11 Stunning Hawaii Waterfall Hikes You Need to Try

When you think of Hawaii, you probably automatically visualize beaches, swaying palm trees, and tropical drinks. The beaches are gorgeous, no doubt about it, but did you know that Hawaii also has over 100 named waterfalls?

Many of these waterfalls are located in remote locations that can only be seen by helicopter tour, and many are located on private property or are too dangerous to approach.

Luckily, there are still quite a few waterfalls that you can hike to in Hawaii!

If you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking experience, look no further than these Hawaii waterfall hikes. With hikes ranging from easy to difficult, there’s something for everyone.

So lace up your shoes and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the world!

Best Waterfall Hikes on Maui

Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island and one of the most iconic in the archipelago. It spans 727.2 square miles, making it nearly twice as large as the Big Island, and is known for its lush landscape and stunningly beautiful beaches.

From black sand beaches to turtle spotting, there is so much beauty to be found in Maui. Here are our favorite waterfall hikes on Maui:

Twin Falls

• DISTANCE: 1.8 miles
• TYPE: Out-and-back
• DIFFICULTY: moderate
• APPROXIMATE TIME NEEDED: 1 hour
• PERMIT OR FEE NEEDED: $10 parking fee

Located along the Road to Hana at mile marker 2, watch for the gravel pull-out on your right-hand side. It’s a popular spot for families and will be busy almost every day.

There are multiple waterfalls along the trail, and you are able to swim in them too! It’s one of the most popular waterfalls on Maui, due to being one of the easiest waterfalls to access, and it is definitely worth visiting.

The hike is muddy and you have to cross water multiple times, so a good pair of water hiking shoes would be appropriate to wear here. Be sure and wear mosquito repellent too!

A few things to keep in mind: the trail will be closed after heavy rains, and you will be walking on or near private property, so please be respectful.

Alelele Falls

• DISTANCE: 0.3 miles
• TYPE: Out-and-back
• DIFFICULTY: easy
• APPROXIMATE TIME NEEDED: 30 minutes
• PERMIT OR FEE NEEDED: You will need a National Park Day Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass

Located in Haleakala National Park just after the Road to Hana this small waterfall is a nice quiet spot to escape the crowds. You can swim here too. Keep in mind, that this waterfall is small and may be dry if it hasn’t rained in a while.

Punalau Falls Hike

Recommended by Melodie Rush at Travel Must Do’s

• DISTANCE: 0.5 miles
• TYPE: out-and-back
• DIFFICULTY: moderate
• APPROXIMATE TIME NEEDED: 30 minutes
• PERMIT OR FEE NEEDED: No

The hike to Punalau Falls in Maui is a great way to escape the crowds and experience one of Maui’s best waterfalls. The half-mile out-and-back hike is moderate in difficulty, with no permit or fee needed, and can be completed in about 15 minutes each way.

With its hidden location on the Road to Hana about a quarter mile passed mile marker 13, you will be rewarded with spectacular views and may even have the grandeur of the waterfall all to yourself. Note there is only one parking spot at this location.

Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes and take necessary gear such as hiking poles due to the volcanic boulders and partially submerged rocks along the trail.

Additionally, avoid visiting if it has recently rained or if rain is forecasted due to the risk of flash floods and falling rocks. The final breathtaking views of the falls will be well worth the challenging hike! 

Finally, other items you may want to consider bringing are a camera to capture the stunning views of the waterfall, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Haleakala National Park in Maui also offers stunning hikes and is a spectacular place to visit at sunrise or sunset.

Best Waterfall Hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and most diverse of all the Hawaiian islands. Spanning an impressive 4,028 square miles, it is more than twice as large as all the other Hawaiian islands combined.

The Big Island has something for everyone–from lush jungles to snow-capped mountains, from stunning beaches to volcanic landscapes.

Here are our picks for the best waterfall hikes on the Big Island:

Rainbow Falls

Recommended by: Jessica, Uprooted Traveler

• DISTANCE: 0.1 miles
• TYPE: Out-and-back
• DIFFICULTY: Easy
• APPROXIMATE TIME NEEDED: 15 minutes to half an hour
• PERMIT OR FEE NEEDED: None

It’s more of a walk to Rainbow Falls than a hike, but that just makes this the perfect addition to your Big Island itinerary, no matter what hiking level you are!

Plus, with its location within the actual town of Hilo, it makes for a great place to get out of the car and stretch your legs as you head off to explore further-flung sites on the eastern side of the island.

Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot cascade over a cave formed from basalt lava. Legend has it that Hina, the goddess of the moon and mother to Maui, lives in this very cave. 

The falls in the Hawaiian language are called “Waiānuenue” or “Rainbow Water”. And the falls are aptly-named- on sunny mornings when the waterfall has lots of water flowing through it, you’re likely to see a rainbow!

There are two different viewpoints to take in the falls- an overlook that’s a very short walk from the parking lot or, for a closer look, a hike that will take you to the top of the falls itself.

Along the short climb to the top of the falls, you’ll walk past lots of lush ferns and underbrush and enormous ancient banyan trees and eventually, be rewarded with a new perspective of the falls.

Akaka Falls

Recommended by: Tabitha, Travel Compositions

• DISTANCE: 0.4-miles
• TYPE: Loop
• DIFFICULTY: Easy
• APPROXIMATE TIME NEEDED: 30 min
• PERMIT OR FEE NEEDED: $5pp entry fee plus $10 parking fee (free for residents); pro tip: anywhere outside the parking lot is free parking

Akaka Falls is arguably the most famous waterfall hike on the Big Island of Hawaii, and for good reason. It is a quick 13-mile drive north of Hilo, an easy kid-friendly trail, and has one of the tallest waterfalls you’ll likely see on the island.

The hiking trail is a one-way, paved loop that winds through a lush tropical forest, up and down stairs with only a 100ft elevation gain. Look down on tree tops in gorges, spot colorful tropical flowers, and get entangled with a row of banyan trees.

This hike technically gives you two waterfalls for the price of one. About halfway through the trail is a quick offshoot at a peek-a-boo view of Kahuna Falls, though you hear it more than you see it.

You’ll earn your Akaka Falls view after the longest stretch of uphill stairs. The path comes to a tiered, fenced viewing point of the falls plunging 442 ft down the verdant cliff to a small pool below.

As with all waterfalls in Hawaii, the amount of water flowing will be dependent on how much it has recently rained. Most likely it will be a serene, picture-perfect flow, but it has been known to be a small trickle during dry spells or a surge of raging mud after a rainstorm. 

After you have finished soaking in the waterfall views, continue on the path. In a minute or two you’ll cross a small bridge with a small, unnamed waterfall hidden under the foliage. 

From here it is another minute or so uphill back to the trailhead.

Wai’ale Falls

Recommended by: Lucy and Dan, Thoroughly Travel

• Distance: 1 km (0.6 miles)
• Type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Approximate Time Needed: 25 minutes
• Permit or Fee: None

Rainbow Falls may be a picture-perfect cascade but, as one of the most popular spots in Hilo, it’s also one of the busiest attractions in the area. If you’re eager to avoid the crowds, you’ll need to head further upriver.

Wai’ale Falls is a double cascade, which features a small island in between two waterfalls, and is one of the most rewarding hikes in Hawaii. Situated on the powerful Wailuku River, Wai’ale Falls is a secluded spot, perfect for hikers, birders, and photographers alike.

The riverside trail might be a short hike from the road, but it’s moderately difficult to traverse due to the roots and vegetation that line the path. The route can be muddy at times and might be seasonally impassable after heavy rainfall.

The effort is worth it though, as hikers are met by a picturesque spot that is perfect for a picnic or swim. Due to its secluded nature, Wai’ale Falls sees few tourists, and visitors often find they have it all to themselves.

Wai’ale Falls is easily accessible by car from Hilo. Follow Piihonua Road from the town, past Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots (the whirlpools where Maui supposedly chased the giant lizard Mo’o Kuna after saving his mother, Hina).

Stop when you reach the small bridge that crosses the Wailuku River. There is space off the road to park your car and the trail can be found on the north side of the bridge, heading upstream. 

Best Waterfall Hikes on Oahu

Oahu is the third-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, spanning a total of 597.5 square miles. It is well known as an important cultural hub and tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors each year.

The Island of Oahu is home to many of Hawaii’s iconic attractions, including Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the USS Arizona Memorial. It is also home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls and hikes in Hawaii.

Here are just a few of the best waterfall hikes you can experience on Oahu:

Manoa Falls

Recommended by: Anu Agarwal of Destination Checkoff. 

• DISTANCE: 1.7 miles
• TYPE: Out and Back
• DIFFICULTY: Moderate, due to elevation
• APPROXIMATE TIME NEEDED: 1 to 2 hours
• PERMIT OR FEE NEEDED: There is a $7 parking fee per vehicle

Manoa Falls is a very popular hike in Manoa Valley of Oahu island and should be part of any Oahu itinerary. You can reach Manoa Falls Trailhead with just a 15-20 minute drive from Honolulu where most of the hotels and resorts are.

