The island of Oahu in Hawaii isn’t known for its multitude of waterfalls. Maui, particularly along the Hana side of the Valley Isle, is waterfall paradise, with seemingly a cascade around every corner along the winding road to Hana. But there are waterfalls on Oahu, and I’ll describe twenty Oahu waterfalls I’ve visited and hiked to.
1) Likeke Falls– A 30-foot cascade nestled below the Pali Lookout and accessed via the Likeke Trail. It is popular with eco-tours and has a shallow (ankle deep) swimming hole. Starting from the Pali Lookout, the hike is about 3 miles roundtrip.
2) Wai’oma’o Stream – Located in Palolo Valley at the end of Waiomao Road. Decent swimming hole below first waterfall. Beyond first cascade is another nice waterfall and a wonderful tiered falls leading to the entrance of Ka’au Crater.
3) Sacred Falls – Located in Hau’ula. Closed trail due to a tragic accident where people were killed by a huge rockslide. This was a very popular hike for tourists prior to the accident. Nice pool and falls.
4) Lower Lulumahu Falls– Eastern wall of Nu’uanu Valley. Nice falls but shallow swimming hole. Access restricted by the Board of Water Supply. Trail starts at upper end of Nuuanu Pali Drive off Pali Highway.
5) Malaekahana Falls – In back of La’ie Town. Nice pool and falls gained by a steep descent. Access via the Malaekahana Trail.
6) La’ie Falls– Nice pool and falls. Access is via the Laie Trail. Short, steep descent to waterfall after about 2.5 miles of hiking.
7) Waiakeakua – On the eastern side of Manoa Valley. Nice pool and falls. One mile hike. Very muddy trail.
8) Manoa Falls – Very popular with tourists. Nice high falls but shallow swimming hole. One mile hike.
9) Upper Lulumahu Falls (difficult and remote access from the Konahuanui Trail) – Decent swimming hole and falls.
10) Mo’ole Valley – Western side of upper Nu’uanu Valley. A series of nice waterfalls but shallow swimming holes. Tricky access. Requires traverse of a long water tunnel.
11) Kalauao – Located in Kalauao Valley above Aiea Heights. Medium-sized swimming hole fed by small falls that only flows appreciably after a decent rainfall. Access is via the Aiea Loop Trail. Hike of about 2 miles to the Falls. See an AC write-up about this hike.
12) Waimano Pool – Above Pacific Palisades in Pearl City. The waterfall is accessed via the Manana Trail. Nice swimming hole that becomes stagnant in periods of low/no rain. Hike required is about 1.5 miles one way. Steep descent of ridge called cardiac hill by local hikers.
13) Maunawili Falls – Located in Maunawili Valley on the windward side of Oahu. Nice swimming hole and waterfall. Second most popular waterfall hike after Manoa Falls. 1.5 mile hike from trailhead on Kelewina Street.
14) Hamama Falls – In Waihe’e Valley. Nice waterfall but shallow swimming hole. Access by permission of the Board of Water Supply. Trailhead is at the end of Waihee Valley Road.
15) Waimea Falls – Located inland of famous surfing beach Waimea Bay on the North Shore, Waimea Falls is a popular tourist destination. Admission charged.
16) Ma’akua Gulch – In Hau’ula. Like nearby Sacred Falls, this trail is closed and off-limits due to rockfall danger. Nice swimming hole and great series of waterfalls.
17) Kaipapa’u – In Hau’ula. Nice swimming hole and waterfall at end of hike. The flow of the waterfall is dependent on rain. Requires long approach (3+ miles one-way) via a stream trail.
18) Koloa Gulch – In Hau’ula. Nice swimming hole and waterfall at end of hike. Requires long approach (3+ miles one-way) via a stream trail.
19) Kapena Falls – Just off the Pali Hwy near Nu’uanu Memorial Park Cemetery. Nice swimming hole fed by small falls but plenty mosquitoes. Also a popular hike among local youths and tourists.
20) Lua’alaea – In Manoa Valley. Stems off the popular Manoa Falls Trail right after initial bridge crossing . Nice high falls but shallow swimming hole. Plenty of mud and mosquitoes.
Reference:
- Hawaii Trails, Hiking and Backpacking (hikehawaii.blogspot.com)
