I understand the trailhead at Manoa Falls is within walking distance of the city bus routes. However, I can't seem to pinpoint which bus to take on their website. I'm sure the bus drivers will help when I get there, but I'd like to have the route in mind. Anyone have any ideas how to get there by bus, and how much time it might take? Thanks!!

Hi Kopp. I recall taking the Bus from Ala Moana Center to mid-Manoa a few years ago and I think it took 20-30 minutes, although you would need to go a bit farther to this stop. According to my reference, "Driving and Discovering O'ahu" you can take the #5 from Ala Moana to Manoa, and get off at Paradise Park. You might want to check the author's website, discoveringhawaii.com, for updates. I did this hike once, about 20 years ago. It is steep and can be muddy and there are a lot of rocks and tree roots. The book has a representative picture of the trail if you want to check it out. The day I went it had rained upslope and the fall was gushing like a fire hose, an awesome but not pretty sight--brown water that we couldn't get close to at all. You can certainly get a taste of rainforest Hawai'i on the trail.

Hi again. I just looked at your other posts--you are researching for your daughter, right? The Bus website no doubt has info about multi-day passes that are available at ABC stores, very handy. I think O'ahu overall is very safe and the Bus itself is safe. But she might want to avoid being at a rural stop after dark. (that's probably self-evident, but thought I'd mention it.) Hope they have a great trip!

Our daughter attends UH-Manoa and loathes riding the bus at night, apparently she has had many encounters with after-dark wackos. Day riding OK, take a cab at night.

To aloha: Thanks for the tip about discoveringhawaii.com. Great website. Wish we'd seen it earlier. (The girls leave tomorrow!) I'll pass along the night bus riding alert, also. Can never be too careful! Thanks!

I don't think the bus goes back very close to the area. I wouldn't want to walk it.