7 Best Waterfall Hiking Locations in Hawaii (2026 Updated)
These 7 Hawaii waterfalls are reached on foot and rated highly by the people who hiked them, led by Waimoku Falls, Hanakāpīʻai Falls, and Mānoa Falls. The list spans the Maui and Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast.
How We Picked
We started with the 7 publicly accessible Hawaii waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Waimoku Falls
Hana, HI · Maui County · Maui and Oahu
Why hike it
On the trail: "A trail leads hikers to a tall waterfall at this hiking spot known for its picturesque landscapes." It is rated 4.9 stars by 124 Google reviewers. 5 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Makahiku Falls and Kekuapoʻowai Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. Puʻuʻahuʻula, a summit 0.8 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. The nearest town is Hana, about 6.9 miles to the northeast.
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2. Hanakāpīʻai Falls
Princeville, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why hike it
On the trail: "Reached via a trail that runs from the beach, this 91-m. waterfall provides an impressive sight." It is rated 4.9 stars by 90 Google reviewers. 6 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Hanakoa Falls and Limahuli Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. Honoʻonāpali, a summit 0.6 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. The nearest town is Princeville, about 7.8 miles to the east.
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3. Mānoa Falls
Maunawili, HI · Honolulu County · Maui and Oahu
Why hike it
On the trail: "A celebrated hiking area, this 150-foot waterfall is set amid tropical vegetation & an arboretum." It is rated 4.6 stars by 1,144 Google reviewers. 2 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Waipuhia Falls and Maunawili Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. The nearest town is Maunawili, about 2.7 miles to the northeast.
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4. Hoʻopiʻi Falls
Kapa'a, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why hike it
On the trail: "A hiking trail through a jungle leads to this series of scenic waterfalls with pools for swimming." It is rated 4.5 stars by 289 Google reviewers. 4 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Opae Kalaole Falls and ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. Puu Lawii, a summit 1.5 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. The nearest town is Kapa'a, about 2.4 miles to the southeast.
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5. ʻAkaka Falls
Pepeekeo, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why hike it
On the trail: "A modest trail leads to this 442-ft. waterfall on the Kolekole Stream, framed by tropical plants." It is rated 4.4 stars by 405 Google reviewers. 2 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Kahūnā Falls and Waiemi Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. Kaʻuku, a summit 1.5 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 37 named falls in the Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast region. The nearest town is Pepeekeo, about 3.5 miles to the southeast.
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6. Kaluahine Falls
Honoka'a, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why hike it
On the trail: "A hike into Waipi’o Valley & over a black sand beach leads to this cascade that flows after rain." It is rated 4.2 stars by 10 Google reviewers. 10 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Waiamoa Falls and Ipuu Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 37 named falls in the Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast region. The nearest town is Honoka'a, about 8.1 miles to the east.
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7. Waimea Falls
Pupukea, HI · Honolulu County · Maui and Oahu
Why hike it
On the trail: "A 45-ft.-tall waterfall accessed via a paved path or shuttle through scenic botanical gardens." It is rated 4.3 stars by 520 Google reviewers. It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. The nearest town is Pupukea, about 2.0 miles to the northwest.
When to Visit Hawaii's Waterfalls
Hawaii has falls year-round, but flow depends on recent rain far more than on season. The wetter months generally run from about October through April, when winter storms add to trade-wind showers and falls along the Hana Highway, the Hamakua Coast and Kauai's interior run strongest. Summer trades still bring regular windward showers, so many falls keep flowing, though some smaller ones shrink to a trickle during dry spells. Morning visits tend to be clearer, calmer and less crowded, and they are best for rainbows at Rainbow Falls in Hilo. Heavy rain can arrive suddenly in any month, and north-shore winter surf affects coastal trailheads on Kauai and Oahu.
Before You Go
Many of Hawaii's best-known falls are in state parks or national parks, while others sit on private land, in watershed areas or in botanical gardens that charge admission. Several popular sites, including Haena State Park at the start of Kauai's Kalalau Trail, use reservation or entry systems for out-of-state visitors, so checking current requirements is wise. Parking is tight along the Hana Highway, and stopping on narrow shoulders is dangerous and often restricted. The biggest hazard is flash flooding: streams can rise within minutes from rain falling far upslope, stranding hikers at crossings. Rockfall beneath falls is common, freshwater can carry leptospirosis, and trails turn very slick with red mud. Respect closures and no-trespassing signs, which are frequently posted at informal access points.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. Hiking with children? Read waterfall hikes with kids.
Explore More Hawaii Waterfalls
See all 112 waterfalls in the Hawaii waterfall guide, or browse by town: Hana, Princeville, Maunawili, Kapa'a, Pepeekeo, Honoka'a, Pupukea.
More Hawaii Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking waterfall in Hawaii?
Waimoku Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.9-star rating from 124 Google reviews. It is near Hana in Maui County.
How was this list made?
We started with the 7 publicly accessible Hawaii waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager.
How many waterfalls are in Hawaii?
Our directory lists 112 named waterfalls in Hawaii. See them all, sorted by town, in the Hawaii waterfall guide.
Which Hawaiian island has the most waterfalls?
Kauai, with 40 named falls in our directory, followed by Hawaii Island with 37 and Maui with 30. Kauai is the oldest of the main islands, and long erosion under very heavy rainfall has carved its many valleys and cliffs.