We Ubered and didn't use a guide or tourist service to visit the falls. You don't really need one TBH. Overall the scenery is beautiful and worth the 1.6 mile hike. Due to the slippery rocks and uphill trails I would suggest hiking shoes, hiking boots or non-slip footwear. The only downside was during our hike several people were playing loud music and talking on their phones which IMO is rude and takes away from the amazing scenery, the falls and experience for others. Be sure to get a pineapple smoothie or coconut milk drink from the food truck onsite when you're finished.

Great falls, but in December it wasn’t much more than a trickle. Even with all the rain we got that week. It was wet on the way up, but not overly so as we were in sandals and didn’t get dirty by stepping carefully. I would recommend hiking shoes but depending on the day they are not really needed if you are careful. The shop at the bottom sells water shoes if you would rather buy those and use them on the way up. The hike is challenging, but not overly so. Maximum grade is 23% so you might have to take your time if you are not great with grades. Be careful on the way down as it is easy to slip and fall. It would be nice to take water with you as it is a hot and strenuous workout. It does get busy, so early morning would be best but if you don’t mind waiting at the top for your selfie, people are usually nice to get out of the way when they are done. Unfortunately many were ignoring the signs that say not to cross the barrier and were trying to swim in the water at the bottom of the falls. Please observe the signs. There is a foot truck at the beginning of the hike that serves pineapple smoothies and shave ice that looked good, but the line was too long for us to take part. The total hike is at least 3km (1.2 miles) round trip. Enjoy!

Very accessible by car from Waikiki/Honolulu. Pretty decent elevation gain though so you should wear decent footwear. If you are in decent shape and the parking lot is available you can do it one way in less than 25 minutes. The waterfall itself is dramatic given it is very steep and tall. The water flow is minimal and the pool below is small and shallow. Very beautiful forest and opportunities to walk down into the stream that runs parallel in some places. There will be many fellow hikers as it is a popular destination. There is the Aihualama hiking trail right near the Falls that provides more elevation gain and chances to see a fantastic bamboo forest filled with unusual birds and plant life. Definitely recommend the hike.

Manoa Falls Trail leading to one of several waterfalls, was easy enough for all ages that can move. The location was absolutely jaw dropping gorgeous. This was our first adventure in Hawaii and it really set the bar high for the rest of our trip. If coming to Oahu, hiking the rainforest is a MUST! Pick a trail and enjoy the beauty. My tip would be to stop and soak it all in, so much foliage, flowers, streams, birds. Our party consisted of 12 people ranging from 8 yrs old to 60 and we saw toddlers as well as elderly people walking the trail with help of a parent or a walking stick. It does get muddy and slippery so just watch your step. Can be done in under an hour round way, with stops.

Our family of five from Texas and Oklahoma visited Oahu and the Big Island for Spring Break! We did the Manoa Falls during morning hours so it would be cooler temps and still was very warm by the time we finished the hike! The hike is not too strenuous but does get the blood pumping in a few places. Our 6 and 10 year old grandsons had no trouble with this hike. It is a beautiful hike all the way to the waterfall!! The waterfall itself is Beautiful! It was flowing very good when we visited!! Would recommend this hike!!

I hiked this & many other trails on 09/11 during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YT. This is the hike I definitely felt the "Hawai'i" vibe due to the various types of foliage and banyan trees. If you're getting in the water, watch your step. It's a rocky area and the height level changes, I found it best to squat/get low and inch my way to the waterfall. The main trail can be slick/muddy so watch out for that as well.

This was a beautiful, scenic hike. I walk a lot, but I’m not the most fit person in the world. This hike was a pretty easy level hike. It took us a little less than 30 minutes to hike up, and 20 minutes to hike back down (that included multiple stops for pictures). It was raining on this particular day and it was quite humid, but it kept the crowds at bay. We used rideshare to get to manoa falls and did not have to pay any fee. This was one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done. The pictures do not do this place justice. Totally doable, I enjoyed strolling through this lush, nature rainforest. Breathtaking!

Beautiful scenic hike that ends at a stunning waterfall!! Definitely worth the time for the views along the way. Saw some wild pigs and of course some chickens and mongoose too. We forgot to take bug spray! My kids got eaten up pretty good. Saw people of all ages making the trek. It has a rainforest feel to it. Muddy in spots. Very humid. Bring water and bug spray!! But definitely put it on your list of must sees!

Hema was our tour guide through Karma Tour Hawaii and she was the best. Her wonderful personality and knowledge really made the hike wonderful! We had a small party my husband, my 8 year old son and an another couple. We had so much fun and the vegetation and the falls were perfect. The hike is not for folks with knee or back problems but otherwise not a bad hike. Would suggest going in the morning less crowded and not as hot. If you are lucky enough to get Hema it will be cherry on top!

One of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. The hike was easy-moderate, so be just prepared. Wear good shoes and bring water. Stunning views, flowers, and finally the falls. Would revisit time and time again. The Lyon arboretum is right there too and absolutely gorgeous.