The payoff at the end of the hike, Manoa Falls. It is a slippery, but beautiful trek through the rainforest, ending at this picturesque waterfall. The trail used to go right down to the pool, but after some rock fall injuries at a nearby waterfall, the authorities have signed off getting that close. We also noticed a huge mesh net up the hill, designed to catch any falling rocks before they hit the crowd.
One of the closest hikes to Waikiki, besides the very popular Diamond Head Hike, is the Manoa Falls Hike. It is a family friendly, 1.8mile roundtrip hike through a lush rainforest. Once you enter the jungle, you instantly feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. And the surroundings also might look familiar, if you are a fan of the TV show Lost, or the first Hunger Games movie. This was the rainforest setting for both. Huge fern line the stream, while tall trees form a canopy above. Sturdy shoes are very helpful, since it is almost always muddy and slippery on the trail. But if you make it all the way to the end, a 150ft waterfall is the payoff.
We used to walk down to the pool and play in the water, but now they are blocked that area off. There is a risk of disease, Leptospirosis, and also rock fall, but I think the risk is minimal. But today we played it safe, we just took some photos and walked back. We did have a to swat a few mosquitos on the way, but the hike was totally worth it.
After getting most of the mud off. Dan and I went to find the last authentic Tiki bar restaurant on the island for our final lunch of the trip. La Mariana is a tough place to find. You certainly won't just happen across it. It is way out on Sand Island, down a dirt path between two freight yards. There is a beautiful private marina which the restaurant sits overlooking. We were one of the first tables to sit, but only one overwhelmed waitress was at work, so it took awhile. But we werent in a hurry. We compiled all of our notes from our recon, and sipped on a tiki drink, before enjoying a wonderful meal. Then it was off to the airport with a smile on our face.
Near the beginning of our hike, this shipping container doubles as a sturdy bridge, and a makeshift art canvas.
This leads you deeper into the jungle. Its hard to believe that just a few minutes ago we were driving in the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, and now we have been transported to this lush landscape.
The open door of the container bridge plays host to a few hundred stickers from hiking enthusiast.
If you are looking for Manoa Falls trail, you have come to the right place.
Birds nest ferns grow up in the towering trees here in the rainforest. They are a type of epiphyte, or air plant, that can live on other trees.
The trail winds its way through tall trees, next to a gurgling creek. The recent rains did make the footing pretty slick and difficult.
This arch in the aerial roots of a strangler fig have been part of this trail for decades. Now the trail has veered off around them, so you can only find this spot by taking a short offshoot of the trail. Most people walk right by this now.
Little waterfalls and big ferns lead us deeper into the rainforest.
It is no wonder that Hollywood has come here to film. Parts of Lost and the Hunger Games were filmed here.
Some sturdy steps have been put into the trail here, which helps greatly on these wet days.
Coming around the corner, we get our first glimpse of Manoa Falls. We did see quite a few other folks on the trail today. Being so close to Waikiki, it is a pretty easy trail to get to. Just a short Uber ride away.
Some big albizia trees getting undercut by the stream.
A look into the last remaining authentic Tiki Bar on the island.
The view from our tiki bar, La Mariana, where we celebrated with lunch and drinks after a successful scouting trip.
Check out the entrance to the tiki bar restaurant. This old car was so cool.
You really have to be in the know to find this spot. Way out on Sand Island, at its own private marina, La Mariana stands as the most authentic Tiki bar on Oahu. Just don't order a zombie if you have anywhere to go after.
As always, keep traveling and keep posting.
-Dai Mar
