Oahu is one of the biggest islands in Hawaii and the entire country of the United States, and it has a lot to offer tourists. If you decide to make Oahu your next holiday destination, you’re in for a treat with its stunning scenery and clear waters.
The best waterfalls in Oahu, however, are what make the island stick out. Numerous waterfalls can be found all over Oahu as a result of the significant amount of rainwater the island receives each year.
The given below list includes the finest swimming waterfalls, cliff jumping waterfalls, and top waterfalls. On Oahu, there are truly hundreds of waterfalls, but the majority of them are hidden deep in the forest or difficult to reach because of the island’s steep ridges.
However, tourists and hikers can explore and appreciate several stunning waterfalls on the island that are close by.
List of best waterfalls in Oahu, Hawaii
- Maunawili Falls
- Manoa Falls
- Waimano Falls
- Waimea Falls
- Aihualama Falls
- Koloa Gulch
- Li’keke Falls
- Laie Falls
- Waipuhia Falls
- Lulumahu Falls
- Kapena Falls
- Jackass Ginger Pool
Maunawili Falls
One of the most stunning cascades in Oahu, Mauawili Falls, attracts a lot of adrenaline junkies who dare to jump into its chilly pool. Maunawili Falls is located in the Maunawili Valley, on the east side of Oahu, Hawaii. The trailhead is in a residential area of Kailua, at the end of Kelewina Street.
Maunawili Falls, which was once regarded as off the beaten route, is now a well-liked vacation spot for both locals and tourists who want to engage in a day of daring adventures.
Maunawili Falls, which cascade 20 feet down a cliffside on the Kailua side of the Ko’olau Mountains close to Pali Highway, frequently attracts several daredevils who leap off the rocks and swim in the icy pool at the base of the falls.
Swim at your own risk because signs are warning that the water may contain leptospirosis, a bacteria that is harmful to both people and animals.
Even better, visit the falls from dry ground, with a picnic lunch and a camera to take in their serene beauty. The round-trip trek to Maunawili Falls takes about 2.5 hours.
It’s advised to bring water, a towel, sunscreen, insect spray, and good tennis shoes. Be prepared to get dirty as the unmarked path is muddy and slippery as it crosses streams.
The reward for completing the trail is to take in all of the paradise’s breathtaking splendour.
Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is the closest waterfall to Waikiki and arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oahu. Manoa Falls are a quick 45–60 minute walk through bamboo forests and patches of tropical wildflowers, hidden in the lush Manoa Valley.
The falls drop into the lake below an impressive 150 feet. Although the route to the falls is relatively flat, the occasionally muddy path makes it dangerous. Since Manoa Valley is the island of Oahu’s wetter area, Manoa Falls is a sight to witness.
Manoa Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls because of its proximity to Waikiki and its trail that is suitable for beginners. The crowds are more than made up for by its dramatic grandeur.
Scenes from “Jurassic Park” and “Lost” were shot nearby, so the scenery may look somewhat familiar. Take the H1 westbound to the Wilder exit from Waikiki.
Park in the Paradise Park spot or the neighbourhood and proceed to Punahou and Manoa Road.
Waimano Falls
The path to Waimano Falls is rapidly turning into a popular hike on the island of Oahu. Before emerging into the valley below, this three-mile roundtrip trek passes over tree roots and through rainforest canopies.
This amazing waterfall in Oahu have two alluring pools at the bottom for hikers looking for a cool dip, and they are visually beautiful. It’s common to see young, daring locals clip jumping 20 feet into the water below.
When deciding whether to swim in the pools, use caution as the bacterial infection leptospirosis is always a potential danger, just like with all the waterfalls in Hawaii.
The falls are a wonderful place to spend the day taking in the scenery and people-watching. At the end of a private neighbourhood on Koma Mai Drive in Aiea, there is access to Waimano Falls via the Manana Trail.
Waimea Falls
Waimea Falls, also known as ‘The Valley of the Priests,’ is situated in Waimea Valley. The valley is significant to Hawaiian culture and is home to several significant historical sites.
An easy 3/4 mile walk through lovely botanical gardens leads to the falls. The waterfalls, which are 45 feet high, descend into a lovely pool that is encircled by tropical flowers.
The pool is frequently crowded with people having a good time with their friends and families. A restroom is also available at Waimea Falls. With lifeguards on patrol and life jackets available, Waimea Falls makes a wonderful family outing.
Aihualama Falls
A two-mile round-trip path leads to Aihualama Falls, which is located right inside the Lyon Arboretum.
The path is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, but there are also numerous signs along the way that educate visitors about the varied plants and wildlife in Hawaii, adding to the educational value.
When it rains, the Oahu waterfall flows best, making that the ideal moment to visit (naturally).
One of the best and simplest waterfall hikes in Oahu, it is not as large as some of the others on the list but will still prove to be a fantastic experience for people of all fitness levels.
Koloa Gulch
Koloa Gulch is another waterfall in Oahu that is renowned for its exquisite beauty, but you must fill out a waiver or obtain an invitation to visit it because it is on private land.
It has several waterfalls, and it is particularly beautiful in September when all the bushes are in bloom.
Be a little cautious when the path enters the gulch because it can become very slick when it rains.
