6 Best Waterfall Hikes in Oahu

You might not be an avid hiker, but exploring the environment surrounding many of Oahu’s mystical waterfalls is nothing less than an amazing and transformative experience. Here are the 6 best waterfall hikes in Oahu worth experiencing in your lifetime.

Why You Should Explore Waterfall Hikes in Oahu

Hiking Oahu waterfalls is like walking in the heart of a tropical paradise. Lush forests provide cover from the summer sun and the tropical rainforest climate is great for almost year-round hiking. Most waterfall hikes in Oahu are short, requiring only about a few miles to get to your destination. A lot of these hikes are even family-friendly, meaning kids can on these hikes for a fun day activity.

Waterfall hikes are different from the usual outdoor adventure. It offers people a chance to cool off, go swimming, and of course, get a different view!

Where to Stay in Oahu

Oahu’s five main regions include Waikiki, Diamond Head, West Side, Ala Moana, and North Shore. 

Each region provides easy access to some of the island’s fabled waterfalls. For example, Waikiki is the favorite starting point for adventurers hiking in Manoa Falls, Likeke Falls, Waimano Falls, Waiakeakua Falls, and Waipuilani Falls. On the other hand, the North Shore is perfect for exploring the Waimea Valley.

If you are in Waikiki with your family, you can stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort. This hotel has luxury rooms with excellent views of the blue Pacific. If you want to stay in a different luxurious setting, Sheraton Waikiki is the place to go. The infinity pool is a must-try, perfect for relaxing your body after a tiring day at the waterfall trails.

If you are looking for something more unique, The Modern Honolulu can give you a five-star hotel experience at a fraction of the price. Other popular budget accommodations are the Waikiki Beachside Hostel and The Laylow Autograph Collection.

North Shore is perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. It is about an hour-long drive from Waikiki to the North Shore, although weekend driving times can be longer because of the heavy traffic.

North Shore is also the place to go if you want to visit Waimea Valley. Turtle Bay Resort and The Courtyard by Marriott North Shore are perfect for those who require luxury accommodation. The Backpackers Vacation Inn & Plantation Village is suitable for vacationers on a budget.

Regardless of where you stay in Oahu, an amazing waterfall is always less than an hour away by car. It is recommended that you rent a car during your stay, and you can be on any of the finest waterfall hiking trails in Oahu within minutes.

What to Pack for Hiking in Oahu

Hiking Boots / Shoes

Even though it may be tempting to wear flip-flops or sandals when hiking the waterfalls in Oahu, I usually still opt for hiking boots or shoes because of the better grip. The rocks can be super slippery and I like to be overly cautious when I go hiking in wet conditions.

Active Sandals

Once you are at the waterfall in Oahu, it will be nice to change into some active sandals so you don’t want to go in with sneakers or barefoot. Make sure your sandals have sturdy straps. I love these brands

Sun Protection

Sun protection is super important out in Oahu. The sun is very strong, even if it doesn’t feel like it!

Water Storage

I personally prefer using an MSR Drom Bag rather than a water bottle because of the ease of accessibility. In the summer, I will bring around 1L per hour of hiking. In the winter, I will lessen that to around 0.5L per hour of hiking.

Summer Hiking Clothing

In the humid weather like Oahu’s, I will spend a little more to optimize for sweat-wicking and lightweight material t-shirts. The best tip I ever got was to avoid cotton!

6 Best Hiking Trails in Oahu with Waterfalls

1. Manoa Falls Trail

A favorite of many, the Manoa Falls Trail is only 15 to 20 minutes by car from the busy city of Waikiki. If you don’t have a car, you can take a cab from the city and have it drive you to the Manoa Valley’s trailhead. 

You’ll marvel at the lush greens welcoming you on one side and the winding stream on the other. Plant species greet you in their full color and natural scent, making a temporary stop impossible to resist.

The trail opens up to the breathtaking 150-foot Manoa Falls. Get ready with your camera because the sight is Instagram-worthy. Stand close to the waterfalls and enjoy a cool yet refreshing shower.

Note: Because this trail is so close to Waikiki, it can definitely get busy during the weekends. Try and go early, or go on a weekday if possible.

2. Waimano Falls Trail

If you have been hiking for some time, the Waimano Falls Trail is for you. You can spend three to four hours hiking and exploring this 1.8-mile course, complete with steep scrambling sections that I personally find to be super fun.

You can get to Waimano Falls via Pearl City, where locals love to perform crazy stunts on a rope swing. Your trek starts at the Manana trail and moves through a densely forested section. 

