Oahu, the 3rd largest Hawaiian Island, is the perfect example of the precise mixture of East and West cultures with its 304 years old traditions. Oahu holds the population of 995,638 according to 2022 US census estimates. Now, Oahu is the most crowded island in Hawaii. The island provides the visitors hundreds of elevated and stunning Oahu waterfalls to explore. All these waterfalls are located on the Ko’olau Mountain Range. The best thing is, these jaw-dropping waterfalls are easily accessible and also, many of these falls are popular as family-friendly day trips.
The surrounding environment is very scenic and good for photo clicking opportunities. Travelers from across the globe come to Oahu to enjoy its awe-inspiring beautiful waterfalls. Oahu waterfalls always top in the travelers’ “must-to-visit-places” list while visiting Oahu, Hawaii. The magical power of these pretty waterfalls attracts people from all over the world to explore these natural wonders.
So, here are some of the best Oahu waterfalls that are easy to access. Plus, many of these waterfalls offer hike-free safe journey to reach to these wonders. So, explore as many waterfalls as you can with your family and friends and collect lot of memories to take them home for the whole lifetime!
1. Manoa Falls
One of the most beautiful, famous and stunning waterfall hikes in Oahu, Manoa Falls tops the list. It’s just a 20-minute driving distance from downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. The hike is an effortless 1.5 mile out-and-back trail. The 150 ft tall Manoa waterfall cascades down the mountain. And Manoa Valley is the wettest place in Oahu. So, wear good water shoes as the path gets slippery and muddy at times, and also bring bug repellent for your extra protection. You might also discover Gecko and Dart frogs. Dogs are allowed in this trail.
Though swimming is not permitted at Manoa Falls because there is no proper pool. Still, visitors can enjoy a very scenic and soothing atmosphere in the entire terrain. The best time to visit Manoa Falls is during the Hawaiian winter and also, after heavy rainfall. This terrain is also famous for the movie locations. Manoa Falls was featured in “Jurassic Park” and “LOST!”
There is a parking space at the trailhead and visitors need to pay $5 for parking their vehicle. You can also access a guided tour here. The scenic place is covered with colourful wild flowers and bamboo forests. Some restaurants are also available nearby. You can set up a great family picnic here. The place is seriously a tropical paradise!
If you don’t have much time to explore all the listed waterfalls, must place this waterfall at the top of your list among all the best waterfalls in Oahu. Trust me, the hike takes very less time but gives the visitors a lifetime memorable amazement!
2. Waimea Falls
The 45 ft tall Waimea Falls is located on the north shore of Oahu, in the valley of Waimea. The falls is nicknamed as ‘Waihi Falls’, and is also famous by the name of “The Valley of the Priests”. Waimea Falls is very easy to access. It is an often-crowded terrine and quite famous for swimming and wading. You can access life jackets here. And on duty lifeguards are always there to protect the visitors. The trail is actually a 1.5-mile-long beautiful landscape walking trail.
The location of Waimea Falls is near Honolulu Botanical Gardens. The must doing activities are surfing (in the Waimea Bay Beach) and cliff-jumping. It’s also famous as one of the biggest cliff-jumping spots in Oahu. You can also experience the shuttle services, $10 for a single trip to the waterfall and $14 for a round trip. To learn and enjoy the local history and artisans of the nearby villages, the trail is best for that as local history is bestowed throughout the trail. Other scenic attractions include lots of foliage and colourful bright flowers.
Moreover, Waimea Falls provides the visitors free access to cherish its true charm with the whole family along with kids, with proper safety. Also, accommodation facility is available in a nearby area. There are many nearby hotels and lodges.
Related: Best Waterfalls To Visit in Maui, Hawaii.
3. Maunawili Falls
You will get the green rainforested Maunawili Waterfall just off of the Pali Highway on the Kailua side of the Ko’olau Mountains. It’s a famous adventurous hiking spot. Maunawili Falls is a 20 to 30 feet tall waterfall. The terrain is beautiful for tropical plants, mosses and ferns.
Cliff-jumping is famous here. And the photographic idea is really good as you get here the picture-perfect surrounding. The vine trees are also very beautiful substance to make the place more opulent. Earlier the land was closed for realignment project till mid-2023. The Maunawili Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Oahu that provides a swimming hole and high cliffs.
The 2.5-mile shaded hike along with the river crossing for multiple times, will surely be your one of the best lifetime exciting memories. The path is filled with various shaped rocks and lot of mud and wry roots. So, wear proper shoes.
You can access various places to cannonball yourself into the pool, but be little careful as several people became injured for jumping from unsafe points in this spot. And the signposts installed in the terrain, inform about the leptospirosis, a bacterium, dangerous for both human and animals. So, check your safety first and then relish the fun activities.
4. Waikahalulu Falls
A perfect place for picnic and relaxation, Waikahalulu Falls, a 10 feet waterfall, is located within the bustling urban center of Honolulu. It is inside Lili’uokalani Gardens. The falls is easy to access from any hotel in Wikiki. Very recently, the area was under construction and interestingly, rehabilitation of native wild species has been started here.
