The 14 Tallest Waterfalls In Hawaii Will Drop Your Jaw
When one thinks about Hawaii, there are a few things that undoubtedly come to mind: gorgeous white sand beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, lush jungles, and some of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls.
And while we love hanging out under short waterfalls that are easily accessible via hike as much as the next person, there’s something incredibly humbling about waterfalls that tower above the world – whether 150 feet or 2,900 feet. Here are 14 of the tallest waterfalls found throughout Hawaii, listed in order from the shortest to tallest, of course.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Just 20 minutes from Waikiki, Manoa Falls is a favorite amongst tourists. The 150-foot waterfall plunges down a vertical drop into a small pool below, and is a beautiful reminder that there is more to Honolulu than high-rise apartments and luxury resorts.
The first waterfall on our list may only be 151 feet tall, but it is one of Kauai’s most famous waterfalls, and is visible from the road, making it a popular tourist destination on Kuamoo Road between Lihue and Kapaa.
One of two waterfalls found along the gorgeous Pipiwai Trail in Halekala National Park, Makahiku Falls runs along the Oheo Gulch stream, and measures in at a modest 200 feet.
Found on Kauai’s rugged Na Pali Coast, access to this 300-foot beauty is only possible via a two-mile trek from Hanakapiai Beach that marks the start of the famous Kalalau Trail.
Another waterfall viewable from the Maui’s famous Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls cascades approximately 400 feet down a sheer lava rock wall, full of green vegetation.
Viewable via several lookout points along the loop trail within Akaka Falls State Park, this 442-foot gem is often considered to be one of Hawaii’s most recognizable – and accessible – waterfalls.
While you won’t be able to see the entire 1,080-foot Waiilikahi Falls from the base, found in the remote Waimanu Valley, those who dare to make the trek to this beautiful spot will be rewarded with views of a 300 to 400 foot plunge.
Measuring in at just more than 1,100 feet, Honokohau Falls is considered to be the tallest waterfall on Maui. Only viewable via a helicopter tour, this waterfall, which narrowly falls in two tiers, was famously featured in “Jurassic Park.”
Found deep in the heart of Molokai’s Papalaua Valley, this impressive waterfall cascades more than 1,250 feet, and is only visible from the ocean or air. With lush, green surroundings and five drops, this waterfall is a thing of pure wonder.
Located on Hawaii Island, Hiilawe Falls cascades 1,450 feet into the Waipio Valley on Lalakea Stream. Unfortunately, because the stream above the falls has been diverted for irrigation purposes, the waterfall is often dry – even during the rainy season.
Averaging more than 450 inches of rain each year, Mount Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on earth. As rain water makes its way down the 5,148 foot summit, innumerable streams are formed, known affectionately as the “wall of tears.”
Found in the remote and isolated Waimanu Valley on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast, accessible only via the treacherous Muliwai Trail, Waihilau Falls measures in at am impressive 2,600 feet.
A true Molokai gem, Pu’uka’oka comes in second place at more than 2,700 feet tall, and is the eighth highest waterfall in the world. And this stunning waterfall isn’t too far from the tallest waterfall in the state…
This beauty located on Molokai’s northern coast measures in at approximately 2,953 feet tall, and is considered to be the fourth tallest waterfall in the entire world. The seasonal waterfall is only visible from the ocean, or the air.
Aren’t these 14 waterfalls simply majestic? We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful island paradise.
