Private Hike Honolulu: Manoa Falls or Kalawahine Trail

Pick your trail and walk it with a guide who knows the mountain

A private guided hike in Honolulu on either Manoa Falls Trail or Kalawahine Trail, both easy walks through mountain jungle with a live English-speaking guide. You choose the trail in advance so the operator can secure the permit. Manoa Falls runs 1 mile through a valley to a waterfall, while Kalawahine covers 1.5 miles at elevation with views toward Pearl Harbor and fewer crowds. Hikes run Monday to Friday only and take up to four hours. Water and ice are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private guided hike on chosen trail

• Choose Manoa Falls or Kalawahine Trail
• Drive to trailhead
• Hike along selected trail
• Observe plants, birds, and scenery
• Learn about local history and culture

The experience

The two trails sit at opposite ends of the Honolulu hiking spectrum. Manoa Falls Trail cuts through a valley famous for rain, following a 1-mile path through jungle to a waterfall. The trail has recently been reworked with more gravel than mud, and you'll likely encounter other hikers. Kalawahine Trail starts at about 1,500 feet (the operator drives you up), and runs 1.5 miles mostly flat through forest, passing pink guava and strawberry guava in season, layers of cinders from an old crater eruption, and views of the Leeward side toward Pearl Harbor. Kalawahine draws far fewer people and stays drier than Manoa Falls. You pick which one suits your day when you book, so the operator can obtain the permit from Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources in advance.

A guide walks the trail with you, pointing out native birds like the White-rumped Shama, identifying plants and trees, and explaining the history and culture of the area. Both trails are easy walking paths with no technical climbing. Kalawahine's elevation gain is handled by the drive up. The trail itself stays mostly level. You can turn back at any point on either route. The operator brings a cooler with ice and water for the hike.

Hikes run Monday through Friday only. The tour accommodates either a small group of 1 to 4 people or a larger group of 5 to 11, depending on which option you choose at checkout. Plan for up to four hours total.

What’s included

• Live English-speaking guide.
• water and ice in a cooler.
• pickup for the tour.
• permit from Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Options for this experience

2 options

Jungle Tour for 1 to 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timePickup is included for 1 to 4 people

Jungle Tour for 5 to 11 peopleUp to 11 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timePickup is included for 5 to 11 people

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Friday

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Custom Island Tours

Is this one for you?Pick Manoa Falls for a valley walk ending at a waterfall, or Kalawahine for ridge-top views and quieter terrain. Each trail offers a different landscape and crowd level.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Manoa Falls and Kalawahine trails?

Manoa Falls Trail is 1 mile through a valley in jungle, ending at a waterfall. It's popular and often crowded, and the valley gets heavy rain so the trail can be muddy. Kalawahine Trail is 1.5 miles at elevation with mostly flat terrain, passing native plants, bird species and views toward Pearl Harbor. It's quieter and stays drier, though the operator drives you to the trailhead at about 1,500 feet to start.

Can I turn back early if the hike feels too hard?

Yes. Both trails are easy walks, and you can turn back at any time on either route. Kalawahine is mostly flat despite starting at elevation, and Manoa Falls is a straightforward valley walk.

What birds and plants will I see on the hike?

The guide points out native birds including the White-rumped Shama, and identifies plants, trees, fruit and flowers along the trail. Kalawahine in particular has pink guava and strawberry guava when in season, and visible layers of cinders from an old crater eruption above the trail.

When can I book this hike?

Hikes run Monday through Friday only. You choose your trail when you book so the operator can purchase the permit from Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources in advance.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is included with this tour. The operator also drives you to the Kalawahine trailhead at elevation if you choose that trail.