The hike can be strenuous for casual hikers, although the gem at the end more than makes up for it. When you reach Waimano Falls, you will marvel at the sight of this 30-foot natural wonder. There are also two natural swimming pools if you want to take a dip and cool off.

3. Likeke Falls Trail

Honolulu’s Pali Lookout is your jump-off point for this Oahu hiking waterfalls adventure at Likeke Falls Trail. There are two hiking routes, depending on your skill level. Casual hikers can take the easy 15-minute path from the Ko’olau Golf Club. 

More experienced hikers can go the old two-mile route, which should get them to the falls in about 1.5 hours. The starting point for this hike is the Old Pali Highway. What makes this path special is it gives you an exciting view of other Oahu waterfalls along the way.

Likeke Falls is famous for its impressive two-tiered flow. Many hikers love posing for an Instagrammable shot.

4. Waimea Valley Trail

A popular swimming hole, the Waimea Falls cascades down a 45-foot cliff with its refreshingly cool water. A lifeguard is on the watch to safeguard people enjoying themselves in the natural swimming pool. 

Even if you do not want to take a dip, you can always bask in the tropical sun on the outside of the water. The more adventurous love to jump from the cliff and plunge into the cool waters. It is one of Oahu’s best cliff jumping spots.

Unlike other Oahu waterfalls, this waterfall in the North Shore region cascades down several levels of rocks to create a stair-like scenery. The trail is short, covering only 1.5 miles round trip. Most of the Waimea Valley features paved pathways as a part of a botanical garden. However, it is not uncommon for more adventurous spirits to explore unmarked tracks.

There is a fee to enter, so be sure to check out the Waimea Valley entrance info here.

5. Waiakeakua Falls via Pu’u’pia Trail

If you have pet dogs joining you in your waterfall hikes in Oahu, the Waiakeakua Falls is a must-visit. The hike involves walking through the 1.2-mile-long Pu’u’pia Trail in the Manoa Valley. 

You might think the short distance makes this trail easy-peasy. Unfortunately, it is not. The winding path has an incredibly steep section you will want to cling as tight as possible to tree branches. Seasoned hikers can reach the falls within two to three hours, although casual hikers can take longer.

It would be best to avoid this trail in the rainy season because the terrain can be oil-slick-slippery.

6. Waipuilani Falls 

Most locals do not recommend hiking the Waipuilani Falls trail because it is challenging to follow. Even seasoned hikers have had issues getting to the falls. People placed ribbon markers along the trail, but even these got lost.

The 1.9-mile hike is one of the most accessible from downtown Honolulu. That is if you know where you are heading. Experts recommend following the trail towards town until you see a stream. 

The Waipuilani Falls is one of the tallest in Oahu. There are no swimming holes, but the place offers a little cave worth exploring.

FAQs

Why should you go hiking to Oahu waterfalls?

Hawaii has more than a hundred documented waterfalls with their unique charm. Hundreds more are hidden gems awaiting discovery. Many of Hawaii’s famous waterfalls are in Oahu, making it one of the best hiking places. 

Oahu’s waterfalls are full of life, powerful, and beautiful. They calm the nerves while nourishing the soul with their sweet chimes. Birds and other animals spring to life, while tropical blooms add color to an already-elegant landscape. It is a scenery different from other places you might have already seen.

Are waterfall hikes in Oahu dangerous?

Although waterfall hikes in Oahu are safe, there are some spots you should never hike. For example, the uppermost Manoa Falls trail is challenging even for seasoned hikers. The path requires scaling a wet and slippery wall without ropes or handholds. Only the most extreme adventurers dare walk this section of the trail.

It would be best not to hike any trail alone because it is easy to become disoriented and make a wrong turn. Swimming in waterfall pools and streams can also be dangerous because they might contain different bacterial species. The path can also be muddy, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Large rocks and tree roots can also be obstacles you must watch out for.

Is hiking in Oahu waterfalls safe for kids?

Oahu has waterfall trails for folks with varying hiking levels, including children. Waimea Falls, Manoa Falls, and Likeke Falls are excellent for young hikers because the paths are well-kept, and the surroundings are relatively safe.

Final Thoughts on Oahu Hikes

Taking yourself or your family for a vacation in Hawaii is one of the most exciting things you can ever do for them. You can make the experience more magical by taking them to one of the 6 best waterfall hikes in Oahu, marveling at the natural beauty only this paradise can offer. It is an enriching experience that will fill the memories with awe.

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