Hawaii Waterfalls: Best Falls by Island and How to Visit

Hawaii's combination of volcanic mountains and heavy rainfall on windward coasts produces some of the most dramatic waterfalls in the United States. The Big Island, Kauaʻi, and Maui have the highest concentration, but Oʻahu has accessible falls within easy reach of Honolulu. This guide covers the best on each island with the practical information you need to visit them.

Akaka Falls (Big Island)

Akaka Falls State Park, located off Highway 19 near Honomu on the Hāmākua Coast, is the most iconic waterfall in Hawaii. The park contains two significant falls on a 0.4-mile paved loop trail through dense rainforest. Kahuna Falls drops 100 feet; Akaka Falls drops 422 feet in a single plunge into a gorge below. The approach along the trail builds anticipation through bamboo groves and native tree ferns before the falls come into view. The park is open daily; admission is $5/vehicle. From Hilo the drive is about 15 miles north on Highway 19.

Wailua Falls (Kauai)

Wailua Falls, about 6 miles from Līhuʻe on Maalo Road (Highway 583), drops 173 feet in a wide double cascade into a pool below. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Hawaii. A roadside turnout at the top of the falls provides the standard view; a steep (and often muddy and unofficial) trail descends to the pool at the bottom. Check current conditions before attempting the lower trail, as it is technically not an official maintained trail and can be treacherous when wet. Kauaʻi's north shore also has Mānoa Falls near Hanalei, visible on a short hike into the Hā'ena rainforest.

Road to Hana waterfalls (Maui)

The Road to Hana on Maui passes dozens of waterfalls in its 64-mile route along the northeast coast. Key stops: Three Bears Falls (Upper Waikani Falls) at mile marker 19.5, a triple cascade visible from the road; Hanawi Falls visible from the highway; and the Wailua Iki Falls near mile 19. In Haleakalā National Park just past Hana, Makahiku Falls (185 feet) and Waimoku Falls (400 feet) are reached via the Pipiwai Trail (4 miles round trip), one of the best hikes in Maui. The Pools of ʻOheʻo (Seven Sacred Pools) in the same area require a timed entry reservation through nps.gov/hale.

Oahu waterfalls

Mānoa Falls is the most accessible waterfall on Oʻahu: a 1.6-mile round trip hike through Lyon Arboretum into the back of Mānoa Valley, ending at a 150-foot fall. The trailhead is at the end of Mānoa Road, about 20 minutes from Waikīkī. It is frequently muddy; wear appropriate footwear. The adjacent Lyon Arboretum is worth a detour for its collection of Hawaiian native plants. Lulumahu Falls in the Nuʻuanu Valley is another accessible option but requires crossing private land with permission through the Oʻahu Urban Garden.

Waterfall safety

Flash flooding is the main danger at Hawaii waterfalls. Rain on the upper slopes of a watershed can cause water levels to rise rapidly even on a clear day at the bottom. Never enter a waterfall pool when rain is falling in the mountains above. Check DLNR trail closure notices at dlnr.hawaii.gov before visiting. Do not stand under active waterfalls: rocks and debris fall regularly. Posted warning signs at waterfall areas should be taken seriously. See our safety guide for broader outdoor safety in Hawaii.