16 Best Waterfalls In Oahu
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The Hawaiian island of Oahu is perhaps best known for its natural beauty, it’s therefore no surprise that there are a number of incredible waterfalls to experience here.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a fun and adventurous day trip, these waterfalls are sure to leave you in awe.
1. Manoa Falls
🥾 Entry Price: Free 🚗 Parking: $5 🩳 Swimming Permitted: No
Manoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall set against a backdrop of lush vegetation. Located just a 20-minute drive from Honolulu, this is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu.
Since it’s easily accessible, it’s one of the most popular and busy waterfalls on the island.
This hike to Manoa Falls is approximately 1.7 miles in total with only the last 100 yards of so considered to be challenging as a result of the elevation gain and rocky terrain.
The trail to Manoa Falls can get muddy if it has been raining a lot, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty!
However, it’s a worthwhile challenge as once you arrive here you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the incredible waterfall.
2. Waimea Falls
🥾 Entry Price: $25 Adults, $18 Students & Seniors, $14 Children 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Waimea Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Oahu. Located on the North Shore of Oahu in Waimea Falls Park & Botanical Gardens, this waterfall can be accessed through a beautiful, scenic trail.
The area is managed by Hi’ipaka, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of Hawaiian nature and culture.
As such entry prices here are higher when compared to some of the other waterfalls in the area. However, don’t let that put you off visiting as this place is like a real-life Jurassic Park.
The walk from the entrance to Waimea Falls is roughly one mile through the lush botanical gardens filled with oversized tropical plants.
Swimming is permitted in the pool beneath the 45-foot waterfall, however, life jackets must be worn.
3. Maunawili Falls
🥾 Entry Price: Free 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Tucked away in the Maunawili Valley, just a 20-minute drive from Honolulu is the 20-foot Maunawili Falls.
This waterfall is home to one of the best waterfall hikes in Oahu. The journey is 2.5 miles round trip and relatively challenging.
The hiking route can get muddy and slippery if there’s been a lot of rain, and some parts of the trail involve crossing streams and large tree roots so be sure to take it slow and pay attention to your footing.
The entrance to the Maunawili Falls trail is located in a residential area, so it’s important to be mindful and respectful of those who live nearby.
However, after roughly 20 to 25 minutes hikers will be rewarded with beautiful views of the jungle throughout the hike, ending at the waterfall, which is also a popular swimming spot.
4. Likeke Falls
🥾 Entry Price: Free 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
The hike to Likeke Falls is one of the shortest in Oahu, which makes this two-tiered 20-foot waterfall incredibly popular when compared to other examples on this list.
If you’re looking for an easy hike to a waterfall then this is a great choice. However, if you want to arrive at a peaceful waterfall, with very few people around then I’d probably give this one a miss.
There are two ways in which visitors can access Likeke Falls;
The first, and easiest route is from the Ko’olau Golf Course parking lot. From here you can walk to the trailhead, and take a relatively short hike (just under one mile) to this incredibly pretty waterfall.
Alternatively, you can take the longer route (just over one hour) down Old Pali Highway from Pali Lookout. If you have plenty of time to spend hiking in Oahu then this can be a great option.
5. Lulumahu Falls
🥾 Entry Price: $2.50 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Lulumahu Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oahu, however, it’s located on private property and requires a permit to visit. The good news is that the permit costs just $2.50 and is easy to obtain from Hawaii Reserves.
The hike to Lulumahu Falls is around 1.6 miles in total and passes through a dense bamboo forest. The trail is not well-marked, leading some visitors to get lost.
Vechile break-ins are notorious here. Please proceed with caution!
This combined with muddy and treacherous terrain after heavy rainfall can make this hike difficult for some. Which leads it to be less popular and subsequently quieter than some other options on this list.
The waterfall itself is stunning and more than 50 feet tall, so well worth the expedition if you’re able.
6. Laie Falls
🥾 Entry Price: $2.50 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Laie Falls is a waterfall a short distance from the town of Laie on the North Shore of Oahu. If you’re looking for a moderately challenging day hike with a waterfall at the end of the trail, this is a good one to do.
