Here Are 12 Breathtaking Waterfalls You Can Hike To In Hawaii

There are a few uniquely Hawaiian experiences everyone should have in the islands – whether you’ve lived here for years or are just flying over for a short vacation. One of those experiences is the liberating feeling of standing near a cascading waterfall only accessible on foot. Though the trails vary in length from 1.5 miles to more than ten, these12 awe-inspiring waterfalls all require a bit of hiking to reach the ultimate reward. Check out these unbelievable waterfall hikes near me in Hawaii! We promise you’ll love every minute of them.

Lulumahu Falls, Hawaii 61, Honolulu, HI, USA

Dylan/Flickr

Located off Pali Highway is this extraordinary waterfall hike. It comes complete with a trek through a bamboo forest, views of a stunning field and reservoir, the beauty of the Hawaiian jungle, and – of course – the jaw-dropping, 50-foot Lulumahu Falls. This hike does go through private property, so be sure to make reservations first for this stunning waterfall hike in Hawaii.

Hanakapiai Falls, Hawaii 96746, USA

Caitlin Marr/Flickr

Situated on Kauai’s fabled Na Pali Coast is Hanakapi’ai Falls, accessible only by a strenuous day hike. The trail is, in fact, the beginning of the 11-mile Kalalau Trail, but only takes you four miles in, past Hanakapi’ai Beach and up to the valley and approximately 300-foot cascading waterfall. This is absolutely one of the best waterfall hikes in Kauai, and you’ll be glad you put forth the effort to see this gorgeous tiered waterfall.

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Twin Falls Maui Waterfall, 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA

Blese/Flickr

Also known as Hololawa Falls, these twin waterfalls are the first notable attraction on Maui’s Hana Highway coming from the north. Many guidebooks will argue that the falls are not worth the hike, but we tend to disagree. While the falls are short, the picturesque pools are quite lovely. This is a great kid-friendly hike on Maui and there’s only about 347 feet of elevation gain. It’s a great short hike for a hot day!

Maunawili Falls, Hawaii 96734, USA

Owen and Aki/Flickr

This 3-hour hike 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 is quite refreshing – and there are several spots perfect to jump into the pool below. This is a great moderate hike for those who want to get out and stretch their legs. We love Maunawili Falls in Oahu, and many others do, too. To beat the crowds consider heading out earlier in the day.

Secret Falls Retreat, 5663 Ohelo Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA

Christopher/Flickr

Known to locals and visitors as Secret Falls, this is a popular day adventure on Kauai’s east side. The trailhead is located up the Wailua River, so you will need to either book a guided tour or rent kayaks or canoes. Once you reach the trail, it is a muddy, and often slippery, 45-minute hike to the falls, but it is worth every second. And the journey is half the fun, right? This is one of the best waterfall hikes in Wailua River State Park, so be prepared to share the trail with other adventurers.

Hiilawe Falls, Hawaii 96743, USA

Steve Kennedy/Flickr

With a main drop of more than 1,200 feet, and 1450 feet in total, Hiilawe Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Cascading into Waipio Valley, the waterfall flows only after periods of heavy rain and is accessible via hike or horseback ride. This waterfall hike in Waipio Valley is an absolute stunner, but the hike back can be brutal. If you’re looking for easier access to this view, consider seeing it from a helicopter!

Waipo'o Falls Trail, Hawaii 96796, USA

Andrew Murphy/Flickr

Located in the heart of Waimea Canyon is this 700-foot waterfall that only flows during the rainy season. The falls are viewable from the Waimea Canyon Trail, a 3.4-mile hike that offers stellar views of Waipo'o Falls and the jaw-dropping Kumuwela Lookout. This waterfall hike in Koke'e State Park is a big crowd pleaser. We think it’s a very family-friendly hike and the payoffs are amazing!

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Likeke Falls Trailhead, 45-550 Kionaole Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA

Out of Earth/Facebook

Located off of Oahu’s Old Pali Road is an impressive waterfall in the heart of the Ko’olau Mountains. The 5-mile hike begins at the Pali Lookout and, if you can find directions online, should only take about two hours. Likeke Falls Trail is a great kid-friendly hike in Oahu that’s short and sweet and fun to climb. The views don’t disappoint and you’ll see plenty of kids in the pools at the bottom of the falls.

Falls of Makahiku, Hawaii 96713, USA

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Amy Bibbings/Flickr

Both of these stunning waterfalls are located off Maui’s popular Pipiwai Trail, a 4-mile hike through lush rainforest and bamboo jungle. Makahiku Falls, just half a mile from the trailhead, cascades 180 feet down a fern-lined gorge, but Waimoku Falls is the true gem here: a 440-foot waterfall plummeting down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool below. Haleakala National Park in Maui is a wondrous place to explore and the Pipiwai Trail is no exception. There is a fee to enter, but it’s well worth the money to help keep this magical place in excellent condition.

Kalihiwai River, Hawaii 96754, USA

Lauren/Flickr

This multi-tiered waterfall near Princeville is technically only accessible via private excursion or visible from the Kalihiwai River Bridge, so proceed at your own risk towards the falls. The two-tiered waterfall in Maui is easy to love and you can enjoy the view from the bridge alone. You can book a guide to hike in or even a horseback ride to the base of the falls. It’s so beautiful you’ll find that it’s a popular spot for weddings.

Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA

Jongela19/Flickr

Just miles away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu is the lush Manoa Valley, and in it, the gorgeous Manoa Falls — a 150-foot tall waterfall accessible after a short 1.6-mile round-trip hike. This very easy trail in Oahu is a dream to hike. You only need to budget an hour to complete it and it’s close to Honolulu.

Wai‘ilikahi Falls, Hawaii 96743, USA

Attack on Memory/Flickr

Located in the Waimanu Valley is this impressive, and extremely difficult to get to, 1,000-foot waterfall. For those who are advanced hikers, the falls is accessible via the 9-mile Muliwai Trail, which requires hiking a series of switchback trails to reach the serene valley. Plan a multi-day hike for this epic waterfall hike in Hawaii, and you’ll need camping permits before you head out. But the payoff? Stunning views of a 1,000-foot waterfall that’s frequently bathed in rainbows. We say suit on up and head on out!

Have you visited any of these waterfall hikes near me in Hawaii? Which one is your favorite? Is there any we missed that need to go on the list? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for some great waterfall views that are easy to access? Here are seven easy-access Hawaii waterfalls that are perfect for an adventure.