Hawaii is undoubtedly a magical land full of unsurpassed natural beauty, and some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world. And while places like Maui’s Hana Highway are littered with waterfalls, you’ll find quite a few stunning cascades just outside the bustling capital city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. To celebrate Hawaii’s incredible waterfalls, we’ve come up with the ultimate Oahu waterfalls road trip, which combines two of our favorite things: waterfalls, and road trips.

At less than 70 miles and just under two hours, this road trip will take you to seven of Oahu’s best waterfalls. Unfortunately, there aren’t many waterfalls in Oahu you can drive to and still easily visible from the road, which means that many of these waterfalls require a substantial hike. While the entire trip is possibly completed in one (very long) day, you will more than likely want to split up these adventures and tackle the “road trip” over the course of a long weekend. When getting ready for your adventure, be sure to use our ultimate road trip packing list so that you have everything you need!

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1. Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Edmund Garman/Flickr
You’ll start your morning at one of the most popular hikes on the island. Manoa Falls is approximately 150 feet tall, and the short 1.6-mile road trip hike is easily completed in about an hour. Unfortunately, a massive landslide in 2002 forced the state to rope off the actual pool, but it is well worth the trip.
2. Kapena Falls
Kapena Falls Trailhead, 2302 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Jennifer Boyer/Fickr
Located near the Nu’uanu Memorial Park is this swimming hole that requires only a short walk to reach the modest 20-foot waterfall. Follow the road from the park toward a small traffic circle, and then head left — there is a small parking lot near the dead end, and the trailhead is on the left, unmarked.
3. Waikahalulu Falls
Lili?uokalani Botanical Garden, 123 N Kuakini St, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
City and County of Honolulu
Located within Liliuokalani Botanical Garden is this lovely — albeit quite small — urban waterfall that cascades a little more than 10 feet over a wide rock bed in a picnic setting. Though the falls aren’t necessarily impressive, we’re including them on this list simply due to easy accessibility.

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4. Lulumahu Falls
Lulumahu Falls, Hawaii 61, Honolulu, HI, USA
Leonard S. Jacobs / Flickr
The 40-minute hike to the waterfall will lead you through a bamboo forest, a beautiful hillside and reservoir, and a lush, verdant jungle before reaching the magnificent waterfall. Don’t forget to get your free permit so you don’t get in trouble while hiking in this slice of paradise!
5. Waipuhia Falls
Waipuhia Falls, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Bigjake392/TripAdvisor
Known as the Upside Down Waterfall, Waipuhia is visible on the right side of the road when driving eastbound on Pali Highway. If the conditions are right — which they rarely are — the waterfall appears as though it is suspended upside down, never quite hitting the ground.
6. Maunawili Falls
Maunawili Falls, Hawaii 96734, USA
Owen and Aki/Flickr
Here’s where you’ll want to make a decision — you can either take on the challenge of completing this three-hour hike, or continue north to our last stop and save this trail for another day.

The trail is quite muddy after it rains, and hikers will need to cross the riverbank several times during the hike, though the resulting waterfall and swimming hole are quite refreshing — and there are several spots perfect to jump into the pool below.
7. Waimea Falls
Waimea Falls, North Shore, HI 96712, USA
Thomas Shahan/Flickr
Located within Waimea Valley is this charming waterfall, perfect for a family swim. Visitors will have to pay an entrance fee for the botanical garden, but once inside, the paved stroll to the waterfall is quick and features a changing room, available life jackets, and lifeguards on duty.

This list is by no means a comprehensive list of Oahu waterfalls — which others would you add to this list? When are you going to take the ultimate tour of Oahu waterfalls? For a shorter scenic drive on the island of Oahu, check out this ten-mile stretch of highway on the southeastern shore that stops at some mighty gorgeous spots — from beaches to lookout points!

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More to Explore

Hawaii Waterfalls

Megan Shute | September 28, 2020

What is the tallest Hawaii waterfall?

The tallest Hawaii waterfall is Oloupena Falls. A few facts about the cascading falls include:

  • Measuring in at a whopping 2,953 feet tall, Oloupena Falls is not only the tallest Hawaii waterfall but is also considered to be the fourth tallest waterfall in the entire world!
  • This seasonal cascade is tucked away on the remote northern coast of Molokai
  • It is only visible from the ocean or the air

 

What are the best waterfall hikes in Hawaii? 

It’s true that while you’ll find several Hawaii waterfalls hiding in plain sight — no hiking required — there are even more that are found off-the-beaten-path and only accessible via hiking trails.

 

Which Hawaiian Island has the most waterfalls? 

While each of the main Hawaiian Islands is home to cascading waterfalls, there is perhaps nowhere will you find a greater selection of easy-to-find falls than off Maui’s notorious Hana Highway. Did you know:

  • Only In Your State has created a waterfall road trip that meanders down this well-known highway
  • The road trip stops at nine waterfalls
  • The route covers just 44 miles

And who knows, you may just spot another waterfall or two along the way worthy of pulling over for. Don’t forget your camera — you're going to want to take a million and one photographs!

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