Top Waterfalls in Hawaii

From Rainbow Falls to Hanakapiai Falls, these spots are incredible.

3 min readJan 24, 2018By Leah Still Joll

Hi, I'm Leah!

Leah Still Joll is a freelance writer based in San Francisco with a specialty in travel writing. Her favorite destinations include Maui, Sayulita, the Northern California coast, Paris, Morocco, Indonesia, and Western Australia.

Blessed by Mother Nature with lush rainforest, rivers, cliffs, and mountains, the Hawaiian Islands are home to many waterfalls, both on and off the beaten path. Here are our picks for the top falls to see on a tour, hike, or even a helicopter ride.

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Akaka Falls (Big Island of Hawaii)

These falls are huge.Photo Credit: Dave Z / Shutterstock

A few miles inland from the Big Island’s northeastern coast, just north of Hilo, Akaka Falls State Park is home to the 442-foot (135-meter) Akaka Falls, as well as the 100-foot (30-meter) Kahuna Falls. A short hike (less than half a mile) in the park leads you to both waterfalls, providing easy access to one of the Island of Hawaii’s most famous cascades.

Rainbow Falls (Big Island of Hawaii)

Rainbow Falls on a bright day on Big Island.

Rainbow Falls on a bright day.Photo Credit: MNStudio / Shutterstock

In Hilo, you don’t have to go far to find a waterfall. Head to Wailuku River State Park to check out the 80-foot (24-meter) Rainbow Falls, also known as Waianuenue, where on sunny mornings, rainbows can be seen in the mist from the water. Also nearby is Peepee Falls, which feed the pools known as the Boiling Pots.

Hanakapiai Falls (Kauai)

Lush greenery around the falls.Photo Credit: frankmlee / Shutterstock

It takes physical effort to get to Hanakapiai Falls, but you’ll be rewarded with a remote spot to appreciate Kauai’s legendary natural beauty. Reaching the 300-foot (91-meter) waterfall requires a strenuous, not-for-beginners hike from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach and then up to the falls.

Wailua Falls (Kauai)

Tranquil Wailua Falls.Photo Credit: Pierre Leclerc / Shutterstock

Located a bit north of Lihue, Wailua Falls is known for its appearance on the TV show Fantasy Island and is a favorite Kauai waterfall for its easy access from town (unlike other Kauai falls only accessible by hiking). It drops 80 feet (24 meters) into the Wailua River in two cascades, providing a dramatic photo op.

Opaekaa Falls (Kauai)

Opaekaa Falls waterfall from a distance.

The waterfall from a distance.Photo Credit: Abbie Warnock-Matthews / Shutterstock

Not far from Wailua Falls, Opaekaa Falls is another easily accessible Kauai waterfall, and visiting both falls on one tour or in the same day is common. The 151-foot (46-meter) waterfall is best seen from the lookout point on Kuamoo Road.

Manoa Falls (Oahu)

Manoa Falls is on Oahu.Photo Credit: AdrianoK / Shutterstock

About six miles (9.5 km) from Honolulu, an easy hike—more of a walk, really—takes you to Manoa Falls in Manoa Valley. The hike is suitable for all skill levels, making it an easy way for the whole family to enjoy a piece of Hawaiian nature on your Waikiki vacation.

Waimea Valley (Oahu)

Sunny Waimea Valley.Photo Credit: MNStudio / Shutterstock

Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Waimea Valley is a cultural and natural attraction home to Waimea Falls, a 45-foot (14-meter) waterfall popular for swimming. Enjoy the botanical garden setting on the paved walk to the falls.

Waimoku Falls (Maui)

Verdant falls.Photo Credit: Robin Runck / Shutterstock

Just off the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) on Maui’s east coast, the Pipiwai Trail leads to Waimoku Falls via a 4-mile (6.5-km) round-trip hike that takes three to five hours to complete. The 400-foot (120-meter) waterfall is part of Haleakala National Park and is often visited together with the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo, a set of tiered waterfall pools.