These 13 Waterfall Swimming Holes In Hawaii Are Perfect For A Summer Day
Here at Only In Hawaii, we’ve talked about waterfalls, and we’ve talked about swimming holes, but now we’re combining the two and giving you our exclusive list of 13 of the greatest waterfall swimming holes across the islands – from spots found only from hiking through the deep jungle of Oahu’s windward coast, to various scenic spots visible from Maui’s breathtaking Hana Highway.
Because these incredible destinations are fed waterfalls, it is important to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding, and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaii’s natural pools. It is advised that you check weather reports and ocean conditions before heading out for the day, never swim in these pools when you have open wounds and to always watch your step.
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.
Perhaps one of Oahu’s most stunning hidden waterfalls, this trek through the mud is never uphill for too long and offers the opportunity to jump in a beautiful waterfall at the end.
Often referred to as Secret Falls, this beautiful waterfall will require substantial work to reach – but we think it’s totally worth it. Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. Then, you have to complete the 45-minute hike through the muddy jungle to reach the falls.
Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and you’ve got one of Maui’s local hangouts. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream.
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.
A short hike within the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside will reward you with a relatively secluded and picturesque waterfall, cascading into the delightful pool below. Another stop on Maui’s Road to Hana, Pua’a Ka’a translates to “rolling pig” in Hawaiian.
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.
Located off Pali Highway is this extraordinary waterfall hike – 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.
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.
Located just a mile upstream of Rainbow Falls on the Wailua River, Pe’epe’e Falls feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution.
As you are driving on Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is these twin waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike.
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.
Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? Why not go on one of our perfectly planned waterfall road trips – with itineraries for both Oahu and Maui.
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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.
