of times that we couldn't hear or see anyone around us on the trail. The hike is wonderful! I went on a Sunday, so it was a little busy, but magnificent none the less. Parking will be on your right, the lot is owned by a restaurant near the trail head and costs $5. it isn't! Keep going, you'll soon hit the park. When I reflect upon my hike, I hardly remember the falls! I wanted to hike Manoa Falls because I had never been to a rainforest before, and wanted to experience a rain forest! First of all, the road to the trail head looks like a one-way residential street. The falls itself are not the best part of the hike. There are several stop off points if you need to take a breather. Once you get closer to the falls, the hike starts getting rougher (more rocks). Make sure you wear tennis shoes and old tennis shoes at that. I can't imagine what this hike is like after it has rained. $1 for water and $1 for 2 mosquito wipes. There is a man at the entrance selling those items if you don't take any with you. It's an environmentally friends bathroom so it smells and looks like a port-a-potty. There is a restroom (if you want to call it that) at the beginning of the trail. But after that walk, it will make your hike even harder so pay the extra for parking. Some people parked down on the residential street and had to walk up to the entrance. It took us a little while to find where this was but make sure you go all the way to the parking lot and pay $5 for parking.
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