Posted in Hawaii January 28, 2021 by

These 9 Waterfalls In Hawaii Will Take Your Breath Away

From towering cascades you can only witness via helicopter tour to short waterfalls that cascade into small pools you can swim in, the waterfalls you’ll find across the Hawaiian Islands are truly remarkable. And whether you’re enjoying an intense, eight-mile day hike or pulling into a parking lot on the side of the highway, these 9 gorgeous waterfalls in Hawaii are positively magical and should be added to your Hawaii outdoors bucket list at once.

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1. Sacred Falls, Oahu
Edmund Garman/Flickr
While this impressive waterfall has been closed to the public for more than ten years due to a dangerous and geologically unstable canyon, it is still visible by air tour.
2. Akaka Falls, Big Island
Steve Dunleavy/Flickr
Cascading 442 feet down a lush cliff face, this waterfall is wildly popular due to the easy, paved trail down to the falls.
3. Waimoku Falls, Maui
Shiny Things/Flickr
This fall may be extremely difficult to get to – we’re talking a three to five-hour hike – but the view is totally worth it to see Maui’s largest waterfall.
4. Hanakapiai Falls, Kauai
Paul Bica/Flickr
Situated on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai, this beautiful waterfall is accessible by a strenuous day hike – and can be done without a permit.
5. Papalaua Falls, Molokai
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Within a cluster of seven waterfalls on the island of Molokai is Papalaua, falling at least 1,200-feet from the top of the Kawai Nui Stream.
6. Waianuenue Falls, Big Island
James Walsh/Flickr
A short trail from the parking lot offers views from the waterfall’s summit, and if you visit on a sunny morning, you might experience how the falls got its name – waianuenue means rainbow in Hawaiian.
7. Wailua Falls, Kauai
Donna S/Flickr
Though this waterfall boasts a modest 80-foot peak, it features a unique two-stream plunge, and visitors can drive right up to the top of the falls.
8. Waipoo Falls, Kauai
Kanaka Menehune/Flickr
Located in the heart of the Waimea Canyon, this 700-foot waterfall only flows during the rainy season, but I still think it’s too gorgeous to pass up.
9. Ko'olau Mountain Range, Oahu
Dawn Easterday/Flickr
While these falls may not be overly documented, and only appear when it is raining heavily, it is quite a pleasant surprise to see these gorgeous falls on your drive across H-3.

In a state with arguably the highest density of waterfalls in the United States, it is hard to limit this list, so tell us, which other waterfalls in Hawaii would you add to this list? What is your favorite Hawaiian waterfall? Perhaps it is one of These 11 Hawaiian Waterfalls That Will Have You Daydreaming About Your Next Adventure? Sound off in the comments below!

Address: Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Waterfalls In Hawaii

February 11, 2021
Megan Shute

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. In fact, we even created a waterfall road trip that meanders down this well-known highway and stops at nine waterfalls in 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!

What is the tallest Hawaii waterfall?

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. It’s tucked away on the remote northern coast of Molokai, flows seasonally, and 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. The trail to Hawaii Island’s famous 442-foot Akaka Falls is short and sweet, and though short in stature, Waimea Falls on the island of Oahu is not only tucked away in a picturesque botanical garden but you can actually swim there. We’re also secretly obsessed with Kauai’s Uluwehi Falls, which requires not only a hike but a kayak excursion as well.

Address: Hawaii, USA