Best Waterfalls in Hawaiʻi: Every Island, Ranked by a Local - WANDERLUSTYLE

Hawaiʻi is one of the few places on earth where you can stand at the base of a waterfall in the morning and be eating poke on the beach by lunch. The islands get an absurd amount of rainfall, especially on their windward sides, and all that water has to go somewhere. It carves through volcanic rock, tumbles down cliffs covered in ferns and moss, and pools into swimming holes that look like something out of a movie. Some of these waterfalls are genuinely world-class, and the best part is that many of them are surprisingly easy to reach.

We have been hiking to, swimming in, and standing in awe of waterfalls across every Hawaiian island for years. Some require a serious trek through mud and jungle. Others you can literally drive up to and see from your car. This guide covers the best waterfalls on Oʻahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauaʻi, with the logistics you actually need: parking, costs, trail difficulty, and whether you can swim when you get there. No waterfall on this list is a “locals only” spot or requires anything illegal to access. Every single one is open to visitors and worth your time.

Oʻahu Waterfalls

Mānoa Falls

If you are staying anywhere near Honolulu or Waikīkī, Mānoa Falls is the waterfall you need to see first. It is only about 15 minutes from Waikīkī by car, but the moment you step onto the trail it feels like you have been dropped into Jurassic Park. That is not a coincidence either, because scenes from the original movie were actually filmed in this valley. The trail is 1.6 miles round trip through dense tropical rainforest, with massive banyan trees, hanging vines, and the kind of green you only see in places that get 150 inches of rain a year. At the end you are rewarded with a 150-foot waterfall cascading into a rocky pool surrounded by ferns.

A few things to know before you go. The trail gets muddy. Not “a little damp” muddy, but “your shoes will never be the same” muddy, especially after rain. Wear closed-toe shoes with grip and do not even think about sandals. Parking at the trailhead lot (Paradise Park) costs $7 per vehicle, $4 for military, and the lot is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can also park for free on the residential streets nearby and walk about a quarter mile to the trailhead, but please be respectful of the neighbors. Swimming in the pool at the base of the falls is not recommended due to the risk of leptospirosis, but the hike itself is absolutely worth it. Check out our full Mānoa Falls trail guide for more details.

📍 Mānoa Falls Trail, end of Mānoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822
💰 $7 parking ($4 military) | Free street parking nearby
⏰ Sunup to sundown (lot closes 6 PM, do not start after 5:30 PM)
🥾 1.6 miles round trip, easy to moderate

Waimea Falls

Waimea Falls is the complete opposite of Mānoa in terms of difficulty, and that is exactly why we love it. Located inside Waimea Valley on the North Shore, the walk to this 45-foot waterfall is entirely paved and takes you through a stunning botanical garden with over 5,000 species of tropical plants. It is one of the most accessible waterfalls in all of Hawaiʻi, perfect for families with keiki, older visitors, or anyone who wants to see a beautiful waterfall without breaking a sweat. And here is the best part: you can actually swim here. Life jackets are provided and required, and the pool at the base of the falls is refreshing after the walk in.

Waimea Valley is managed by Hi’ipaka LLC, a Native Hawaiian non-profit organization, so your admission fee directly supports the preservation of this culturally significant valley. Admission is $26 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $18 for children ages 4 to 12. If the walk feels like too much, there is a shuttle available for $10 one way. The valley is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily but closed on Fridays, and Thursdays it closes early at 2:30 PM. Pro tip: go early in the morning before the tour buses arrive for the most peaceful experience.

📍 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712
💰 $26 adults / $20 seniors and students / $18 children (4-12)
⏰ 9 AM – 4 PM (closed Fridays, Thursdays close 2:30 PM)
🥾 Paved path, easy, shuttle available ($10 one way)
🏊 Swimming allowed (life jackets provided and required)

Lulumahu Falls

Lulumahu Falls is for those of you who want something a little more adventurous. This 50-foot waterfall sits at the end of a 1.7-mile trail through thick bamboo forest and jungle on the windward side of the Koʻolau mountains, just above Nuʻuanu. The trail crosses streams, gets muddy, and is not marked very well, so it helps to have a GPS app running or to go with someone who knows the way. It is not dangerous, but it is definitely more of a real hike than Mānoa or Waimea.

