The Manoa Falls trail is a short hike through the rain forest of Manoa Valley. Personally, I think the hike is more rewarding than the actual waterfall. Depending on the amount of recent rainfall, the falls may be flowing steadily or may be only a light trickle. The trail is a dense jungle environment following the Manoa Stream the entire way. There are plenty of areas to wander slightly off-trail and wade through the stream or hop across boulders, should it tickle your fancy. I found it to be quite peaceful hanging out in the stream and stacking zen stones. It is a crowded trail — probably the most crowded hiking trail on Oahu due to its easy access from Waikiki. However, if peace and relaxation are what you’re after, just take a few steps off the beaten path, and you’ll have the jungle all to yourself.

To get to the trail, follow Manoa Road until the end. The road will turn in to a single lane with a lot of parked cars along the roadside, then quickly become densley forested. After you pass under the Tree Tops Restaurant, park in the lot on your right. If you arrive before 5 p.m., there is a guard on duty that charges $5.00 to park. After 5 p.m., it’s free. But it’s nice to have the comfort of knowing you won’t arrive back at your vehichle to find shattered windows. Once you have parked, walk up the paved road until you reach a chainlink fence posted with various signs. Pass through the gate, and you have officially begun the Manoa Falls Trail.

Mosquito’s abound in Manoa Valley, so it would be wise to equip yourself with some repellent. We recommend Cactus Juice Sun, Skin and Insect Protectant — the stuff is all natural, eco-friendly and does an awesome job of keeping mosquitoes away. In the event you forget to bring repellent, ask the security guard in the parking lot for some. He usually sells little spray bottles of repellent, but I wouldn’t bank on it. It’s more of a last resort.

This little guy just hung out and let me get right next to him.

From the moment you begin the Manoa Falls trail, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful view overlooking the Manoa Stream and large Banyan Trees. As you continue following the stream you will eventually reach a bamboo forest that looks like a scene straight out of a Kung Fu movie. Upon reaching the Manoa Falls, you’ll notice it has been roped off with all kinds of “Rock Slide” and “Do Not Enter” warning signs. Most regulars to the trail do not obey these warnings. The warnings are kind of pointless, really. You’re no more likely to get hit by a falling rock on one side of the rope versus the other. So, enter at your own risk, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. For the full experience, swim in the small pool beneath the falls.

Overall, Manoa Falls is an easy hike for kids and adults alike. There’s a lot to see packed in to such a small trail, and it’s a short trip from town.

Swimming at the base of the waterfall.

The Wa’ahila Ridge hiking trail begins at the Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, located at the end of St. Louis Heights Drive on the South Shore of Oahu. The trail is also called the St. Louis trail. It’s an intermediate level hike with beautiful views of Manoa Valley and Honolulu. It’s a great trail and a short drive from town. To get there, continue up St. Louis Drive until you reach Peter Street. Take a right onto Peter Street, then a left on to Ruth Place. Continue into the recreation area, and there is a paved parking lot. Like all places in Hawaii, don’t leave any valuables in your car or there’s a good chance it won’t be there when you come back.

The trail starts on a wide dirt path through large Cook Pines, which are really cool trees that look like they’re straight out of the Jurassic Period. Upon proceeding, you will arrive at a fork in the trail. Stay to the left to continue on the hiking trail. The path to the right is a mountain-biking trail. Then continue along the ridge. The trail is wide at some parts and narrow at others, with a number of rocky inclines. Watch your step because it can get slippery and steep.

The hike is filled with strawberry guava trees. The fruit is edible and makes a nice snack along the way. It looks like, well, a strawberry mixed with a guava. The taste is a little bittersweet, but I’m always stoked to eat fruit in its natural habitat. We also came across a couple guys who found a Jackson chameleon in the wild! I’m a huge reptile fan, so this was definitely the highlight of the hike for me. They’re so cool! It’s like holding a mini Triceratops! Yes, that was my second prehistoric reference. Obviously this hike has turned me in to a 12-year-old boy all over again. I spent the rest of the hike searching for another chameleon with no luck.

Jana and I brought our 2 dogs on the hike, and our friends brought their dogs as well. Altogether, we had a herd of six dogs trampling through the trail off-leash. Most hikers love the encounters with man’s best friend, but occasionally we run across somebody who isn’t too comfortable with six big dogs surrounding them. In those cases, we leash them up for the moment and continue our trek. Technically, the trail does not permit animals but like most places in Hawaii, it’s not enforced. Several hikers bring their dogs and it’s always been casual and pleasant greetings among the hikers and dogs alike.

If you’re looking to escape the city without having to go far, the Wa’ahila trail is perfect for you. It’s best on a clear and dry day. Otherwise, the trail can become dangerous in wet conditions. It’s a fun hike with plenty of spots to catch your breath and take in the sights.