15 Best Waterfalls in Hawaii

Hey there my fellow lovers of adventure and welcome to my post where we will check out my 15 best waterfalls in Hawaii to cool off under this year. Hawaii has an abundance of waterfalls, each with its own unique charm and beauty. From the towering Akaka Falls to the serene Manoa Falls, there’s a waterfall for every type of traveler to explore.

One of the most popular waterfalls in Hawaii is Akaka Falls, located on the Big Island near Hilo. This waterfall is easily accessible and offers stunning views of the 442-foot cascade. Another must-see waterfall is Manoa Falls, located on Oahu. This waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. No matter which island you’re visiting, there’s sure to be a waterfall nearby that’s worth checking out.

Map Of Hawaii’s Best Waterfalls

Use this map to identify the location of the best waterfalls in Hawaii listed below:

Best Waterfalls in Hawaii

Hawaii is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, which are found all over the Hawaiian Islands. They are a result of the unique geography of Hawaii, which includes steep cliffs, deep valleys and abundant rainfall. Let’s check out some of the best, Island by Island.

Best Waterfalls on Oahu

Oahu is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in Hawaii. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing swim or a picturesque hike, there’s a waterfall for everyone on this island. Here are some of the best waterfalls on Oahu that you definitely shouldn’t miss:

1. Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is a popular hiking destination on Oahu that takes you through lush greenery and ends at a stunning 150-foot waterfall. The trail is relatively easy and takes about 60-90 minutes round-trip.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring some water and sunscreen. The views of Manoa Valley are breathtaking, and the waterfall is a sight to behold.

2. Lulumahu Falls

Lulumahu Falls is a hidden gem in Oahu that’s perfect for those looking for a bit of adventure. The trail is located in a dense bamboo forest and takes you through a stream and over some rocks to reach the waterfall.

The hike is about 2 miles round-trip and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The waterfall itself is about 50 feet tall and is surrounded by lush greenery.

3. Waimea Falls

Waimea Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls on Oahu and is located in Waimea Valley. The waterfall is 45 feet tall and is surrounded by a botanical garden and historic sites.

You can even jump into the water and take a refreshing swim. The trail to the waterfall is about 3/4 mile long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. My wife did this one whilst pregnant so I am going to put into the ‘easy to get to’ category for sure!

4. Kapena Falls

Kapena Falls is a lesser-known waterfall on Oahu that’s perfect for a quick dip on a hot day. The waterfall is located in a residential area and is only about 10 feet tall.

However the pool at the base of the waterfall is perfect for swimming and relaxing and the trail to it is short and easy, making it a great spot for families with kids.

Best Waterfalls on Maui

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dip, a scenic hike, or just a place to take some amazing photos, Maui’s waterfalls won’t disappoint. Here are some of the best waterfalls on Maui you should definitely check out:

5. Wailua Falls

Located just a short drive from the town of Hana, Wailua Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls on Maui. This 80-foot waterfall cascades down into a pool below, making it a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping.

You can also get great views of the falls from the lookout point above too.

6. Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is home to several beautiful waterfalls including the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. To reach the falls, you’ll need to hike the Pipiwai Trail, a 4-mile round trip trek through lush bamboo forests and past towering banyan trees.

The hike is moderate in difficulty, but the views of the falls and the surrounding landscape are well worth the effort.

7. Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is a scenic drive that winds along Maui’s northeastern coast, passing by dozens of waterfalls along the way. Some of the most popular stops include Twin Falls, a pair of cascading waterfalls that are perfect for a quick swim, and Rainbow Falls, a stunning 80-foot waterfall that gets its name from the rainbows that often appear in the mist.

8. Hana Highway

The Hana Highway is a 64-mile stretch of road that connects the town of Kahului with the town of Hana. Along the way, you’ll pass by dozens of waterfalls including the picturesque Pua’a Ka’a Falls, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a great spot for a picnic.