The important thing to know about Lulumahu is that you need a permit. The trail passes through state forest reserve land that doubles as an active hunting zone, so the permit is required for safety and tracking purposes. You can get one online at trails.ehawaii.gov for a $2.50 processing fee. Only 100 permits are issued per day, but they rarely sell out on weekdays. You can usually grab a permit a day or two before your visit without any issue. If you want a waterfall experience that feels more remote and less crowded than Mānoa, Lulumahu is the move.

📍 Lulumahu Falls Trailhead, Old Pali Road, Nuʻuanu, HI
💰 $2.50 permit (required, online at trails.ehawaii.gov)
⏰ Daylight hours only
🥾 1.7 miles round trip, moderate (muddy, some stream crossings)

Maui Waterfalls

Waimoku Falls (Pīpīwai Trail)

If we had to pick one waterfall in all of Hawaiʻi that every visitor should try to see, Waimoku Falls would be a strong contender. This 400-foot waterfall is the grand finale of the Pīpīwai Trail, one of the most spectacular hikes in the state. The trail is 3.5 miles round trip with about 850 feet of elevation gain, and it takes you through terrain that changes dramatically with every half mile. You start in open grassland, pass a massive banyan tree, enter a towering bamboo forest where the stalks creak and sway above you like something out of a fantasy movie, and then arrive at the base of this enormous cascading waterfall.

The trail sits inside Haleakalā National Park on the Kīpahulu coast, which means you will need to pay the park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle (valid for three days). No reservation is required for the trail itself, though you will need one if you plan to enter the summit district before 7:00 AM for sunrise. Most people spend two to three hours on the round trip, depending on how many photos they stop for (and you will stop for a lot of photos). The trailhead is near the ranger station, and there are restrooms and parking available. This is a must-do on Maui, period. If you are doing the Road to Hana, plan to end your drive here and give yourself at least three hours for the hike.

📍 Kīpahulu Visitor Center, Haleakalā National Park, Maui, HI 96713
💰 $30 per vehicle (Haleakalā NP entrance, valid 3 days)
⏰ Daylight hours (ranger station opens ~9 AM)
🥾 3.5 miles round trip, moderate (850 ft elevation gain)
⚠️ Do not stand directly under the falls (risk of falling rocks)

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is the first major waterfall stop on the Road to Hana, and it is one of the easiest to access on all of Maui. Located just past mile marker 2 on the Hana Highway, about 15 to 20 minutes past Pāʻia, this is a great option if you want to see a beautiful waterfall without committing to a full day of driving the entire road. The hike is short and relatively flat, passing through a lush farm property with tropical fruit trees before reaching the falls and swimming holes. You can cool off in the pools here, and on a good day it is one of the most refreshing swims on the island.

Parking is $10 in the designated lot (cash or card), which holds about 55 cars on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not park on Hana Highway, on the other side of the Twin Falls bridge, or on the bridge itself. The farm is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though the lot can fill up by late morning during peak season. Our advice is to make this your first stop of the day. Get there by 8:00 AM, beat the crowds, take a quick swim, and then continue on to Hana with a great waterfall already checked off your list. There is also a farm stand near the entrance that sells fresh fruit, smoothies, and coconut water.

📍 Twin Falls, Mile Marker 2, Hana Highway, Haʻikū, Maui, HI 96708
💰 $10 parking (55 spots, first-come first-served)
⏰ 7 AM – 6 PM daily
🥾 Short, easy trail through farm property
🏊 Swimming allowed in pools

Big Island Waterfalls

ʻAkaka Falls

ʻAkaka Falls is the kind of waterfall that makes your jaw drop. A 442-foot free-fall plunge straight down a sheer cliff face, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and mist. It is the tallest easily accessible waterfall in Hawaiʻi and one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the entire state. The falls sit inside ʻAkaka Falls State Park, just about 11 miles north of Hilo on the Hāmākua Coast, and getting to the viewpoint is a simple 0.4-mile loop trail that is paved the entire way. Along the loop you will also see Kahūnā Falls, a 100-foot cascade that is beautiful in its own right but gets completely overshadowed by its much taller neighbor.

