Exploring: Manoa Falls
Exploring: Manoa Falls
Jan 19
Plugging away on my online job search at a coffee shop in Honolulu, I was interrupted with a text message from a friend, asking if I’d like to go on a short hike before he had a basketball game to play in. Considering I had been very productive and would soon surpass the time my $4 latte had earned me a seat at a table for, I decided it was time to call it a day and hit the trail.
Sam and I hiked Manoa Falls, a simple hike on a well-worn path to a fantastically beautiful waterfall. The trail crossed over different types of terrain, including small and large rocks, tree roots and stairs. It followed the stream toward the waterfall, bringing hikers through bamboo and passing several banyan trees.
Roots grow along the trail.
Along the way, hikers are greeted with an early glimpse at the waterfall by looking over the trees and across the valley.
Across the valley, hikers can catch a glimpse of the Manoa Waterfall in the distance.
Shortly after, we arrived at the pool of the waterfall. I was surprised at how clear the water was — the pools of other waterfalls I’d seen recently, including Maunawilli and Wai’oma’o falls, had been brown when I hiked to them.
The waterfall cascades into a clear pool.
The waterfall itself was incredibly high — I couldn’t fit the entire fall into one photo! A few other people were at the pool viewing area when we arrived. A nearby sign warned hikers to stay within the viewing area. According to the sign, on Jan. 28, 2002 (almost 10 years ago to the day!), heavy rains caused about 30 tons of material to fall from 600 feet to the pool area. Another sign warned hikers of falling rocks. Most hikers played it safe and stayed within the viewing area, while a couple of people sat on rocks next to the pool.
Manoa Waterfall
Just before the pool, the ‘Aihualama Trail begins. Sam and I thought we might get an overhead view of Manoa Falls if we hiked the ‘Aihualama Trail, so with that, we were on our way. The trail twisted and turned, providing us with views of Honolulu and Diamond Head crater and beautiful flowers and foliage.
Flowers on the 'Aihualama Trail.
Like the Manoa Falls trail, it was easy to hike. Unfortunately we had a late start on our adventure (I blame it on dedication to my job search), and after 30 or 40 minutes along the trail, we had to turn back so Sam could make his basketball game (and so I could apply for more jobs). I’m not sure that the trail would have given us the overhead views of Manoa Falls we were in search of, but we’ll be back again to finish the trail and find out.