Manoa Falls trail to reopen today

The Manoa Falls and Aihualama trails will reopen today , about two weeks after a rock slide forced their closures.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources completed a two-part survey after a boulder became dislodged, destabilizing several other rocks near where the two trails meet. The Sept. 21 rock slide also destabilized rock outcroppings above Manoa Falls and crushed fencing around a viewing platform.

Following aerial and ground inspections, DLNR crews determined the rock slide came from an ancient lava flow in the cliffs above the trails. They also found that another boulder field lower on the cliffs had been destabilized and could present additional hazards. A 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 rock-fall events remains,” said Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program’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.