The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Hawaii Who Loves Waterfall Hikes
There is little better than watching a waterfall cascade into the pool below — except maybe wading into the water yourself after a nice hike. Found across the Hawaiian Islands in dense jungles and forests are these 14 incredible cascades only accessible via hiking trail. These dreamy destinations are truly the best of the best and must be added to your Hawaii hiking bucket list as soon as possible. What are you waiting for? Adventure is calling at the best waterfall hikes in Hawaii.
If you’re looking for hiking trails near me and you’re on Oahu, nestled into the Ko’olau Mountain Range on the island of Oahu is the trail to Maunawili Falls, a stunning 3-mile trek that climbs more than 1,200 feet above sea level. It rewards hikers with a picturesque spring-fed pool at the end of a strenuous trail through the mountains. While the waterfall is short — measuring in at only 25 feet — crystalline waters and lush foliage invite you to take it easy at this off the beaten path swimming hole. Cascading down an angled rock into the pool below, this mountainside swimming hole promises a summer adventure you won't soon forget.
As you are driving along Maui’s Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is this picturesque string of waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. A short 15 to 30-minute walk along a dirt path will lead you through a lush forest — full of magnificent foliage. Reminiscent of a fantasy world, this gorgeous spot features two absolutely dreamy waterfalls and a pool below. The waterfalls themselves might be short — and many guidebooks overlook the pools for other more accessible attractions — but the picturesque pools and cascading waterfalls are well worth the short hike. Read about why
Often known as Secret Falls to locals and visitors alike for some unknown reason (the waterfall is in no way a secret, at least not anymore), the journey to this remote waterfall is a popular day adventure on Kauai’s east side. Requiring a kayaking trip as well as a muddy hike, Uluwehi Falls is as remote as it gets, and the 100-foot Uluwehi Falls plunges into a pool below, the perfect spot for a quick swim or picnic lunch before starting the journey back to the river.
Tucked away off of Oahu’s Pali Highway in the lush Nu’uanu Valley, is a magnificent natural oasis that will certainly offer a welcome respite from the stresses of daily life. You’ll find a trail so far removed from society that you might — on a weekday — be hiking on your own for quite some time. While the trail to Lulumahu Falls can be difficult to follow at times, making it easy to get lost, there are four major points of interest: a beautiful bamboo forest, the Nu’uanu Reservoir and surrounding field, the nearby Kaniakapupu ruins, and of course, a stunning waterfall cascading into a boulder-strewn stream. This scenic hike on Oahu is a must-see if you’re visiting the island.
Maui’s famous Hana Highway stretches approximately 64 miles along the coast and is populated by countless striking waterfalls. And of all these incredible waterfalls, Upper Waikani Falls might just be the prettiest. Many tourists come across the waterfall, snap a photo, and continue on with their journey, but the best views of this striking waterfall await when you climb under the bridge and follow a short, steep jungle path to the base of the waterfall — when the falls are flowing at a safe rate, that is.
Situated along Kauai’s fabled Na Pali Coast is Hanakapi’ai Beach and Falls, accessible only via a strenuous, eight-mile round trip day hike. Don’t let the mileage scare you off — the hike to Hanakapiai is an absolute must-experience for anyone who isn’t experienced enough to tackle the famous Kalalau Trail. The journey to reach this unspoiled Hawaiian paradise will surely take all day, but is well worth the effort and makes for an epic day trip. This magnificent waterfall is something out of your wildest dreams — or maybe even Jurassic Park. The flowing water cascades nearly 300-feet down a fern-covered rock wall into a shimmering pool of water. If you’re looking for scenic hikes in Hawaii, it truly doesn’t get better than this.
Nestled on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii Island just eight miles north of Hilo, the breathtaking National Tropical Botanical Garden attracts photographers, gardeners, botanists, scientists, and nature lovers from across the world. It is also home to peaceful paths and the small but stunning Onomea Falls.
