Manoa Falls reopening to public, commerical access

The Manoa Falls and Aihualama trails will reopen to public and commercial access Monday after a rockslide closed them more than two weeks ago.

The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources completed a two-part survey at Manoa Falls after a large boulder estimated at 30 feet in diameter became dislodged, destabilizing several other rocks in the area where the two trails meet. The Sept. 21 rockslide also destabilized multiple rock outcroppings above Manoa Falls and crushed fencing around a viewing platform.

Following aerial and ground inspections, DLNR crews determined the rockslide came from an ancient lava flow in the cliffs above the Manoa Falls Trail, while another boulder field lower on the cliffs had also destabilized and could present additional hazards. An outside contractor was hired to dislodge loose rocks near the viewing platform and clear debris, which allowed the state to reopen the trails. Nine people were cited by DLNR for being in a closed area while repairs were made.

“Although the trails have been stabilized, the possibility for future rockfall events remains,” said DLNR’s Aaron Lowe in a release announcing the reopening. “We want everyone heading up to the very popular Manoa Falls to use caution and to avoid the trails immediately after heavy rains and flash flooding events.”

While no official plans were announced, DLNR says it “hopes to conduct additional hazard mitigation work” and improve alignment of the trail in the future.