Manoa Falls Trail | Honolulu, O'ahu

If you want a quick and easy hike, take the family to manoa falls trail. In less than a mile, you'll be rewarded with a waterfall with an impressive height of 150 ft. While there is a pool, it has been cabled off due to recent rockslides. Along the way, though, the tall canopied trees of the lush manoa valley are a sight to see...you'll even spot a bamboo forest.

most of the trail is covered.

the stream along the way.

if you hike after rain, the trail can get muddy and slippery. 

iced coffee while we wait for our pho.

Have you been to Manoa Falls?

Do you go chasing waterfalls?

see my periscope video of manoa falls on katch.

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must see: yes

entrance fee: no

parking: yes, $5

bathrooms: yes (at snack shop)

good for kids: yes because it's fairly short, under 1 mile

(you know your child best)

concession: rainbow's end snack shop near parking lot

approximate time needed: 45 min - 1 hr round-trip,

depending on trail condition and time spent at the falls

suggested items to bring: insect repellent

tip 1: for a more challenging workout,

park on the street in the neighborhood and walk to the trail head for a little more distance. you'll also save $5 on parking.

tip 2: check out the lyon arboretum while you're there. there's a more challenging trail there. closed sundays.

what to do after: breakfast at morning glass coffee (busy on weekends) or lunch at pho viet restaurant.

37 Manoa Road | Honolulu, HI | 98622

Diamond Head Crater | Honolulu, O'ahu

Are you ready to hike Hawaii's most recognized landmark? Diamond Head Crater is the result of a volcanic explosion and has become a popular hiking trail. The top of the crater, with an elevation of about 760 ft, overlooks the southern shores, east oahu, a peek inside the crater, and more.

In my opinion, this is a fairly quick and easy hike at approximately 1.5 miles round trip; we have made it to the top in under 30 minutes. However, the trail is narrow and the crowds can slow you down. In addition, most of the trail is uncovered, and the dry terrain will only amplify the heat. Make sure to drink water or avoid peak sun.

you can see the trail/switchbacks here if you look closely.

we made it for the sunrise!

(along with a gazillion other people.)

stairs, stairs, and more stairs!

beyond the crater: kaimuki town.

south shores + koko head crater in the distance.

stairs going down.

beautiful view of the big blue.

looking into the crater.

Have you hiked Diamond Head Crater?

Was the inside of the crater what you expected?

see my periscope video of diamond head crater on katch.

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must see: yes

hours: 6am-6pm daily (last entrance at 4:30pm)

entrance fee: walk-in is $1/person or $5/car (cash only)

parking: yes, $5/car at main lot,

limited free parking along the drive up.

bathrooms: yes

good for kids: yes because it's fairly short, but there are a couple of steep areas/stairways and uneven ground.

(you know your child best)

concession: a couple of food trucks selling shave ice, etc.

approximate time needed: 1.5-2 hrs round-trip,

depending on crowds

suggested items to bring: sunscreen, hat, water, camera

tip 1: for a more challenging workout,

park on the street around the neighborhood and

walk up to the trail head.

tip 2: it can get hot, stay hydrated.

hike early or later in the day.

what to do after: check out the KCC farmer's market or have lunch at diamond head grill

Diamond Head Road | Honolulu, HI | 96815

Aiea Loop Trail | 'Aiea, O'ahu

Keaiwa Heiau Loop Trail, better known as 'Aiea Loop Trail, is located just west of Honolulu. As the name states, it is a loop trail. You park at the top where the trail head is located and you'll make almost a complete loop...more like a 'C'...and end up at the lower parking lot.

Starting at the top, the trail has its share of ups and downs but is fairly flat for the most part with a steady decline in elevation. The trail is approximately 4.8 miles and is covered most of the way by tall trees and foliage. There are a few peep holes showing nice views of the island, but if you are looking for a scenic hike, this is not it. what makes this trail a nice workout is its length.

muddy...don't wear your "good" shoes!

view: looking west.

battling the mosquitoes.

view: H3 freeway and the ko'olau mountain range.

elf doors.

tiny water stream to cross.

view: overlooking pearl harbor & arizona memorial

if you are hiking the trail after rain, it will be very wet and slippery in some areas, so use caution and good judgement.  

the trail can get narrow in some areas with steep drop-offs.

lots of fallen trees to crawl over and under.

tall trees.

are scenic lookouts a must for you?

or are you more interested in a good workout?

see my periscope videos of aiea loop trail on katch. also here and here.

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must see: no

entrance fee: no

parking: yes, free

bathrooms: yes

good for kids: yes because it's fairly flat; no because it's long.

(you know your child best)

concession: no

approximate time needed: 3-4 hrs round-trip,

depending on trail condition

suggested items to bring: insect repellent, water,

light snack (esp. for kids)

tip 1: for a more challenging workout,

start at the bottom and hike up.

tip 2: since the trail ends at the lower parking lot, you will have to walk back up to your car. it's not a big deal, but if you're tired after 4 hrs of hiking, you'll wish you had a ride up. if your party has more than one car, leave one at the bottom lot so that you can drive everyone back to the top after this long hike.

what to do after: shave ice at ice garden

99-1849 Aiea Heights Drive | Aiea, HI | 96701