
Mike's Travel Adventures
Manana Ridge Trail
6.9 miles 1414ft elevation Out & Back Hard
The Manana Ridge Trail is a long, scenic ridgeline hike in central Oahu, offering stunning views of the Koʻolau Mountains, Waiʻanae Range, and Waimano Valley. This challenging but rewarding hike is perfect for those looking for a remote adventure with fewer crowds. The trail also leads to Waimano Falls as a shorter alternative. Long and strenuous. The full hike is over 13 miles RT, but you can turn around early. Be comfortable with heights. The hike starts at Manana Neighborhood Park, in Pearl City. The first mile is gradual, passing through guava trees, strawberry guava, and eucalyptus groves. You'll encounter some muddy sections and small wooden bridges over stream areas. Mid-Hike: After about 3 miles, the trail becomes narrower and steeper. You’ll see stunning views of Waimano Valley and the Koʻolau Range. The trail alternates between shaded forest and exposed ridgeline sections. The last 1.5 miles are the most difficult, featuring narrow ridge sections with ropes to assist. The summit offers 360° views of the windward side, Pearl Harbor, and Waiʻanae Range. On clear days, you can see all the way to Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoliʻi Island)! Descent & Return: The return is just as challenging due to mud and steep drops. The full hike takes about 7 to 9 hours round trip, depending on pace.
Tips for Hiking
Best Time: Early Morning.
Sunrise Start: Cooler temps, more daylight for the return.
Midday: Hot & exposed on the ridge.
Late Afternoon: Beautiful lighting but risky if you don’t have enough daylight left.
Avoid hiking after heavy rain: Mud makes ridge sections very dangerous.
Wear proper hiking boots: Ridge exposure & slippery sections.
Bring at least 3 liters of water: No water sources on the trail.
Use trekking poles: Helpful for steep and muddy descents.
Check weather before hiking: Ridge clouds can block views.
Thoughts from my Hike
This was a tough hike with a lot of fantastic views along the way. You will see the Waihee valley and many beautiful views of the ocean. The trail is well maintained for the most part until you get higher up, There is a nice spot along the way with a picnic table. A nice place to take a water break. Some steeper inclines here and there, but was definitely worth the effort and the weather cooperated with some very clear skies. The whole route is 6.9 mile, but I turned around a little past the 2.5 mile marker, making it a nice 5 mile hike.