Non-resident visitors pay a $10 per vehicle parking fee plus $5 per person admission. Hawaiʻi residents get in free with a valid state ID. Payment is credit card only via QR code at the parking area. The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and visit time is generally capped at about an hour to manage the flow of visitors. That is plenty of time to walk the loop and take in both waterfalls. There are restrooms and a water fountain at the parking area. If you are doing a Big Island trip that includes Hilo, this is a non-negotiable stop. We put it on every Big Island itinerary we have ever recommended.

📍 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728
💰 $10/vehicle + $5/person (non-residents) | Free for residents
⏰ 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily
🥾 0.4-mile paved loop, easy
🔗 DLNR State Parks page

Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)

If ʻAkaka Falls is the dramatic showstopper, Rainbow Falls is the quick, easy, everyone-can-do-it waterfall on the Big Island. Located right in Hilo at Wailuku River State Park, this 80-foot waterfall is visible from a paved overlook that is about a 30-second walk from the parking lot. That is it. No hiking, no trail, no special gear. Just drive up, park, walk over, and watch the water pour over a natural lava cave. The falls get their name because on sunny mornings, the mist from the falls catches the light and creates rainbows at the base. For the best chance of seeing one, visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM when the angle of the sun is just right.

As of 2026, non-resident visitors pay $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle to access Wailuku River State Park. Payment is handled on-site via QR code. Hawaiʻi residents enter for free. The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with gates locking at 6:00 PM. There is also an upper viewpoint trail that gives you a different perspective from above the falls, though the lower overlook is where the magic happens. If you are already visiting Hilo, Rainbow Falls takes maybe 20 minutes out of your day and is absolutely worth the quick detour.

📍 Wailuku River State Park, Waiānuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
💰 $5/person + $10/vehicle (non-residents) | Free for residents
⏰ 7 AM – 5:30 PM (gates lock 6 PM)
🥾 Paved overlook, zero hiking required
🌈 Best rainbow viewing: 9-11 AM on sunny mornings

Kulaniapia Falls

Kulaniapia Falls is the one waterfall on this list where you feel like you have the whole place to yourself, and there is a good reason for that. The falls are on private property, and access is limited to just 10 guests per day through a day pass system. That exclusivity means you get to enjoy a 120-foot waterfall without the crowds, and when conditions are safe, you can swim, kayak, and paddleboard right at the base of it. The property also has multiple smaller waterfalls, bamboo gardens, and hiking trails that you can explore during your visit.

Day passes cost $49 per person (plus tax) and can be booked through waterfall.net. Tour start times are at 10:00 AM (discounted), 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM (dinner guests only), and each pass is good for four to five hours depending on your entry time. For the adventurous, they also offer a waterfall rappelling experience where you descend 120 feet down the face of the falls for $249 per person. Swimming and water activities depend on river conditions, so there is no guarantee you will be able to get in the water, but the trails and grounds are always accessible regardless. Kulaniapia is located just a short drive outside of Hilo and makes for a perfect complement to a food crawl through town.

📍 100 Kulaniapia Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
💰 $49 day pass (limited to 10 guests/day) | Rappelling $249
⏰ Entry times: 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 4 PM
🏊 Swimming/kayaking when river conditions allow
🔗 Book at waterfall.net

Kauaʻi Waterfalls

Wailua Falls

If you have ever watched the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island, you have seen Wailua Falls. This 80-foot double-tiered waterfall on Kauaʻi’s east side is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Hawaiʻi, and it might also be the easiest to visit anywhere in the state. There is no hiking involved at all. You drive to the end of Māʻalo Road (Highway 583), park in the lot, and walk about 30 seconds to a fenced overlook where the falls are right in front of you. That is the whole experience. The falls are stunning, especially after a good rain when the volume picks up and the double plume is at full power.