Your feet will get wet, so be sure to have an extra set of shoes and socks on hand! After a 4-hour trek, you will arrive at a series of stunning waterfalls that are ideal for cooling off after a tiring day.
In the southern part of Oahu, there is a beautiful cascade called Waimano Falls. It is one of the finest waterfalls nearby, but it is less well-known than other waterfalls in Oahu.
Li’keke Falls
Everyone who has ever visited Li’keke Falls can vouch for it as one of Oahu’s undiscovered gems. Despite being one of Oahu’s lesser-known waterfalls, it has been highlighted as the “Oahu Hike of the Month” several times.
The area is tranquil and embellished with a seductive 15-foot-long cascading cascade. When visitors arrive, the first thing they want to do is jump into the ocean, it is not surprising.
You will need to walk 1.75 miles, beginning at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, to get to Li’keke. To maintain your footing on the slick, muddy trails, you will need the proper hiking footwear.
Other hikes close to Li’keke Falls, like Pali Notches and Pali Puka, draw tourists because of the breathtaking sunset vistas they offer. To fully appreciate all of these attractions, you need more than a single day.
Laie Falls
Make sure to explore Laie Falls if you’re looking for a waterfall that will make your hike’s culmination feel the most rewarding. The 7-mile path to the waterfall requires 4-5 hours to complete.
You must travel through H-1 to the north to reach Laie Waterfall from Waikiki.
It’s one of the least frequented waterfalls due to the difficult hike, which is a bonus if you want some peace to appreciate the water.
Additionally, you can take pleasure in the wonderful scent of strawberry guava and pine trees. Also, the trees offer shade from the heat, which makes the hike much simpler.
You might choose to take some time to relax after the trek before visiting the water. In that case, you can unwind in the spa and outdoor pool at Turtle Bay Resort to get ready for your excursion to Laie Falls.
You can also hike around the property and find various vantage points to appreciate the 15-foot-long waterfall in addition to bathing and swimming in the cool water.
You’ll need permission from the Hawaii Reserves to do that, though.
Waipuhia Falls
Waipuhia Falls, also known as Upside-Down Falls, is one of the rarest waterfalls in Oahu because it appears to run backwards when it rains or is windy.
Off Pali Highway, there is a 0.6-mile path that leads to the waterfall. Although this path is short, it is not advised that inexperienced hikers attempt it because it is poorly kept and rather overgrown.
When you get there, one thing you will observe is that the wind makes it seem like the water never touches the ground.
As a result, you might even find it challenging to locate the trail. So, if you’re looking for this natural wonder, make sure to keep an eye out for it.
Get your cameras ready because if hiking is not your thing, you can see the cascade while driving in the rain.
Lulumahu Falls
Lulumahu Falls, a stunning waterfall in Oahu requires 30–40 minutes to complete. West of Waikiki, on the H-1 Freeway, is where it begins. Depending on the hiker’s speed, it can take a while to reach the cascade.
It is significant to remember that visitors require a permit to access the path. This is so because the Honolulu Board of Water is the owner of Lulumahu Waterfall. Perhaps for this reason, which many visitors enjoy, the area is typically quiet and serene.
A pool and a tiny stream are formed by the 50-foot-tall waterfall itself. Depending on the time of year, you might or might not see the tiny stream. It is positioned tastefully in the Pali region’s Nu’uanu Valley.
Cliff jumpers who enjoy Lulumahu Falls have a unique leaping location, a huge water tower that can be seen while hiking to the falls.
The pool offers a very refreshing experience, so other tourists might choose to swim or take a bath in it. However, it’s essential to remember that cliff jumping in Lulumahu Falls is prohibited, even though some experienced divers still do it.
Kapena Falls
This is one of the coolest waterfall hikes on Oahu, and the entire journey has a Jurassic Park feel to it.
You feel as though you are deep in the jungle, far from society, because of the tangled vines, enormous leaves, and massive boulders. On Oahu, however, going to this waterfall is just a fun day excursion.
A large swimming area and a 15-foot stream of water make up the waterfall. At Kapena Falls, there are many places to leap from and there used to be a rope swing as well.
It is a wonderful way to start your morning with a quick trek through the rain forest and a dip in some chilly waterfall water because the hike is only a short distance from Nuuanu Avenue and is less than a mile long.
Jackass Ginger Pool
Despite having a humorous moniker, the Jackass Ginger Pool is a must-see attraction while visiting Oahu. The best time to visit this waterfall, which is only 10 feet tall at most, is when it rains because then tourists will find it to be the most alluring.
However, the swimming hole, which is accessible from Pali Highway, is the most well-known feature of this cascade. You can also take the Nuuanu Trail or the Judd Trail to the pool to relax in its opulent waters.
Conclusion
By exploring the best waterfalls in Oahu, you can experience the island’s natural beauty and marvel at the power and grandeur of its waterfalls.
Since Hawaii is home to the most magnificent waterfalls in the world, Oahu is a geographical treasure trove of breathtaking beauty for tourists looking to luxuriate in breathtaking tropical landscapes.
There are a few noteworthy waterfalls worth trekking into even though only a small number of waterfalls are readily accessible.
The hikes vary from short, strolls through nature to longer, more challenging hikes lasting up to two hours. There are many scenic wonders to enjoy, regardless of which waterfall one visits. So put on your hiking boots, gather some water, and get ready to see Hawaii like never before.