7 Spectacular Hikes on Oahu with Waterfalls

Does the promise of a waterfall add a little incentive to your hikes?

Then you’re going to love hiking in Oahu! It may be the “rainbow capital of the world”, but waterfalls are nearly as plentiful.

In the 9 years I spent living and working – and hiking – on Oahu, I couldn’t get enough of those waterfall hikes. And I’m pretty sure my dogs felt the same way. Spoiler – my all-time favourite is Maunawili Falls.

Read on for a list of hikes that include this worth-it reward!

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Hike Oahu’s Waterfalls

Oahu is full of fantastic hikes – the tropical scenery is just second to none. Throw a waterfall in there, and you have a pretty terrific outing.

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Here are some of my favourite ones:

Manoa Falls and swimming hole at the end of the hike DP

1. Manoa Falls

Difficulty: Easy.
Location: Manoa Valley, just a few miles from downtown Honolulu.
Description: This 2.7 km (1.7-mile) round-trip hike leads through a tropical rainforest to a stunning 150-foot waterfall. No swimming is allowed, though.

You’ll see sights from both Lost and Jurassic Park. The trail is well-maintained but can be muddy. There IS a fee to park at the trailhead.

Maunawili Falls surrounded by lush tropical greenery

2. Maunawili Falls

Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Location: Near Kailua, on the windward side of the island.
Description: This hike is about a 10 km (6.3-mile) round trip. It takes you through an exotic trail past a beautiful 20-foot waterfall and swimming hole.

If you follow it to the end, you’ll wind up in Waimanalo. The trail can be very muddy and slippery, as can the rocks around the waterfall. You’ll also be crossing a creek or 2. Watch your step!

* This is a favourite of mine and my dogs. They don’t make it past the slippery rocks to the water, though.

Likeke Falls at the end of the hike, attrubuted to: Eli, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Thanks to Eli, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons for the photo!

3. Likeke Falls

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: Accessed from the Pali Highway, below the Pali Lookout.
Description: A relatively short rainforest hike (approximately 1.3 km, or 0.8 miles round trip) that leads to a pretty waterfall. Tip: Keep right after you get past the big log.

Park on the road just before the Ko’olau Golf Course, or pay to park in the course lot. You can also leave your car at the Pali Lookout lot.

Waimea Falls in Waimea Valley on Oahu DP — *Waimea Falls*

4. Waimea Valley

Difficulty: Easy
Location: North Shore, within Waimea Valley, a well-maintained botanical garden.
Description: This is a paved 3 km (1.9 miles) stroll to Waimea Falls. You will be travelling a bit uphill, though.

The trail ends at the waterfall and swimming is permitted. There’s a lifeguard on duty, and life jackets are required and provided. It’s great for families.

There is a fee to get into Waimea Falls, and you’ll find a restroom along the trail. My favourite part of this hike is the beautiful botanical garden the trail leads through. No dogs allowed.

Lulumahu Falls on Oahu, photo attributed to Andrew K. Smith, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Thanks to Andrew K. Smith, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons for the photo!

5. Lulumahu Falls

Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Near the Pali Highway, close to downtown Honolulu.
Description: A popular 2.9 km (1.8 miles) round-trip hike. Begin at the gate, and pass through a veritable bamboo jungle, and over streams to reach the stunning falls. You’ll be ready for a cool swim!

The trail is not officially maintained, so it can be a bit of an adventure. Parking is in a small dirt lot near where the Pali Hwy meets Nuʻuanu Pali Drive. Don’t leave valuables in your car as break-ins can happen.

Another photo of Waimea Falls because I don't have one of Waimano :( DP — *Waimea Falls*

6. Waimano Falls

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Location: Central Oahu, near Pearl City, in the Ewa Forest Reserve
Description: This trail is a steep 3-mile round trip. It leads through a forested area to multiple small waterfalls and pools that are great for swimming.

The path can be muddy and requires some careful stepping. There are ropes in strategic places to help you along, and areas where you can jump into the water below. This one is always fun, but you may want to leave your dogs at home.

7. Laie Falls

Difficulty: Difficult
Location: North Shore, near the town of Laie.
Description: This trail is about 12.7 km (8 miles) round trip. You’ll hike through a variety of different landscapes, ending at a lovely waterfall where swimming you can swim.

You’ll walk past taro fields and pines on this off-the-beaten-path trail. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more rugged experience.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of gorgeous waterfalls in Oahu! Visit as many as you can, and report back with your favourite.