On Oahu’s south shore, the vast and lush Manoa Valley stretches from the emerald peaks of the Koolau Mountains to the ocean. While it's primarily a residential neighborhood, there are plenty of things to do in the Manoa Valley from waterfalls to hiking trails, a world-class arboretum, and some great places to eat.
A moderate 1-hour round-trip hike leads you through dense foliage to 150-foot (46-meter) Manoa Falls, one of Oahu’s most accessible and impressive waterfalls—guided hikes offer more in-depth insight into the landscape. Next to the Manoa Falls trailhead, the University of Hawaii‘s Lyon Arboretum spans 193 acres (78 hectares) and shelters more than 5,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants as well as the 40-foot (12-meter) ‘Aihualama Falls.
Be prepared for wet weather: it rains almost every day in the Manoa Valley.
Wear sturdy footwear that you don’t mind getting muddy. Mosquito repellent is also a good idea.
Pets are permitted on the trail to Manoa Falls but not in the Lyon Arboretum.
Although it feels like a world away, Manoa Valley is just 5 miles (3.1 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. The drive from Honolulu is less than 15 minutes or you can take the number 5 bus from the Ala Moana Center to Manoa Valley and get off at the last stop. The trip takes around 45 minutes.
Thanks to its ever-present rain, the Manoa Valley is beautifully lush all year round. Oahu has a consistently mild, tropical climate and generally, the best time to visit is outside of peak winter and summer seasons. The months of April, May, September, and October typically promise good weather and smaller crowds than during peak season.
Open every day from early morning to late night, the Manoa Marketplace offers a great selection of places to eat. One of the most popular is Le Crêpe Café, known for its wide range of savory and sweet crepes. Opposite the Marketplace, Andy’s Sandwiches & Smoothies is a 40-year-old local mainstay that specializes in breakfast, sandwiches, and pastries.
