Oahu Waterfalls Guide
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Vanessa Howard
Vanessa HowardAs one of the largest Hawaiian Islands, Oahu has so much to offer travelers. From the stunning landscapes to the crystal clear waters, you’re in for a treat when visiting Oahu. One of the things that stands out is the island’s many beautiful waterfalls. Due to heavy rainfall, mountainous landscapes, and lush vegetation, it’s easy for visitors to see dozens of Oahu waterfalls throughout the island. Check out our guide below for the best waterfalls in Oahu, Hawaii.
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The Best Oahu Waterfalls
Waimea Falls
You’ll find the famous Waimea Falls on the north shore of Oahu in Waimea Valley. This 45 foot waterfall is one of the safest and most easily accessible for swimming, making it a perfect Oahu waterfall for families with small children. The paved hiking trail is a 1.5 mile round trip, and a shuttle service is available for $10 per person, one-way. Families can enjoy the lifeguarded swimming area where lifejackets are provided and required. To access the Waimea Falls, guests must pay an entry fee for the Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens. Due to the easy access to the waterfall, it is often crowded. Lifeguards make the swim call daily at 9 am based on waterfall conditions. During dry periods, the waterfall can stop flowing and swimming may be unavailable. Other fun activities while visiting include the gardens and cultural exhibits within the valley. You’ll notice that across the street is Waimea Bay. The bay is one of the North Shore’s most iconic beaches and makes a great stop after your waterfall hike
Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Oahu. You may recognize the falls as they were featured in popular productions such as the 2015 hit “Jurassic World” and “Lost.” Manoa Falls is easily accessible to visitors via a short drive from Honolulu. The trail to Manoa Falls is accessible via a well maintained, short 1.7 mile round-trip hiking trail. The trail can be very muddy and slippery year-round, as Manoa Valley receives 150–170 inches of rainfall annually, making it one of the wettest areas on Oahu. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Families can enjoy this leisurely stroll through Manoa Valley’s lush green jungles, with the towering 150-foot payoff at the end. Swimming is not permitted at Manoa Falls. Please respect this policy, regardless of what others do. You can easily find a place to park your car for a small fee, around $7 (USD).
Likeke Falls
Likeke Falls is one of Oahu’s hidden treasures, with a serene, calm location that features the beautiful cascading 30-foot waterfall. To get to Likeke, you’ll have to hike a distance of about 1 mile round trip. Undoubtedly, after walking through the jungle, the first thing you’ll want to do is wade in the calm and refreshing pools below the falls. The pools are shallow and best suited for wading and splashing rather than swimming. There are two points of access for Likeke Falls. You can access the Likeke Falls trailhead from the Ko’olau Golf Course parking lot, which is now owned by First Presbyterian Church. The church charges $10–$15 for parking with gates open 8 am – 6 pm. The lot is frequently closed on Sundays for church services. The trail is often wet and muddy, so pack a pair of sturdy hiking boots.
Waimano Falls
Those looking for peace and tranquility will love Waimano Falls. This enchanting waterfall is located near Pearl City in south-central Oahu. During this 3-mile round trip hike, you can take in the beauty of Oahu before arriving at the gorgeous free-flowing falls with several pools below. Beginning at the Manana trail and spanning one and a half miles, the path to Waimano Falls winds through a canopy of verdant green forest before reaching the cascading waterfalls. Keep in mind that the spur path down to the waterfall and pools is an unofficial, unmaintained social trail. Remember that this is an out-and-back trail, and you will hike around 3 miles round trip. Wear your swimsuit as the pool below Waimano Falls is popular for cliff jumping and swimming, with a jump of about 15 feet. Make sure to check for debris first, and then check your landing area.
Jackass Ginger Pool
Despite the funny name and small size, the Jackass Ginger Pool & Falls is a beloved Oahu experience. Although the falls only stand around 7 feet tall, the swimming hole at the base of the falls is a very popular area for families to take a dip. You can access Jackass Ginger Pool by hiking the 1 mile Judd Trail Loop off the Pali Highway. The hike crosses a stream near the beginning and follows alongside it through the forest. The trail is short but can be muddy and slippery, and navigation can be confusing due to numerous unmarked side trails. At the trail split (it’s a loop, so you can go either way), the Jackass Ginger Pool is just to the right, although going left allows you to walk the trail first and then end back at the swimming hole. Vehicle break-ins have been reported at the trailhead parking area on Nu’uanu Pali Drive. Don’t leave valuables in your car.
Waipuhia Falls
Also known as Upside-Down Falls, Waipuhia Falls is unique because it appears to flow backward when it’s windy. The falls are rain-fed and only visible during or immediately after heavy rainfall, and without rain, there is no waterfall to see. A 0.6-mile trail off Pali Highway is barely visible due to jungle overgrowth and the fact that the trail passes through private property, making it inaccessible. These unique falls feature a cascade that never seems to hit the ground due to the wind. The best and really only way to witness the falls is from your car. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled if you’re on the hunt to find this miracle in nature, the falls are most visible during rainy, windy conditions, typically during the wet season (November through March). Look toward the Ko’olau cliffs as you drive the Pali Highway.
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