The drive to the viewpoint takes about 15 to 20 minutes from Līhuʻe, and there is no admission fee. Just free parking and a free view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. Go in the morning when the sun hits the mist and creates rainbows at the base, similar to Rainbow Falls on the Big Island. One important safety note: do not try to hike down to the base of the falls. There are unofficial trails, but the county strongly advises against it. People have been seriously injured trying to scramble down the slippery hillside. The overlook gives you an incredible view, and that is how this waterfall is meant to be enjoyed. If you are on Kauaʻi and only have time for one waterfall, make it this one. Quick, free, and unforgettable.

📍 End of Māʻalo Road (Hwy 583), Wailua, Kauaʻi, HI 96746
💰 Free
⏰ Open 24 hours (best visited during daylight)
🥾 No hiking, paved roadside overlook
⚠️ Do not attempt to hike to the base

Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)

Secret Falls is exactly what the name suggests. You cannot drive to it. You cannot see it from any road. The only way to reach this 100-foot waterfall is to kayak up the Wailua River and then hike through about a mile of rainforest trail. It is an adventure, and that is precisely what makes it special. The kayak portion takes about 45 minutes and is relatively easy, paddling up a calm, scenic river surrounded by jungle. The hike after that is where things get interesting. The trail is muddy, with slick rocks, exposed roots, and a few stream crossings. Wear shoes that can handle mud and water, and expect to get dirty.

Most visitors do this as a guided tour, and honestly, we recommend that approach. Guided tours run around $120 to $150 per person, and the company handles all the gear, transportation, and navigation so you can focus on the experience. Several outfitters operate on the Wailua River, including Kayak Kauaʻi and Aliʻi Kayaks. Self-guided kayak rentals are available too, but make sure you know the route and are comfortable with the trail conditions before going it alone. The waterfall itself is worth every bit of the effort. When you finally push through the last stretch of jungle and see it dropping into a wide, swimmable pool surrounded by nothing but green, you understand why they call it Secret Falls. This pairs perfectly with a day exploring the rest of Kauaʻi’s east side.

📍 Wailua River, Kauaʻi (accessible by kayak only)
💰 Guided tours $120-$150/person | Self-guided kayak rental available
⏰ Tours typically depart 8-9 AM
🥾 ~45 min kayak + 1 mile hike each way (moderate to strenuous)
🏊 Swimming allowed at the base

Tips for Visiting Hawaiʻi Waterfalls

Before you start planning your waterfall tour across the islands, here are a few things we have learned over the years that will make your experience better. First, waterfall flow depends entirely on recent rainfall. After a few dry weeks, some of these falls can slow to a trickle. If you want to see them at their most impressive, check the weather in the days leading up to your visit and aim for a day or two after rain. The waterfalls on the windward (northeast) sides of the islands tend to flow more consistently year-round.

Second, wear the right shoes. We cannot stress this enough. Most waterfall trails in Hawaiʻi are muddy, rocky, and slippery. Reef walkers, old sneakers you do not mind getting destroyed, or proper hiking shoes with grip are all good options. Leave the flip-flops and fashion sneakers in the car. Third, bring bug spray. The same lush, wet environments that create beautiful waterfalls also create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. A good reef-safe bug spray will save you from an itchy evening. And finally, respect the ʻāina. Stay on marked trails, do not remove rocks or plants, pack out everything you bring in, and follow all posted safety signs. These places are sacred to many people, and keeping them pristine ensures everyone can enjoy them for generations to come.

For more hiking and outdoor content, check out our complete guide to the best hikes in Hawaiʻi and our guide to Hawaiʻi’s national and state parks. If you are still building your trip itinerary, our island hopping guide covers how to plan a multi-island trip so you can hit waterfalls on more than one island.