The best waterfall hikes in Oahu come in a roll call, and you need days to tackle them all.
Some of the hikes are perfect for beginners and children to take on, some require experience and fitness to complete a round trip.
To make the most of these hikes, wait until the rainy season comes to an end. The waterfalls during this time are less heftier yet you can steer clear of muddy paths, mosquitoes, and slippery conditions.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our nine favorite waterfall hikes in Oahu where thick vegetation, emerald hidden swimming pools, and gorgeous landscapes make a statement.
1. Mānoa Falls Trail
Undoubtedly one of the most talked-about waterfall hikes in Oahu, the Mānoa Falls trail is a lush and easy-to-tackle out-and-back loop spanning three kilometers with an elevation gain of 193 meters.
The trailhead is only a short walk from Waakaua Street where you can find plenty of street parking spots. From here, be prepared to get lost in a dreamy forest paradise with a hidden waterfall at its heart. If you venture out in the springtime, the waterfall becomes heftier yet the graveled-path cutting through the dense greenery also gets wetter.
Along the hike, guava and wild ginger inject their beautiful scent into the air, telling you a gushing brook is waiting ahead if you keep chasing a gradual downhill.
The wooden trail is well-marked and cared for yet a majority of the trail length is not paved. However, there is a flight of stairs leading to a boardwalk until you reach the bamboo forest. On top of the stair, you’ll hear a babbling waterfall soaring down a rock face.
2. Likeke Falls
Looking to hike with your loved ones? Likeke Falls trail is a top call to complete your family hike as it’s well-marked and easy on the core for both kids and seniors. Likeke Falls trail cuts through the dense Oahu jungle with lots of shades and scenic vistas. It’s a short trail no more than 1.5 kilometers with only 63 meters of elevation gain.
The trailhead begins at a spacious parking lot just behind Ko’olau Ballrooms & Conference Center. From the trailhead, keep walking until you see a left turn before you reach the water tank.
There’s a big blue arrow not far away from the split showing you to take a right turn. This path takes you higher and higher into the dense greenery until an outcrop appears, boasting a dramatic vista.
Halfway into the hike, the small waterfall of Likeke looms out beside where the trail splits. Don’t come during the rainy season as the hike can get muddy and slippery.
3. Lulumahu Falls
Game up your hiking skill by taking on the 2.6-kilometer out-and-back trail leading to Lulumahu Falls. If this is your first time hitting Lulumahu, note that the fall is located on private government property, which means there’s a permission fee and you’ve gotta adhere to the rules here.
The trail sits on the floor of an old hunting ground where a thick bamboo forest shadows the walkway from above and giant rocks appear out of nowhere to test your fitness level. Once you’re able to conquer all those concrete steps and pass through a forest stream, a scenic waterfall cascading down over 15 meters will bring awesomeness to your bare eyes.
Peeking through the trees along the hike is a series of the scenic vistas but those beautiful views are the only signs you can rely on to indicate your location. The downside to this hike is that there are no signs telling you where to go nor is it paved and maintained.
For that reason, don’t try to hit the trail after the rain as it gets extremely dangerous with mosquitoes and bugs.
4. Kaʻau Crater Trail
Scramble yet majestic, Kaʻau Crater Trail is another marvelous hike in Oahu to take your breath away. Four hours are expected to complete this challenging hike.
A heads-up: it’s not for beginners with 640 meters of elevation gain.
Kaʻau Crater Trail is part of a private property managed by the Board of Water Supply. The entire trail plays host to three majestic waterfalls inside a dense jungle and vines. There are lots of beautiful natural playgrounds to try river crossing, climbing a mountain ridge, or simply soaking in the beautiful vista.
Since Kaʻau Crater rests on the slope of the mountain jutting out to the ocean on the south side, you will encounter a steep downhill path to the valley and river before heading upstream again to the back of the valley.
Even though Kaʻau Crater Trail is more on the challenging side, beginners are able to complete the first leg of the hike to the first waterfall. Return to the other two when your fitness level is ready for this moist, muddy, and slippery section. On the flip side, once you reach the top of the ridge, impeccable views over Oahu, Olomana, The Mokes, and Chinamans Hat promise to give your eyes a feast.
5. Waimea Falls Hike
Waimea is a 30-foot waterfall moored into the end of a short 30-minute trail, pouring water into a small swimming hole underneath. If you wanna swim this hole, bring a life vest.
This hike is famous as an easy, family-friendly trail where it’s paved and well-marked. Though some steep sections get in the way, it’s not the end of the world and we believe you can overcome it in no time.
One of the coolest things about hiking the Waimea Falls is the abundant vegetation home to oversized tropical plants and unique botanical gardens. They set up various information boards along the path for you to discover.
If you wanna stay longer after the hike ends, check out one of the many workshops and cultural events taking place at the main entrance. Every Saturday, the nursery here sets up a botanical market where you can browse different plants and flower varieties to bring home.
6. Aihualama Trail
Inheriting the majesty of Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve, Aihualama Trail becomes a big hook for outdoor enthusiasts and forest bathers. Aihualama is connected to the Mānoa Trail at the base of Mānoa Falls but the muddy parts and steep sections here make it a tad more challenging to complete.
The first few steps of the hike are the most difficult where most people are disheartened. Keep going and you’ll soon be rewarded with majestic views hiding behind the old banyan and bamboo trees. The second leg of the hike is a series of continuous switchbacks before it’s cut at Pauoa Flats.
With 109 meters in elevation gain and nearly two kilometers to complete, this out-and-back trail takes you a good one hour to tackle.
A majority of the hike goes downhill. Even though you may encounter lots of hikers at the beginning of the hike where the Mānoa Falls is located, the crowd soon thins out, leaving you with beautiful scenery where birds chirp behind the trees.
7. Lāʻie Falls Trail
This is another private property managed by the Hawaii Reserves which grants you permission for hikers at its office at the La’ie Shopping Center.
Lāʻie Falls is an out-and-back trail with over 570 meters in elevation gain and almost 13 kilometers to complete. Since the trail is mostly overgrown with a steep climb, the gorgeous secluded waterfall at the core of the forest retains its luxurious quietness with very few hikers being able to come this far.
One of our favorite things about hiking the Lāʻie Falls trail is the chance to soak up its mystic vibe. Even though Lāʻie Falls is only about five meters high, it returns you with the utmost seclusion, a sweeping vista of the northern Oahu coast from the ridge, and a revitalizing not-so-shallow pool wrapped by the dense tropical forest.
The rainy days are definitely not the best time to hit the trail but you don’t wanna get there when it’s scorching hot either since most of the ridge is vastly exposed to sunlight.
8. Waimano Falls
The rocky pool where Waimano Falls plunges into promises to win your heart with its delightful cerulean color. The trail is located near Pearl Harbor, with its beginning fenced behind a green gate. Simply push it in and enter as the locked gate only stops vehicles from getting in.
The elevation gain is not the end of the world, which is only 247 meters. However, it doesn’t cover up the fact that the Waimano Falls trail is still a challenging route with nearly five kilometers in length. Don’t be discouraged! The first half is pretty simple and smooth so you can get your core ready before the coming to the challenging end. Not until you see the signs of the Summit or Waimano Waterfall, be prepared to encounter muddier parts that are also steep and rocky.
Whenever your cores get tired, rest up at one of the rope swings tied to the trees. They can be found throughout the hike.
To celebrate the majestic outdoorsy life in Oahu to the fullest, you can’t miss out on the sun-kissed beaches. Here are ten of our favorite beaches in Oahu to sunbathe, explore local culture, and enjoy water sports.