This is a short hike with a total distance of 1.7 miles out and back and an elevation of 633 feet. The Manoa falls at the end of the hike are stunning.

There are some stairs towards the end to reach the base of Manoa falls.

The path is muddy and not paved and it can be wet and slippery during the wet season. Being inside a rainforest, expect wet trails, and do not wear your best light-colored hiking shoes here!

The area receives a lot of rainfall so it’s best to check the weather before the hike.

The hike is very beautiful and scenic and passes through a tropical rainforest, bamboo forest, and a lot of vegetation.

Swimming is not allowed at the base of Manoa falls but the view of the falls from the viewing area is spectacular.

Waimea Falls Trail

• DISTANCE: 1.9 miles
• TYPE: Out and Back
• DIFFICULTY: Easy
• APPROXIMATE TIME NEEDED: 45 minutes
• PERMIT OR FEE NEEDED: $25 or $10 with military ID

The first thing to know about this ” hike” is it really is more of a walk. It’s very easy, and pretty busy, so if you are looking for an authentic hike and waterfall experience this may not be for you.

However, if you are looking for an easy walk with small children, this is the perfect spot!

Waimea Falls Trail is the perfect excursion for travelers looking for a relaxing day out to witness some of Hawaii’s incredible natural beauty.

This trail is a short 1.9-mile out-and-back hike, making it an ideal choice for families with children or those who don’t want to commit to a long hike.

The trail passes through some of Oahu’s lush tropical rainforest and features excellent views of Waimea Bay.

As you reach the end, you will come to a viewing area with stunning views of the 80-foot waterfall.

Swimming is allowed in the lower pool at the base of the falls.

Best Waterfall Hikes on Kuai

Kuai is the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, spanning a total of 550.2 square miles. It is well known as both an important cultural hub and tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Kuai is home to many of Hawaii’s iconic attractions, including the Waimea Canyon, which is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the Na Pali Coast. It is also home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls and hikes in Hawaii.

Here are just a few of the best waterfall hikes you can experience on Kuai:

Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail

• DISTANCE: 7.7 miles
• TYPE: Out and Back
• DIFFICULTY: Difficult
• APPROXIMATE TIME NEEDED: 5 hours
• PERMIT OR FEE NEEDED: $35 for shuttle and entrance fee

You’ll need to make reservations in advance to hike here and take the shuttle to the trailhead. Reservations can be made at Go Hā’ena.

Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail is one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes on the island of Kuai. The trail takes you over rocks, across numerous streams, and through the lush tropical rainforests for a total distance of 7.7 miles out-and-back with an elevation gain of 1,140 feet.

This hike is not recommended after a lot of rain as it can be slippery and muddy. Being an experienced hiker is recommended as it is not one of the most accessible waterfalls.

At the end of the trail, you’ll find Hanakapi’ai Falls, an 80-foot waterfall cascading over some rocks into a pool below.

Remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a camera to enjoy the views and capture your memories.

Ho’opi’i Falls

• DISTANCE: 2.4 miles
• TYPE: Out and Back
• DIFFICULTY: Moderate
• APPROXIMATE TIME NEEDED: 1 hour
• PERMIT OR FEE NEEDED: none

Note that Ho’opi Falls is located behind a residential area. It’s important to respect the fact that people live here.

Do not trespass on private land. Don’t arrive before 8 am and speak quietly until you get beyond the houses. Only park near the trailhead and not in the neighborhood.

People jump into the water and swim here, but it is not recommended due to bacteria from old septic tanks leaking into the pools.

Ho’opi Falls is an incredible destination for travelers looking to explore the lush and beautiful island of Kuai. This moderately difficult two-mile out-and-back trail takes hikers through a tropical rainforest filled with vibrant wildlife and colorful foliage.

The path is well-marked, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost along the way.

Upper Ho’opi’i Falls is about 15 feet tall, and Lower Ho’opi Falls is a 30 feet cascading fall.

The lower falls are located about a mile away from the upper falls. You may recognize the lower falls from Jurassic Park!

Final Thoughts on Hawaii Waterfall Hikes

Hiking to waterfalls is a popular pastime for visitors and residents of Hawaii alike.

These falls offer hikers an opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful areas of the Hawaiian archipelago.

If you’re looking for an incredible day out exploring Hawaii’s natural beauty, be sure to check out at least one of these amazing waterfall hikes.