Much like Lulumahu Falls, this waterfall is also located on private property and subsequently requires a $2.50 permit from Hawaii Reserves in order to access it.
Meanwhile, the hike itself is 7.8 miles round-trip and involves an elevation gain of 1,400 feet. In order to access the trail, you will need to park at Laie Park about half a mile away, and then walk along Poohaili Street.
The Laie Falls hike takes you up to a ridge, where the waterfall is located. From the impressive vantage point here you can also glimpse views of the ocean in the distance.
7. Kapena Falls
🥾 Entry Price: Free 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Kapena Falls is a small waterfall located right in Honolulu. This is perfect for those looking for a quick hike as the trail is just 0.3 miles (five to ten minutes in total).
The fact that this waterfall is very easy to access means that it’s one of the more popular waterfalls on this list. Ideal for those looking for a quick Oahu waterfall experience, not so great for those looking for a relaxing one.
Although the waterfall itself is quite small, there’s a large swimming hole at the base.
The water can get muddy if it’s been raining a lot, so you’ll want to check the conditions before you jump in.
This is also a popular spot for cliff-jumping, although it’s important to check the water level before jumping from any of the high rocks.
To access the waterfall, you can park behind Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary. However, since it’s a cemetery, it’s important to be respectful.
8. Waipuhia Falls (Private Property)
🥾 Entry Price: Entry Not Permitted 🚗 Parking: Entry Not Permitted 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Entry Not Permitted
Waipuhia Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Hawaiian islands due to its “reverse waterfall” phenomenon.
No, the waterfall doesn’t actually flow in reverse. However, occasionally, when wind conditions are right, it can appear as if the waterfall is indeed flowing up instead of down.
This is not a guarantee, though, and most often Waipuhia Falls appears just like a regular waterfall. While seeing the “upside-down waterfall” is a unique experience, it’s hard to get to Waipuhia Falls.
This is because the waterfall is on private property owned by the Board of Water Supply, and access to the public is forbidden.
That doesn’t stop some intrepid hikers from going to Waipuhia Falls anyway, but it’s not recommended. The trail is unmarked and overgrown, and you may be stopped for trespassing. Instead, the best way to see Waipuhia Falls is by car driving down Pali Highway.
9. Waimano Falls
🥾 Entry Price: Free 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Waimano Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Oahu that is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the area. You can reach the trail in less than 15 minutes from Pearl City.
The Waimano Falls trail is 2.9 miles long round trip, and it’s considered to be challenging. However, the difficult hike is worth it for the end result of seeing stunning Waimano Falls.
This cascading waterfall has one small pool the size of a hot tub that cascades down into a larger pool that’s a popular swimming spot.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a Tarzan-like rope swing at Waimano Falls that you can use to swing into the larger pool from above.
10. Aihualama Falls
🥾 Entry Price: Free (Reservation Required) 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Aihualama Falls is a waterfall located near the popular Manoa Falls not far from Honolulu. You can use part of the same Manoa Falls trail to get to Aihualama Falls, and the two waterfalls are easy to combine in one hike if you’re looking for a longer trek.
The trail takes you through a lush forest with tropical foliage and flowers. Part of the television show Lost was filmed in this area. A reservation is required through the Lyon Arboretum, which is part of the University of Hawaii, but it’s free.
Aihualama Falls is not as impressive as Manoa Falls, and it is sometimes dry or just a small trickle if there hasn’t been much rain, but it’s still a beautiful hike with many scenic views.
11. Koloa Gulch
🥾 Entry Price: Free 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Koloa Gulch is one of the best hidden waterfalls on Oahu’s North Shore. The trail to this waterfall is 8 miles round trip and is considered to be challenging, so visiting Koloa Gulch is best for experienced hikers.
To begin this day hike, you will need to sign a waiver with Hawaii Reserves. You can park at Kokololio Beach Park, and then walk down Aakahi Gulch Road to the trailhead.