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Best Waterfalls on Kauai

Kauai is known for its stunning natural beauty, and its waterfalls are a big part of that. Here are some of the best waterfalls on Kauai that you won’t want to miss:

9. Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls on Kauai, and for good reason as this stunning waterfall drops 80 feet into a pool below, surrounded by lush greenery.

You can view the falls from a lookout point on the side of the road, or take a short hike down to the base of the falls for a closer look.

10. Hanakapiai Falls

The Hanakapiai Falls Trail is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes on Kauai. The 8-mile round trip trail takes you through lush jungle and across streams, leading you to the stunning Hanakapiai Falls.

The falls drop 300 feet into a pool below, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery.

11. Uluwehi Falls

Also known as Secret Falls, Uluwehi Falls is a hidden gem on Kauai as the falls are only accessible by kayak or paddleboard, but the journey is well worth it.

Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 100-foot waterfall surrounded by lush jungle.

12. Waialeale Waterfalls

The Waialeale Waterfalls are a series of cascading waterfalls that flow down the side of Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on earth.

The falls are only accessible by helicopter or hiking, but the views are absolutely breathtaking.

Hidden Gems: Waterfalls on Molokai

Molokai is known for its stunning waterfalls are no exception and whilst some are well-known and popular tourist destinations, there are also some hidden gems that are worth exploring. Here are a few of the best hidden gem waterfalls on Molokai:

13. Papalaua Falls

Papalaua Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is often overlooked by tourists. Located in the remote Halawa Valley, it is a bit of a trek to get to, but the journey is well worth it.

The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and is a peaceful spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of the island.

14. Manawaiopuna Falls

Manawaiopuna Falls is another hidden gem on Molokai. This waterfall is located in the heart of the island and is only accessible by helicopter.

While it may be a bit pricey to see this waterfall in this manner, the views from above are truly breathtaking and make it worth the cost. Also a tick in the box for those following landmarks from the Jurassic Park movies as well.

15. Olo’upena Falls

If you’re looking for a truly impressive waterfall, Olo’upena Falls is definitely worth a visit. This waterfall is located on the island of Molokai and is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, with a drop of over 2,953 feet.

To see this waterfall up close, you’ll need to take a helicopter tour or hike the challenging Kalaupapa Trail.

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Why Hawaii is Famous for Waterfalls

Hawaii is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, which are found all over the Hawaiian Islands. The waterfalls are a result of the unique geography of Hawaii which includes steep cliffs, deep valleys and abundant rainfall.

The islands of Hawaii are home to many different types of waterfalls, ranging from small cascades to towering falls that drop hundreds of feet. And as above, some of the most famous waterfalls in Hawaii include Akaka Falls on the Big Island, Hanakapiai Falls on Kauai, and Manoa Falls on Oahu.

One of the reasons why Hawaii is so famous for waterfalls is the sheer number of them. There are more than 100 named waterfalls on the islands, and many more that are unnamed. This means that no matter where you go in Hawaii, you are likely to find a beautiful waterfall to admire.

Safety Tips for Visiting Hawaii Waterfalls

When visiting Hawaii’s beautiful waterfalls, it’s important to take certain safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Follow all posted signs and warnings. Some waterfalls, such as Sacred Falls on Oahu, may be closed to the public due to safety concerns.
• Wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Many waterfall hikes involve uneven terrain and slippery rocks, so make sure you have sturdy shoes with good traction and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.
• Don’t climb on rocks or swim in areas where it’s prohibited. Akaka Falls on the Big Island, for example, has signs warning visitors not to climb on the rocks or swim in the pool at the base of the falls.
• Keep a safe distance from the edge of the waterfall and any steep drop-offs. It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of the falls, but it’s important to stay back and avoid any risky behavior.
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for falling rocks or other hazards. Hawaii’s waterfalls are constantly changing, so it’s important to stay alert and be prepared for the unexpected.

By following these simple safety tips, you can enjoy Hawaii’s stunning waterfalls while staying safe and avoiding any unnecessary risks.

FAQs

Conclusion

There you have it, my 15 best waterfalls in Hawaii. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is any other course you think I need to add.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul