Best Waterfalls in Hawaii You Must Visit

Probably the first thing that comes to our minds when we hear ‘’ Hawaii’’ is its beaches. But many tourists miss this archipelago’s stunning waterfalls. Such as Rainbow Falls a beautiful waterfall located in the Big Island with amazing rainbow views. There is Waimoku Falls as well which is a natural waterfall in Maui offering adventurous hiking opportunities. Just like this every island of Hawaii has amazing waterfalls that visitors usually miss exploring. Discover the must-visit waterfalls in Hawaii on the most popular islands of this archipelago. We have also mentioned some required tips to make your journey easier.

Quick Comparison Between The Best Waterfalls In Hawaii

Best Waterfalls In Hawaii To Visit

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls locally known as Waiānuenue is located in Wailuku River State Park, west of downtown Hilo on the Big Island. This is an 80-foot cascade popular for beautiful rainbows formed in its mists. You can easily reach this place by taking local vehicle rentals such as affordable charter bus Hawaii services since this costs less and provides a comfortable journey. So if you love rainbows (who doesn’t?) you should not miss this waterfall.

Things To Do In Rainbow Falls

Well if you want to hike or swim then no Rainbow Falls does not allow its visitors to swim or hike. But in here you can walk through the short, paved pathway to a raised viewing area and enjoy the view of the fall and the Wailuku River. The other thing you can do is walk through the short trail uphill to see the giant banyan trees. Around midday it gets really crowded so it will be better to go early in the morning to see the warm morning light. The nearby attractions you can view are O.K. Farms which is only 1km away from the fall, Wailuku River State Park  or even downtown Hilo.

Accessibility: It is accessible for all but not for hiking or swimming. However it also has wheelchair accessibility.

Opening Hours: You can visit this fall from sunrise to sunset kind of like 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. But the most ideal time to see the rainbow is around 10 am.

Akaka Falls

Another beautiful and must-visit waterfall of Hawaii is Akaka Falls. It is about 442 feet and is located along the Hamakua Coast and about 14 miles away from Hilo on the Big Island. This waterfall drops into a lush and tropical gorge. It gets counted as one of the most visually pleasing attractions of the state.

Things To Enjoy  

Akaka Falls which is within the Akaka Falls State Park offers many amazing opportunities to view nature closely. The fall trails include many stairs which will take half an hour to one hour to complete. The important thing to consider is that this one is not wheelchair accessible. Since it is inside a dense rainforest you will witness a beautiful scenario with a lot of greenery. You can also visit the Honomū Village which is just a few minutes away from the fall area. Moreover if you take a 20-minute drive from here you will find the Hawaiʻi Tropical Bioreserve & Garden which is definitely worth visiting. While being here do not miss exploring the Hamakua Coast and Pepeekeo Scenic Drive.

Charges: Parking here will cost about $10 to non-residents and it is free of cost to Hawaii residents (but they have to show ID proof). Remember to bring your credit cards since they no longer accept cash. You can even book them earlier from the Divison Of State Parks page.

Opening Hours: Usually it stays open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. But visitors who come without vehicles can stay in the park from sunrise to sunset.

Wailua Falls

If you are planning to visit Kauai then Wailua Falls should be on your must-visit list. Located at the south end of the Wailua River. It is an 80 to 170-plus-foot waterfall dropping into the gorge. This waterfall is popular because it appeared in the opening credits of the famous TV show ‘’Fantasy Island’.

Things To Do In Wailua Falls

When you are at Wailua Falls remember to explore the Wailua River State Park. In here you will gain many amazing experiences such as opportunities for kayaking, boring tours. Also perfect photography chances especially early in the morning when the sunlight hits the mist and often creates a beautiful rainbow. Now to explore more you can find another beautiful waterfall known as Opaekaa Falls within a few minutes’ distance. Many hike to the base of the fall but generally it is risky because it stays muddy and very slippery most of the time.

Charges: Visiting this fall and parking is absolutely free of cost.

Hanakāpīʻai Falls

On Kauai Island another breathtaking waterfall you should consider visiting is the Hanakāpīʻai Falls. It is a 300-foot waterfall located in the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park and on the northern part of the island. This is a pretty fall offering many adventurous activities to its visitors.

What Visitors Love To Do Here

Here you can experience many outdoor activities such as jungle trekking from Kalalau Trailhead at Keʻe Beach and experience bamboo groves, cliffs and so on. You will need to cross many streams and boulder crossings along the way. In the waterfall you can take a drop to its icy pool for refreshment and adventure. Most people also enjoy having lunch sitting on the rocks of the fall. However do not forget to explore Keʻe Beach to enjoy snorkeling or more enjoyment.

Tickets: To have access to the Hāʻena State Park non-residents of Hawaii need reservations. These reservations should be made about one month in advance to have parking passes and a seating spot on the North Shore Shuttle.

Cautions: Avoid swimming in the Hanakāpīʻai Beach because of its treacherous rip currents and undertows. Also do not take river crossings during rain since it can be very dangerous with flash flood chances. 

Makahiku Falls

Now we will talk about a charming waterfall on the island of Maui known as Makahiku Falls. It is an 185-foot horsetail waterfall that stuns its visitors. Located in the Kīpahulu District of the Haleakalā National Park. This fall is popular among tourists for its Wild and vibrant rainforest backdrop.

Things To Experience In Makahiku Falls

In Makahiku Falls you can enjoy hiking on the Pipiwai Trail. It is a four-mile round trip and when you reach 0.5 miles you will be at the official outlook of the fall with an amazing view of the fall dropping into lava rock. Then if you cross the outlook you will find yourself in the dense bamboo forest. Moreover if you go towards the trail you will find massive and old banyan trees and a 400-foot-long fall. Well do not forget to view the ‘Ohe’o Gulch a coastal area with cascading pools near the trailhead.

Charges: You need to get yourself a 30-dollar worth of pass to have Haleakalā National Park entry access. This pass stays valid for three days.

Waimoku Falls

Coming to another breathtaking waterfall in Maui: Waimoku Falls. You can easily view this fall while visiting the Makahiku Falls. To reach this fall you will need to hike the Pipiwai Trail. This is a 400-foot fall amidst the beautiful dense bamboo forest and past the Ohe’o Gulch. On its way you will also be able to spot the stunning 

What Visitors Can Do Here

Visitors can enjoy hiking through the Pipiwai Trail. Many hikers love experiencing this overall adventurous experience. You can also view the Ohe’o Gulch and the Makahiku Falls. Enjoy the steam crossings but be careful if it is raining. Be ready with your gadgets to capture the beauty of this 400-foot waterfall. We recommend that you start early before it starts getting crowded.

Reservations: You need a Haleakalā National Park pass or a National Parks Pass to have trail access.

Time To Take: It will take about 2 to 3.5 hours to complete the journey. 

Manoa Falls

Mānoa Falls is one of the most popular natural attractions on the island of Oʻahu Hawaii. Located in the lush Mānoa Valley and only 5.6 miles away from Honolulu. Even though the waterfall flows year-round but looks significant right after rainfall. This pretty waterfall is about 150 feet down a tropical cliff and is filled with dense rainforest

Things You Can Do In Manoa Falls  

Hiking to the fall will take an easy 1.6-mile round-trip. You will definitely love the climate and greenery of the trail. Well you can not swim here because the pool water contains waterborne bacteria which can cause health issues. But its beautiful views make Mānoa Falls a must-visit spot on the island of Oahu. Here you can have more fun by taking a guided e-bike tour through the rainforest.

Charges: Trail access is free of cost. But some local parking lots might charge you a minimum amount.

Best Season To Visit Waterfalls In Hawaii

Winter

During the cold season like from November to March it is the ideal time to visit waterfalls in Hawaii. Because at this time waterfalls stay at their fullest and most vibrant. With more greenery and water flow waterfalls look complete and beautiful.

Cons: There is a higher risk of flash floods and muddy roads. During this time many trails stay closed and swimming at this time can be dangerous as well.

Spring & Fall

Spring and Fall are the shoulder season for visiting Hawaiian waterfalls. Visiting during the shoulder season you will find fewer crowds and pleasant weather. During this season waterfall hikes are more managed and waterfalls also contain enough water.

Cons: You will possibly face crowds during these seasons, many roads might stay closed and most importantly the weather might change frequently.

Summer

Summer is the ideal time if you want to swim in the waterfall holes. This season is also ideal for other water activities such as like snorkeling.

Cons: Disadvantages of visiting Hawaiian waterfalls during the summer are that some falls might dry up because of the heat.

Essential Tips for Visiting Hawaii Waterfalls 

• Do not jump off any cliff randomly because as a visitor you might not know where a hidden rock or log is.
• Since during the midday most visitors come so it will be better to come early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowd.
• Always carry a bug spray because water flow areas tend to have many bugs.
• Carry a lightweight rain jacket
• Wear trail shoes if planning to go hiking.
• Do not drink the waterfall water since it mostly carries bacteria.

Closing Note

Here to conclude we want to tell you that visiting the waterfalls in Hawaii is surely a very good choice. It will help you to rewind with an amazing experience of adventure. But when visiting these places you should be careful of your own safety and respect nature and surroundings. However we wish that this travel tip could help you plan your next journey efficiently.