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Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,239 Google reviews · Running trail in Honolulu, Hawaii · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Tropical rainforest featuring hiking trails & access to the famous Manoa Falls waterfall.
What runners say about Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve
“It's a beautiful, shady hike that goes through a forest of trees and bamboo.”
Manoa Falls: Just a great hike to the waterfall. Make sure you are wearing good hiking shoes as it is uphill all the way in and the opposite on the way out. We did it in the rain and were pretty soaked when we got back! After all it is in a Rain Forest. Remember its a bit slippery in areas when wet.
We were hiking Ka'au Crater Hiking Trail. Got lucky and got one of the 5 parking spots near the trailhead. Otherwise you park in the neighborhood and walk. I advise following the pipe if you're doing the waterfall trail. We didn't and failed.
Parking just outside the gate and the trail is directly to your right. Little difficult to follow the trail at some points but for the most part, trailblazers before me have marked the trail with tape and ribbons. It's a beautiful, shady hike that goes through a forest of trees and bamboo.
Probably one of the most epic Hikes in Oahu. It's also called K2. Lots of climbing using ropes. Not much mud... probably because didn't rain much in 2 days. It's a 9 mile hike. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Took me about 5 hours with a good pace and not many breaks.
Trail conditions & character
“The waterfall is okay, you can't get down close to it because they have it blocked off with signs.”
“A little rocky tho, wouldn't recommend wearing Crocs if you have flat feet like me :) (at least put it in sport mode).”
“Parking just outside the gate and the trail is directly to your right.”
“there's no paved trail or anything, and much of it is muddy and wet.”
Plan your run at Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitedlnr.hawaii.gov
- Phone+1 808-587-0400
Running trails near Honolulu
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
ʻAihualama Trail
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This short waterfall trail connects to the Pauoa Flats Trail & the Manoa Falls Trail.
Mānoa Falls Trail
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This picturesque rainforest trail leading to Mānoa Falls has appeared in several movies.
Trailhead for Kolowalu and Puʻu Pia Trails
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Serene, hilly trail with uneven paths through tropical terrain with abundant birdlife & views.
Kalawahine Trail
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Hiking area in a jungle setting with scenic views, good for kids.
Makiki Valley Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 139 reviews
Hiking area featuring tropical vegetation, mosquitoes, and scenic views.