Famous activities for visitors are snapping lots of Instagram-worthy photos, swimming in the beautiful lake, exploring the bright and wild flora and fauna and enjoying a picnic in such a picturesque setting!
5. Waimano Falls
Waimano Falls, another some of the best Oahu waterfalls, is sitting in the south of Oahu and is a less popular tourist destination. This waterfall is the hidden gem of Oahu. The route to reach there, is approx. 3 miles round trip with a green and little dense forest. And the route begins at the Manana Trail. Waimano Waterfall is made by two separate falls.
Cliff-jumping is a popular activity here. But always do check there is no rock or other debris beneath your jumping point. At the terminus you’ll discover two celestial pools with their cool and extra refreshing water. It’s an ideal place for relaxation, swimming, wading and clicking lots of composite photos between you and this heavenly creation.
Moreover, visitors can easily access nearby hotels and restaurants. So, you should really plan for making Waimano Falls your next one of the best weekend getaway destinations in Oahu. But remember, Leptospirosis is always a possible thread in these waterfalls.
6. Aihualama Falls
Aihualama Falls is only 2-mile round trip inside Lyon Arboretum, which houses over 5000 species of plants and 25 species of birds, including the endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper. Also, the site is quite popular for educational tours.
Aihualama Falls hike is also considered one of the best as well as the easiest waterfall hikes among all the Hawaiian waterfalls. The best time to visit this fantastic waterfall is after heavy rainfall. The falls is small and after heavy rainfall you can enjoy its true beauty. The place is quite famous for the biodiversity, too.
7. Kapena Falls
Kapena Falls is a very easy to get Oahu waterfall and is nestled close to Honolulu, located just off of the Pali Highway, and this is one of the sacred areas in Oahu. To reach there, you just need to cover 0.5-mile round-trip through the enchanted forest. The entire terrain is filled with various thick hanging vines, gigantic boulders, wild flowers and ferns, banyan trees and other wild plants.
The area is a perfect place to get harmonise with Nature! Visitors from across the globe come here to enjoy the luscious escaped from the hustle and bustle of busy life!
Related: Beautiful Waterfalls To Visit in Catskills.
8. Li’keke Falls
Li’keke Falls is a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail near the island of Oahu. The hiking is all about 26 minutes. It’s a moderately challenging trail. This Oahu waterfall is also just off the Pali Highway.
Li’keke Falls is a two-tiered waterfall. You could reach there either by hiking down the old Pali Highway from the Pali Lookout, it takes almost 1.5 hours. But, the shorter way starts from the bottom of the Ko’olau Golf Club, and is about 15 minutes walking distance.
Also Read: Popular Waterfalls To Visit in Montana.
9. Kaipapau Falls
Kaipapau Falls hike is a zig-zag trail of around 8 miles, a round-trip. The falls is also known as Seven Falls and is located on the Windward side of Oahu. If you are an experienced hiker, this hike is just for you. And those who are inexperienced hikers, take experienced guides with you. Problem solved! But this trail is not kids-friendly at all.
The place will give you the feel like a fantasy island. The green canopy throughout the trail will surely make you stunned! Also, you might discover bright and beautiful honeycreepers buzzing around you.
Visitors need to cross the river bed several times. After heavy rainfall the valley fills with dozens of small waterfalls. But travelers are advised to avoid hiking after heavy rain. The trail is full of rock hopping and after rainfall the rocks get too slippery. And flash flooding and land sliding are other big concerns in this terrain, specially, after heavy rainfall.
A sunny day is a perfect day if you are planning for hiking. At the end of your trail, you will discover the 90 ft tall amazing waterfall with a big and clean pool at the base. The pond is ideal for swimming and refreshing your tired body!
Also Read: Beautiful Waterfalls You Must Visit in Zion National Park.
10. Waipuhia Falls
Waipuhia Falls can be accessed via a 0.6-mile trail of the Pali Highway. Waipuhia Falls is known as the rarest waterfall. It’s a very gorgeous waterfall. Also, this terrain is truly so serene and peaceful that everyone must visit this waterfall. The trail is 25-minutes hiking path, and the waterfall is located inside a private property. Remember to take permit from the owners. Or else you are likely to retreat from the place before exploring your imagination and desire!
This waterfall is an upward flowing falls. Upward wind blowing causes Waipuhia Falls looks like upward flowing. To experience this view, you have to be there at right time. Otherwise, it’s a regular waterfall. But you don’t need to be upset, because the upside-down effect in Waipuhia Falls is frequent. So, there is higher possibility to visualize the effect.
Talking about the hike, it’s really hard to reach because of the muddy area and overgrown plants. And many visitors usually avoid this hike, as one of the best views of this falls is also viewable from the road. So, cherish the beauty of this amazing land.
Related: Popular Waterfalls To Visit in Alabama.
11. Jackass Ginger Pool
This 10 ft tall, Jackass Ginger Pool will really give you the hype as soon as you reach there. Like other waterfalls, Jackass Ginger Pool is also located just off the Pali Highway. The waterfall has a pool, popularly known as Ginger Pool, and the spot is more a swimming pool than a normal waterfall. This natural pond is fed by a small stream, and the hike would take 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
To get there, you have to hike the Judd Trail or the Nuuanu Trail. The pool is rounded with large boulders and lush forest. It is a very easy to access hike for all age groups. Also, it’s a good spot for swimming, playing in water and relaxing on the huge and flat rocks.
