Discover 10 Stunning Oahu Waterfalls

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Oahu Waterfalls are beautiful, powerful, and full of life.  But only a few waterfalls on Oahu are easily accessible including Waimea Falls, Manoa Falls, Li'keke Falls and Jackass Ginger Pool.  And while some only require a quick hike, others can take a couple hours to reach like Maunawili Falls and Laie Falls.

If you are feeling a little adventurous and up for some trekking, then there is a waterfall hike waiting for you! View these cascading falls and others listed below that are worth the trek.

Also take a ride along the H-3 Highway after heavy rains, and look up into the Ko'olau where it will be littered with temporary waterfalls streaming down the tall mountainside

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Best 10 Oahu Waterfalls You Can Hike To

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Although there are only a few accessible waterfalls in Oahu, each offer a unique setting worth exploring!

If you are feeling adventurous and up for a vigorous hike, your reward is an up close experience of, and perhaps even a swim at some fantastic Hawaii waterfalls like Maunawili Falls and grand Waimea Falls!

Whether you are a waterfall enthusiast or you just want to satisfy your craving of  waterfall adventure and curiosity, the list below  is a great sampling of Oahu waterfalls.  Click on each one to learn more!

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#1  Waimea Falls Park

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Plan on a fun family stroll versus an adventurous hike to reach this stunning Oahu waterfall.

Don’t get me wrong…you will be walking along some beautiful botanical gardens as you make your way towards the Waimea Falls.

Plan on spending some extra time checking out the Hawaiian cultural activities that take place daily on the Waimea Valley estates before starting your journey to the Waimea Falls.

Consider signing up for a Circle Island Tour that includes visiting Waimea Valley Park & Falls...

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#2  Manoa Falls

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The trek to this waterfall is pretty much a flat trail, but can get muddy at times as you could imagine.

Stay the course for about an hour, and you will find yourself literally staring up at one of the tallest Oahu waterfalls that cascades 150 feet down the rock face.

There is a small group tour available that includes transportation to this waterfall hike if needed.

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#3  Jackass Ginger Pool

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It even features a neat smooth rock slide on the righthand side.

This waterfall is one of the few town-side falls that is easy to get to from the Judd Trail located off the Old Pali Road in Nu'uanu.

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#4  Li’keke Falls

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A great adventurous hike down broken sections of the original Pali Highway, and through a dense jungle trail will keep you alert as the scenery continuously changes, traveling to this impressive 20 ft Oahu waterfall.

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#5  Lulumahu Falls

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It will take you about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the 50 ft plus Lulumahu waterfall, and I promise you that you will not find yourself bored hiking into a dense bamboo forest, climbing up old waterwork structures, and wandering into the mystical Hawaiian jungle!

CAUTION: You will not find many hikers on the paths to this waterfall, so it is important to travel with a buddy, and use a map for this hike.  Hike at your own risk.

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#6  Maunawili Falls Trail

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Here you'll find people jumping off the rocks and swimming in the refreshing pool below...at their own risk!

It will take you about an hour or two to reach the Maunawili Falls, and it can get quite muddy, as it rains quite often in this region. 

The best part is that you can swim in these waters, and if you dare, you can even take a plunge 30ft off the top of the waterfall to the pool below!

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#7  Kapena Falls

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As kids, we would walk up Nu’uanu Valley from downtown, and cross through a cemetery to reach this Oahu waterfall and local swimming hole.

Don’t get the wrong picture, we didn’t actually walk across loved ones tombs in the Nu’uanu Cemetery, but followed the road around to the backside to a service shed, where the access trail starts. 

I’m not sure what was more exciting…playing in the 20 foot waterfall, or swinging on the rope from the hillside and plunging into the pool of water below.

Some folks are crazy enough to jump off boulders on the sides into the pool of water below!  This is considered dangerous and should do so at your own risk!

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#8  Laie Falls Trail

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The terrain is a combination of open field dirt roads, winding ridge trails filled with guava trees, and a Cook Pine Tree forest.

