Manoa Falls facts for kids
Manoa Falls is a beautiful 150-foot waterfall located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It's a popular spot for tourists who enjoy hiking the Manoa Falls Trail to see the amazing scenery. Swimming in the pool below the waterfall is not recommended because of a disease called Leptospirosis. This illness can cause flu-like symptoms. Near the waterfall, you can also visit the Lyon Arboretum, which helps protect many rare Hawaiian plants. The hike to Manoa Falls and back usually takes about one hour. It rains almost every day in this area, so the path can be muddy, and sometimes there can be sudden floods.
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About Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is found on the island of Oahu in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is located in the Manoa Valley. The waterfall is 150 feet tall and flows into a small pool of water. This beautiful waterfall is hidden in the Koolau mountains within a tropical rainforest. Because it's a rainforest, the area gets a lot of rain. This often makes the ground wet and muddy. The heavy rainfall also helps many plants grow near the falls. During the summer months, the waterfall might have less water. The busiest time for visitors is from summer to fall, before the rainy season starts in November and lasts until March.
Safety at Manoa Falls
Understanding Leptospirosis
It is not safe to swim in the pool at the bottom of Manoa Falls. This is because rocks can sometimes fall from above. Also, there is a type of bacteria called Leptospirosis in the water. This bacteria can cause serious flu-like symptoms. Leptospirosis is often found in fresh water, especially in warm, tropical places. In Hawaii, small animals like rats and mice can carry this disease. They can easily pass it to humans through their urine if it gets into the water.
Avoiding Accidents
The area around Manoa Falls can be dangerous, especially near the top of the waterfall. It is very important to stay on the marked trails. Do not try to climb to the top of the falls or go off the path. There have been accidents where people have fallen from the top of the waterfall. These falls can cause very serious injuries. Always follow safety signs and be careful, especially when the ground is wet and slippery from rain.
Plants and Nature
The Lyon Arboretum is located along the Manoa Falls Trail in the Manoa Valley. This special garden is home to more than 5,000 different kinds of plants. Some of the plants you can see there include heliconias, gingers, and many native Hawaiian plants. Many tourists visit the arboretum to enjoy nature. Scientists and students also go there for research and learning. The arboretum runs programs that work to save and bring back endangered native Hawaiian plants.
Parking Information
Parking is available at the start of the trail, at the very end of Manoa Road. There is a charge of $5 per car to park there. You will need to get a parking ticket from an attendant. After that, you go inside a building to pay for your ticket. Make sure to place your paid ticket where it can be easily seen on your car's dashboard.
See also
In Spanish: Cascada de Manoa para niños
