4 Best Waterfall Hikes On Oahu
Exploring waterfall hikes on Oahu is one of our favorite things to do on the island. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant hiking trails, Oahu is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
If you are looking for the top waterfall hikes on Oahu, look no further! We have compiled a list of the island’s most breathtaking and rewarding waterfall hikes.
Note: Our list will only include legal hikes suitable for most levels of hikers. While other blogs include hikes such as Ka’au Crater and Lulumahu Falls, we will not include those on this list as Ka’au Crater is considered advanced, dangerous, and not ideal for most tourists, and Lulumahu Falls is on private property.
Before hiking any trail, always assess your mental and physical capabilities and research the trail conditions. The weather in Hawaii can change quickly and unexpectedly, so be prepared.
Disclaimer: Hiking can be a dangerous activity. Please assess your physical health before attempting any hike. Content on this site is not meant to substitute for professional medical, health, or safety advice.
Now that we have gotten all that out of the way, here is our list of the top waterfall hikes on Oahu:
Map
1. Manoa Falls Trail
We always debate between Manoa Falls and Waimea Falls as the best waterfall hike on Oahu, but ultimately, Manoa Falls takes the crown.
While both are excellent hikes perfect for the whole family, Manoa Falls is conveniently located near Waikiki and suitable for most levels of hikers.
The trail is approximately 1.7-miles round trip and takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete, with a 610ft elevation gain.
Along the way, you will be surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful native plants. Of course, the main attraction is the 150-foot waterfall at the end of the trail.
If you’re lucky (as we have been multiple times), you might even see a beautiful view of a rainbow.
The trail is marked as moderately difficult and can get muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. As always, please stay on the designated path and do not attempt to climb or swim in the falls, as it is not allowed.
Parking: $5 fee to park on site
Entrance Fee: free
Swimmable: No
2. Waimea Falls
Waimea Falls is another fantastic, easy hike that deserves a spot on your Oahu itinerary. Located within the Waimea Valley on the North Shore, this trail offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history.
Spanning about 1.7 miles round trip, it is an easy and enjoyable walk suitable for most ages and fitness levels, making it ideal for families.
Waimea Falls is the only hike on this list that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and that is part of the reason we wanted it to be number one. However, it is located on the North Shore, unlike Manoa Falls, which is close to Waikiki.
The trail, which is home to a stunning collection of native Hawaiian flora and fauna, leads you through lush botanical gardens before reaching Waimea Falls. The falls are 45 feet high and have a swimmable waterfall at their base.
One of the highlights of Waimea Valley is the opportunity to immerse yourself in Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. Along the trail, you’ll find several historical sites that offer insight into the island’s past, such as ancient Hawaiian structures.
We love Waimea Falls because only a few waterfall hikes in Hawaii allow swimming, making it a unique experience. If you are looking for the safest waterfall to swim in, this is the one. Lifejackets are required (included in the admission fee), and a lifeguard is on duty.
Parking: Parking is included with your admission fee
Entrance Fee: $25 adult, $15 child, $20 student with ID, and $20 seniors
Swimmable: Yes
3. Likeke Falls
We recently did this hike, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Likeke Falls is less popular than the other hikes on this list, making it a quieter and less crowded option.
Located in Kaneohe, about 28 minutes from Waikiki, Likeke Falls offers a short but rewarding hike that is perfect for those looking to escape the city and do a less touristy hike.
The trail is only 0.8 miles (from the start of the trail) round trip, moderately challenging and takes about 45 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the valley and a stunning waterfall view at the end.
One thing we love about Likeke Falls is that it is spring-fed, which means the water is constantly flowing, making for a more picturesque waterfall than other hikes like Manoa Falls, Waimano Falls, and Waimea Falls, where the water flow depends on rainfall.
Parking: Parking is available at or near the Koʻolau Golf Club. Depending on current events, the Koʻolau Golf Club may close the hiking parking.
When we went recently, parking was unavailable, so we opted for street parking off Kinaʻole Road. If you park on the street, follow proper parking protocols and be careful, especially after heavy rainfall, as it can be very muddy and you don’t want to get your car stuck.
Entrance Fee: Free on the street but $10 fee at the golf club
Swimmable: No
4. Waimano Falls
Waimano Falls is another less touristy hike that offers more challenge than Likeke Falls. Located in Pearl City, about 35 minutes from Waikiki, the trail is approximately 2.9 miles round trip and takes around 2 hours to complete.
The trail can sometimes be muddy, so make sure to wear proper hiking shoes. We have done this hike in both muddy and dry conditions, and we highly recommend good hiking shoes for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
We ranked this trail last on this list because it is the most challenging and requires more physical ability.
At the trail’s end, you’ll be rewarded with two stunning waterfalls and pools at the base. The lower Waimano Falls has ropes that people use to jump in the water; however, they are not maintained by the state and can be unsafe. Use caution if you choose to climb the ropes, as you assume all risks.
The upper Waimano Falls are much taller than the lower falls, but the pool is not deep, so never jump into the water from here.
As a note, Waimano Falls is fed by rain, so always make sure that the water is safe before jumping in. After heavy rainfall, objects such as rocks, tree branches, and debris can be washed into the falls, making it dangerous to swim in. Test the waters before jumping in. If you don’t see other people jumping, doing so is most likely unsafe.
Parking: Free neighborhood parking at the top of Komo Mai Drive
Entrance Fee: Free
Swimmable: Sometimes at the lower Falls, but please be cautious and swim at your own risk.
Oahu Hiking Tips
I wouldn’t be doing you any justice if I ended this article without giving you some tips for hiking on Oahu. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind before hitting the trails.
- Always check weather conditions before heading out. Rain can make trails slippery and dangerous. Always pay attention to flash flood warnings and take them very seriously.
- Be aware of leptospirosis, a bacteria found in freshwater streams and puddles. This is especially important if you have any open cuts or sores on your body. Always make sure the water is safe for swimming before going in.
- Bring bug spray, as mosquitos can be prevalent in certain areas.
- Stay hydrated. Carry plenty of water with you, especially if you are going on a longer hike. Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly, especially on Oahu’s humid, tropical climate.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen liberally and wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun’s powerful rays. Long sleeves may also help prevent sunburn and are great for keeping the mosquitos away.
- Pack snacks, energy bars, trail mixes, and fruits, which are all excellent choices for quick energy boosts during your hike.
- Respect the environment. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the ecosystem, and always pack out all trash to keep these natural spaces pristine for future hikers.
- Use a map. Many trails on Oahu can be confusing, so having a map will help you stay on the correct path. If available, downloading offline maps can be a lifesaver in areas with poor cell reception. We always use All Trails.
- Know your abilities and limitations. Start with shorter, more accessible hikes and gradually work up to more challenging ones. Listen to your body, and don’t push yourself beyond your physical limits.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. This is crucial in an emergency or getting lost on the trail.
- Lastly, have fun! Hiking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, exercise, and explore new places. Take the time to appreciate the beautiful scenery around you.