The backdrop view of Laie Point is not only beautiful, but a scene for what untouched Hawaii might have looked like a few centuries ago. Laie Falls is a nice nearby alternative to the closed Sacred Falls, located 5 minutes away.

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#9  Waimano Falls

Hiking to waterfalls with pools can be extra fun, as you get to cool down at the end of the trail with a dip in the water if you wish. Waimano Falls is a great place for just that.

The trail that leads to Waimano Falls can be challenging with a few rocky spots, wet patches, and rugged terrain. Most hikers feel the stain at the end when returning uphill to the ridge where the trail begins. The first half is relatively easy as you hike along a ridge, but when you get to the signage that reads "Summit", this is where the challenge starts, trekking downhill to the Waimano Falls.

The roundtrip distance of the trail is around 1.5 miles. Depending on your physical ability, the hike can last between 40-minutes and up to 2 hours plus depending on the time you spend at the waterfall. The terrain is not exactly well-marked, but there are pink ribbons tied to the trees and a noticeable sign pointing towards the summit.

It's recommended to do this hike during the dryer months since the rocks can become very slippery after rains, and the trail becomes muddy. Remember to wear proper hiking footwear that protects your ankle and gives you a better grip.

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#10  Pali Twin Falls (Waipuilani Falls)

The magnificent Twin Pali Falls, also known as Waipuilani Falls is located off the Pali Highway. It's a moderate hike for all fitness levels, but can be a muddy trek and is challenging when crossing a water canal. And while it happens to be a well-traveled trail, it's yet surprisingly hard to find on the map.

The trail that leads to Waipuilani Falls can be rocky and slippery, especially during the rainy season. It's best to hike this Oahu trail before the rains and in the summer months, which is a bit of catch-22 since the Twin Pali Falls are only visible after heavy rainfall. There is also a small cave between the falls that requires a little effort to get up to if you want to explore it.

The hike to Twin Pali Falls is only 2 miles roundtrip and should only take a little over an hour.

Remember to bring a fully-charged phone for navigation because it is easy to get lost on the trails. Look out for pink markers and follow them. You should also wear proper hiking footwear. The trail gets dark earlier than sunset due to towering trees...hence plan your hike before it gets dark.

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Getting to Oahu Waterfalls

Driving is probably your best means of transportation.  Many of Oahu's beautiful waterfalls are located off the main roadways and hard to navigate through public transportation including the Oahu Bus.  It's not impossible but just it takes a little more planning and awareness if you go this route.

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Oahu Waterfalls Seen from Highways

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Of all the waterfalls on Oahu, there is one called Waipuhai that has taken on a more precarious name “The Upside Down Waterfall”, as it seems that the water never hits the ground.

The powerful Pali mountainside winds sweep the cascading water back up into the air, until it finally dissipates.

With nowhere to pull over to view this impressive 100ft plus cascading Oahu waterfall, nor is there an easy hike to get there, just simply keep your eyes focused on the right hand side of the highway (unless you’re the driver…) about a mile before you exit to the Pali Lookout.

If you’re lucky…you might get a glimpse of this mysterious waterfall on Oahu.

Also after heavy rains on the island, a long stretch of the tall Ko'olau mountains comes alive with a series of Hawaii waterfalls that can be viewed when traveling along the H-3 Highway.  It's a treat if you get a chance to view this natural phenomenon.

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Oahu Waterfalls Viewed By Helicopter

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Sacred Falls

It’s unfortunate because Sacred Falls is 90 feet of jaw dropping power that cascades down the mountain!

It is currently illegal to trespass and hike in this state park area. Sometimes you still hear about daring hikers that take the risk and make the 4 mile round trip, but we advise against it.

Today it is unsafe to attempt hiking to this waterfall.  Please pay heed to the warnings of dangerous conditions.

You are better off getting a more spectacular view by signing up for a helicopter tour, and soar comfortably above the majestic falls for an unbeatable birds eye view!

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View Waterfalls from the Sky

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