9 Gorgeous Hawaii Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required
The Hawaiian Islands are full of magnificent waterfalls, and while all of the islands’ awe-inspiring waterfalls are gorgeous, some are less accessible than others. Kauai’s Manawaiopuna Falls, which was used in the filming of Jurassic Park is only visible via helicopter. Maui’s Waimoku Falls, a place of pure magic, is only accessible via a four-mile hike on the Pipiwai Trail. Luckily for us, there are also a few easily accessible waterfalls throughout Hawaii hiding in plain site – here are 9 of them.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Located within Haleakala National Park near the Pipiwai Trailhead, these beautiful stream-fed pools are also known as the seven sacred pools. There are more than seven pools, and they aren’t sacred – rumor has it that a local hotel owner coined the name in order to attract more visitors to his establishment.
Cascading 442 feet into a lush, tropical jungle is perhaps Hawaii’s greatest waterfall. Located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is Akaka Falls, a place of pure paradise flowing from the Kolekole Stream. To view the falls, visitors take a short stroll leading through a jungle of banana plants, towering bamboo groves and lush orchids.
This waterfall is one of many that is produced by the Hanawi Stream on its nine-mile path to the ocean. The falls are viewable from the bridge, and because the stream is spring-fed, there is almost always water flow.
Located just north of Wailua Falls, Opaekaa is another Kauai waterfall that you can simply drive to. The falls are modest in height, but after periods of heavy rain, the flow is simply remarkable. Opaekaa translates to “rolling shrimp” in Hawaiian, supposedly named because the stream was full of shrimp at one point.
Makapipi Falls is visible from the Road to Hana, and is unique in that the waterfall plummets into a striking blue pool. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day.
A short trail from the parking lot offers views from the waterfall’s summit, and if you visit on a sunny morning, you might experience how the falls got its name – waianuenue means rainbow in Hawaiian.
Wailua Falls flows from Honolewa Stream, and is visible from the highway. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base.
While these falls may not be overly documented, and only appear when it is raining heavily, it's quite the pleasant surprise to see these gorgeous falls on your drive across H-3.
Also known as Three Bears falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall.
Which of these waterfalls is your favorite? If you want more waterfall adventures, be sure to check out these 12 waterfall hikes, and don’t forget to add Kauai’s Weeping Wall to your Hawaii bucket list.