Parking is available on the side of Nuuanu Pali Drive, and you will also find the trailhead in a bamboo forest. The plurality of other trees include pine trees, banyan trees and hanging vines.
Related: Best Waterfalls To Visit in Tennessee.
12. Koloa Gulch
Koloa Gulch is a private property, and you need a free permit for exploring the place. Visitors need to hike around 4 hours to cover the 8-mile trail to feel, watch and enjoy the exquisite surroundings. It is both challenging and adventurous hike, and is one of the longest in the list, and also a little bit of difficult trail.
The hike is enjoyable among the experienced hikers very much! The hike begins at the open ridge at the Koolau Range on North Shore, and at the end, you will catch the 100 ft breathtaking waterfall.
Best time to visit Koloa Gulch is around September. In that time, visitors can also enjoy the dazzling and wonderful forested terrain. In rainy season the place gets little muddy and slippery.
In this terrain, you will also discover various other waterfalls and many pools. The eye-catching elements are lagoons, various fruit trees and the wild and native plants with their mild fragrances. Don’t forget to elevate your camera enough!
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13. Laie Falls
To reach Laie Falls you need to cover a very, very long hiking trail like the earlier one, it takes almost five hours as it is a 7-mile-long trail. And that is why it is the least visited waterfall among all the Oahu waterfalls.
Though actually, it’s a gem as reviewed by the past visitors. Laie Falls is 15 ft in height. The water quality of Laie Falls is very good for wading and swimming.
The mellifluous fragrance of pine and guava trees makes visitors feel they have come to an orchard! Moreover, there is a nearby resort named ‘Turtle Bay Resort’. You can also visit this place. It’s a beautiful resort, indeed!
Also Read: Beautiful Waterfalls To Visit in Connecticut.
14. Lulumahu Falls
The Lulumahu Falls is also located inside a private property. It’s owned by the Honolulu Board of Water. Visitors are recommended to take permits before visiting the site. This waterfall provides one of the most breathtaking hiking trails, not so easy one, but a very interesting hike under the most shaded bamboo forests. The trail is 2 miles long.
Visitors can access the parking lot close to the highway. Though the parking area is very infamous for car breakings. So, be little careful and try not to keep any important and valuable stuff inside your car when going for the waterfall exploration.
Lulumahu Falls is nestled in the Koolau Mountain Range. Cascading from 50 ft height, the waterfall creates a pool at the basin. There are two trails available for the visitors. 1st one is accessible at the Nuuanu Public Hunting Area entrance. This trail is safer one. The other one necessitates you to trail a paved way along with a fence.
Must wear a good pair of water shoes, as the whole terrain is very muddy, slippery and risky. There are several pink ribbons tied to trees to help visitors find this waterfall. At the basin, swimming is enjoyable by many of the visitors. But you must be aware that cliff-jumping is prohibited here. Though, many people go with cliff-jumping from this place.
15. Sacred Falls
Sacred Falls, also known as Kaliuwa Falls, is the 80-foot-tall waterfall. To reach to this pretty Oahu waterfall, visitors needed to complete the 4 miles of hiking trail. After the 1999 fatal rockfall, causing death and injuries to several people, Secret Falls State Park had been closed.
Moreover, the 1999 incident was not the 1st one, earlier there were around 20 more such accidental cases where visitors got injured and some were killed also. After being closed for the visitors, illegal hiking was still continuing. But now it’s strictly prohibited, and the local officials pay special attention about this matter.
Conclusion
Waterfalls are always amazing whether you are watching them from a safer distance or taking a dip at their base pool or having a helicopter tour. Just go to these waterfalls and your heart will tell you what to do and what to skip. And remember Sacred Falls is always prohibited for visitors.
FAQs
1. How many waterfalls are there in Oahu?
There are more than 100 waterfalls in Oahu. Most of these waterfalls are located in inaccessible valleys, and travelers can reach only a few of those Oahu waterfalls.
2. What is the prettiest waterfall in Hawaii?
Wailua Falls is the most beautiful waterfall in Hawaii. Its hiking trail is also very easy. Other opulent Hawaiian waterfalls are Kahiwa Falls, Opeakaa Falls, Hanakapipi Falls, Sacred Falls and Waipo’o Falls.
3. What are the best waterfalls in Oahu that you can swim in?
Maunawili Falls, Waimea Falls, Lulumahu Falls, Laie Falls, Jackass Ginger Pool are the perfect swimmable waterfalls in Oahu.
4. What is the biggest waterfall in Oahu?
Manoa Falls is the biggest waterfall in Oahu. Note, visitors are not allowed to swim in this waterfall.
5. Which Hawaii Island has most waterfalls?
Kauai holds the maximum number of waterfalls in entire Hawaii. There are almost 10,000 waterfalls in Kauai, though very few among those waterfalls are easily accessible. Helicopter tour is a perfect option for watching Kauai’s most of these waterfalls.