The trail to Koloa Gulch is difficult but rewarding. You’ll need to be prepared to cross streams and scramble over rocks in order to reach the waterfall.
At Koloa Gulch, you’ll actually encounter three waterfalls. Two side-by-side falls, and the larger Koloa Falls. There’s a natural swimming pool at the base of the falls where you can cool off after your hike.
12. Hamama Falls (Private Property)
🥾 Entry Price: Entry Not Permitted 🚗 Parking: Entry Not Permitted 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Entry Not Permitted
Hamama Falls is another one of Oahu’s waterfalls that is, unfortunately, no longer open to the public since changes were made in 2021.
This waterfall is on land owned by the Board of Water Supply, and as such access to the public is forbidden. Trespassing on this land could result in fines or even prosecution, so it’s best to avoid this waterfall.
However, some hikers who don’t mind the risk still hike to Hamama Falls. It’s 4 miles total and considered to be an easy hike since it’s mainly on a gravel trail.
While Hamama Falls is a beautiful waterfall, there are in our opinion many other beautiful waterfalls in Oahu that don’t come with the risk of a fine or prosecution.
13. Waiakeakua Falls
🥾 Entry Price: Free 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Waiakeakua Falls is a small waterfall in Oahu that is not far from downtown Honolulu. It’s located in the Manoa Valley with other waterfalls including; Manoa Falls and Aihualama Falls.
While this is not the most impressive waterfall in Oahu, it’s a good hike if you’re looking for something more challenging.
The trail is 2.5 miles long round trip, and it can be a difficult trek. If it’s been raining a lot recently, the trail can get extremely muddy and slippery, so it’s important to wear sturdy footwear for this waterfall hike.
Once you reach the waterfall, you’ll discover a hidden oasis with a large natural swimming hole where you can take a dip and cool off.
14. Jackass Ginger Pool
🥾 Entry Price: Free 🚗 Parking: Free 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Jackass Ginger Pool is one of the easiest waterfalls to see in Oahu. This small waterfall is located right in Honolulu in the neighbourhood of Nu’uanu.
The waterfall is accessible through a short trail that is just half a mile long. It’s an easy hike that is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. As such, it can get crowded depending on the season.
On the trail, you’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna ranging from a bamboo forest to tall pine trees before reaching the waterfall.
The waterfall itself is small at just 10 feet high, but there’s a large swimming hole beneath it.
If you’re feeling daring, you can swing into the pool from one of the ropes hanging from the trees, alternatively, there’s also a natural rock slide leading into the pool.
15. Pali Twin Falls
🥾 Entry Price: Free 🚗 Parking: $3 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Yes
Pali Twin Falls are double waterfalls located near Pali Lookout in Oahu. When it has been raining a lot, the falls are at their most impressive. However, they may be dry or just a trickle if there has not been much rain recently.
The trail to access Pali Twin Falls is 1.2 miles round trip. Most of the trail is easy as it’s a paved path, but the last part does involve scrambling over some rocks to get to the falls.
To access this trail, you can park at the Pali Lookout parking lot. The parking fee is $3 for visitors. Overall, this is an easy hike with some beautiful views, even if Pali Twin Falls are not the most impressive in Oahu.
16. Sacred Falls (Closed)
🥾 Entry Price: Entry Not Permitted 🚗 Parking: Entry Not Permitted 🩳 Swimming Permitted: Entry Not Permitted
Sacred Falls is another waterfall on the North Shore of the island of Oahu. The bottom 80 feet of this impressive 1,100-foot waterfall were once accessible via a hiking trail.
However, eight people were killed and over fifty others were injured in 1999 during a rockslide at the falls, and it has been closed to the public ever since.
Anyone caught hiking Sacred Salls must appear in court and will face significant fines and possible jail time, according to the Department of Land & Natural Resources.
Despite the hike being illegal and dangerous, there is still a great way you can see one of the biggest waterfalls on Oahu, which is on a helicopter tour.
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