15 Best Waterfalls in Hawaii (2026 Updated)
Of the 112 named waterfalls in Hawaii, these 15 earn the strongest visitor ratings, led by Waimoku Falls, Hanakāpīʻai Falls, and Waipoʻo Falls. The list spans the Maui and Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast.
How We Picked
We ranked the 33 publicly accessible Hawaii waterfalls with at least five Google reviews by a weighted rating that balances score against review volume, so a 4.9 from a dozen reviewers counts for less than a 4.8 from thousands. 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 it made the list
It holds a 4.9-star Google rating and is the 9th most reviewed in the state, with 124 reviews. 91% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "A trail leads hikers to a tall waterfall at this hiking spot known for its picturesque landscapes." The USGS gazetteer describes it as: On Pipiwai Stream approximately 1.7 mi N of Kipahulu. Older records also call it Waimuki Fall. It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. Makahiku Falls is only 1.0 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. 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 it made the list
It holds a 4.9-star Google rating and is the 10th most reviewed in the state, with 90 reviews. 92% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "Reached via a trail that runs from the beach, this 91-m. waterfall provides an impressive sight." Older records also call it Hanakapiai Falls. It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. Hanakoa Falls is only 1.3 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Princeville, about 7.8 miles to the east.
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3. Waipoʻo Falls
Kekaha, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it made the list
Visitors rate it 4.8 stars across 19 reviews. Older records also call it Waipoo Falls. It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. Waipo‘o Falls is only 0.3 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Kekaha, about 10 miles to the south.
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4. Mānoa Falls
Maunawili, HI · Honolulu County · Maui and Oahu
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.6-star Google rating and is the 2nd most reviewed in the state, with 1,144 reviews. 75% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "A celebrated hiking area, this 150-foot waterfall is set amid tropical vegetation & an arboretum." Older records also call it Manoa Falls. It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. Waipuhia Falls is only 1.6 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Maunawili, about 2.7 miles to the northeast.
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5. Makahiku Falls
Hana, HI · Maui County · Maui and Oahu
Why it made the list
Visitors rate it 4.7 stars across 33 reviews. 79% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "This 200-ft-tall horseshoe waterfall in Haleakalā National Park lies along the Ohe'o Gulch stream." The USGS gazetteer describes it as: Haleakala NP. Older records also call it Mahahiki Falls. It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. Waimoku Falls is only 1.0 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Hana, about 7.5 miles to the northeast.
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6. Kopiliula Falls
Wailua, HI · Maui County · Maui and Oahu
Why it made the list
Visitors rate it 4.8 stars across 12 reviews. Older records also call it Kopili‘ula Falls. It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. Waikani Falls is only 1.4 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Wailua, about 2.4 miles to the north.
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7. Waikani Falls
Wailua, HI · Maui County · Maui and Oahu
Why it made the list
Visitors rate it 4.6 stars across 13 reviews. The USGS gazetteer describes it as: On Wailuanui Stream approximately 1 mi W of Papiha Point. Older records also call it Waiokane Falls. It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. Keʻākū Falls is only 0.9 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Wailua, about 1.0 miles to the north.
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8. Rainbow Falls
Hilo, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why it made the list
It is the most reviewed waterfall in Hawaii, holding 4.5 stars across 1,710 Google reviews. Google's listing sums it up as: "Rainforest waterfall featuring distinctive rainbows on sunny days, seen from a viewing platform." It is one of 37 named falls in the Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast region. Kaimukanaka Falls is only 0.6 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Hilo, about 1.4 miles to the northeast.
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9. Wailua Falls
Wailua Homesteads, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.5-star Google rating and is the 3rd most reviewed in the state, with 1,103 reviews. Google's listing sums it up as: "Dramatic double waterfall known for rainbows & its place in the "Fantasy Island" opening credits." It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls is only 1.4 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Wailua Homesteads, about 2.1 miles to the north.
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10. Hoʻopiʻi Falls
Kapa'a, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.5-star Google rating and is the 6th most reviewed in the state, with 289 reviews. 71% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "A hiking trail through a jungle leads to this series of scenic waterfalls with pools for swimming." Older records also call it Hoopii Falls. It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. Opae Kalaole Falls is only 2.7 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Kapa'a, about 2.4 miles to the southeast.
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11. Manawaiopuna Falls
Kalaheo, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it made the list
Visitors rate it 4.5 stars across 35 reviews. 71% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "Located on private land, this 400-ft. waterfall seen in "Jurassic Park" is accessible by helicopter." The USGS gazetteer describes it as: On a westward flowing tributary of the Koula River, on the island of Kauai, about 4.5 mi N of Kalaheo and 7 mi NNW of Koloa. Older records also call it Mana Waipuna Falls and Hanapepe Falls. It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. Kāhili Falls is only 0.6 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Kalaheo, about 4.4 miles to the south.
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12. Waipo‘o Falls
Kekaha, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it made the list
Visitors rate it 4.6 stars across 5 reviews. It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. Waipoʻo Falls is only 0.3 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Kekaha, about 10 miles to the south.
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13. Kakeha Falls
Waimea, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why it made the list
Visitors rate it 4.4 stars across 7 reviews. It is one of 37 named falls in the Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast region. Hiʻilawe Falls is only 0.5 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Waimea, about 6.5 miles to the southwest.
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14. ʻAkaka Falls
Pepeekeo, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.4-star Google rating and is the 5th most reviewed in the state, with 405 reviews. Google's listing sums it up as: "A modest trail leads to this 442-ft. waterfall on the Kolekole Stream, framed by tropical plants." Older records also call it Akaka Falls. It is one of 37 named falls in the Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast region. Kahūnā Falls is only 0.3 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Pepeekeo, about 3.5 miles to the southeast.
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15. Kaluahine Falls
Honoka'a, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why it made the list
Visitors rate it 4.2 stars across 10 reviews. Google's listing sums it up as: "A hike into Waipi’o Valley & over a black sand beach leads to this cascade that flows after rain." It is one of 37 named falls in the Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast region. Waiamoa Falls is only 1.2 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Honoka'a, about 8.1 miles to the east.
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.
Explore More Hawaii Waterfalls
See all 112 waterfalls in the Hawaii waterfall guide, or browse by town: Hana, Princeville, Kekaha, Maunawili, Wailua, Hilo, Wailua Homesteads, Kapa'a.
More Hawaii Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 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 ranked the 33 publicly accessible Hawaii waterfalls with at least five Google reviews by a weighted rating that balances score against review volume, so a 4.9 from a dozen reviewers counts for less than a 4.8 from thousands.
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.