Manoa Cliff Trail Might Be One Of The Most Beautiful Short-And-Sweet Hikes To Take In Hawaii

For those who love nothing more than a day on the trails, you'll find some of the best hikes in Hawaii -- and they come in all shapes and sizes (and, of course, lengths). Long hikes have their time and place, but often, a quick and easy trail is all you need. If you're in the mood to get outside and enjoy breathtaking scenery without carving out an entire day, look no further than Manoa Cliff Trail. This short-and-sweet Honolulu gem is under three miles, but it manages to pack in so many awe-inspiring sights, and is, in our opinion, easily one of the best hikes in Hawaii.

At just 2.8 miles long, Manoa Cliff Trail reminds us of all the reasons we love living in Hawaii -- despite its short distance. Jungle-like greenery, scenic overlooks, and towering peaks are just some of the views you'll enjoy.

Patches of bamboo forest are spaced throughout the trail, their unique landscape offering a nice change of pace. Hearing the wind whistle through the bamboo is an experience you'll never forget.

Though it features an elevation gain of nearly 900 feet, the hike is on the easier side. That means you'll have ample energy to marvel at the lush vegetation flourishing everywhere you look.

Certain parts of the trail can be precarious, skirting the cliffside a little too closely at times. Just be careful, but don't let this brief stretch serve as a deterrent -- double rainbows are not uncommon sightings at this exact spot!

If your legs are burning from the uphill climb, rest-assured there's a bench not too far from the trailhead. It's placed right in front of what is, perhaps, the most breathtaking view along the entire trail, so sit for a while and marvel at the expansive vistas.

Sweeping panoramas of Honolulu and the deep blue ocean are like icing on the cake. It's hard to tell where the sky ends and water begins, especially on a gorgeous, relatively cloud-free day.

Rugged bluffs jut out every which way, looking down over the valley. Just how far up you are becomes apparent at this point, and it's a terrifyingly beautiful feeling.

Several trails connect to Manoa Cliff, so feel free to make it a longer hike. Either way, you're in for a real treat!

Have you ever hiked Manoa Cliff Trail? If so, what's your favorite thing about it -- do you agree that it is one of the best hikes in Hawaii? Let us know in the comments below - we love hearing from you!

Looking for more of the best hikes in Hawaii? Be sure to check out our previous article for another easy hike: The Beautiful Ohai Loop Trail Is An Easy 1.2-Mile Hike In Hawaii That’s Great For Beginners And Kids.