Hawaiian waterfalls are a dime a dozen, but the tiered Makaleha Falls is easily one of the most impressive and secluded cascades in the Aloha State. Nestled near Kapa’a at the end of Kaiwahau Road, this 2.5-mile, lightly trafficked trail is not for the hiking novice, but rather those who have quite a bit of experience hiking through the Hawaiian jungle.
Looking for a kid-friendly hikes around Oahu? Nestled on the windward side of Oahu below the stunning Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, this secluded two-tiered waterfall is downright dreamy — and it’s not terribly difficult to find, either! With an elevation gain of just 428 feet over 1.5 miles when accessed via the Ko’olau Golf Club, this heavily trafficked out and back trail is perfect for hikers of all skill levels — including keiki. With picturesque views, a jaw-dropping waterfall, and a fun and muddy trail, Likeke Falls should definitely be added to your Hawaii hiking bucket list.
Located in western Kauai, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and though the expansive canyon is not as big – or as old – as its Arizona cousin, you will surely never experience anything quite like this geological wonder in Hawaii. Take the Canyon Trail for unforgettable views — and a glimpse at the striking Waipo’o Falls.
Just miles from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu is the lush Manoa Valley, and this beautiful 2-mile round trip hike through bamboo and banyan trees leads to a picturesque 150-foot waterfall — and in only 30-45 minutes one way. Unfortunately, a massive landslide in 2002 forced the state to rope off the actual pool, but the views alone are well worth the trip.
This short and sweet trail within the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside will reward adventurous tourists and locals with a relatively secluded and picture-perfect waterfall cascading into a crystalline turquoise pool and trickling waterfall that is, unfortunately, dependent on rainfall. For less than half a mile of easy hiking, the destination surely is worth the effort it takes to get there.
Have you hiked any of these best waterfall hikes in Hawaii? Which of these waterfall hikes is your favorite? Sound off in the comments below, and then join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group to discover more incredible waterfalls and other natural oases.
If you’re not into hiking, but still want to get up close and personal with Hawaii’s waterfalls, check out these 9 cascades hiding in plain sight.
Address: Hawaii, USA
Address: Twin Falls Maui Waterfall, 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Address: 'Opaeka'a Falls, Wailua Homesteads, HI 96746, USA
Address: Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Address: Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781, USA
Address: Waimea Canyon Drive, Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI, USA
Address: Pua'a Ka'a Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Address: 7290 Kahuna Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
Address: Likeke Falls Trailhead, 45-550 Kionaole Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Address: Maunawili Falls, Hawaii 96734, USA
Address: Lulumahu Falls, 4459 HI-61, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Address: Hanakapiai Falls, Hawaii 96746, USA
Address: Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Waterfall Hikes In Hawaii
May 06, 2022
Megan McDonald
What is the biggest waterfall on Hawaii?
The tallest waterfall on Hawaii is Pu’uka’oku Falls on the island of Molokai. It falls a majestic 2,756 feet into the ocean below. This waterfall is actually one of the tallest waterfalls in all the world!
Which island in Hawaii has the most waterfalls?
All of the islands have a number of waterfalls. Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, has a significant amount of waterfalls due to the high levels of rain on the island. But Molokai has some of the tallest waterfalls in the islands (and the world!) and the Big Island has a number of famous, named waterfalls to visit.
Address: Hawaii, USA
Address: Twin Falls Maui Waterfall, 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Address: 'Opaeka'a Falls, Wailua Homesteads, HI 96746, USA
Address: Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Address: Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, 27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781, USA
Address: Waimea Canyon Drive, Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI, USA
Address: Pua'a Ka'a Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Address: 7290 Kahuna Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
Address: Likeke Falls Trailhead, 45-550 Kionaole Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Address: Maunawili Falls, Hawaii 96734, USA
Address: Lulumahu Falls, 4459 HI-61, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Address: Hanakapiai Falls, Hawaii 96746, USA
Address: Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
