The Best Waterfalls & Hikes on Oahu

Heading out on a trip to Oahu soon? How exciting! There are so many thrilling things to do in Oahu that it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, we know all the best places to go during your trip to Oahu! One favorite activity (for both tourists and locals) is seeing the beautiful waterfalls in Oahu!

Hawaii is full of beautiful waterfalls, and the island of Oahu is certainly no exception. There’s no way to go wrong when searching for a waterfall here—they’re all stunning! There are some local favorites and famous falls you won’t want to miss, though. So, let’s get to it and explore the best waterfalls and waterfall hikes on Oahu!

In This Guide:

• Why Visit Waterfalls in Oahu
• Nearest Waterfalls to Oceanfront Vacation Rentals
• Best Waterfall Hikes in Oahu
• Manoa Falls
• Likeke Falls
• Waimea Falls
• Lāʻie Falls
• Tips for Hiking to Oahu Waterfalls
• Book Your Stay in Oahu Directly with Oceanfront Vacation Rentals
• Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls in Oahu

Why Visit Waterfalls in Oahu?

Oahu’s waterfalls show a completely different side of the island beyond the beaches. Surrounded by dense greenery and mountain backdrops, waterfall hikes in Oahu are a great way to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Most trails are accessible year-round, and rainfall keeps the waterfalls flowing, so they're always a fantastic sight to see. You can enjoy wonderful full or half-day adventures!

Where are the Nearest Waterfalls to Oceanfront Vacation Villas?

The best waterfall hikes for you depend on where you’re staying:

Near Turtle Bay Villas:

• Waimea Falls Trail
• Lāʻie Falls Trail

Near Ko Olina Villas:

• Likeke Falls
• Manoa Falls Trail

Oahu is relatively small, so even waterfalls farther away are usually reachable within an hour. If you’re looking to stay close to your rental, though, the options above are the most convenient.

Na Ale Hele: Manoa Falls Trail

Length: 1.8 Miles

Manoa Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes on Oahu! You can access the trail at the end of Manoa Road, just a short drive from downtown Honolulu.

These falls are gorgeous in and of their own right, but they’re also famous for being the filming location of some pretty well-known projects like LOST and Jurassic Park. Pretty cool!

Since this hike is so popular, it can often be pretty crowded. Most rank Manoa Falls as a fairly easy hike, but you should always be careful when hiking near the falls—they can get quite slippery!

Likeke Falls

Length: .9 Miles

Likeke Falls is the perfect waterfall trail to take your little ones on! At just under one mile, they’ll be able to cover the distance with no problem. There’s minimal elevation gain, so no one will get too tuckered out! If you want to see incredible waterfall views with less hiking involved, Likeke Falls is the place for you.  The other waterfall hikes on this list are nearly double the distance of Likeke! You should keep in mind, though, that Likeke Falls is one of the muddiest waterfall hikes on Oahu—so wear proper shoes.

Waimea Falls Trail

Length: .75 Miles There & Back

Waimea Falls is another popular Hawaiian waterfall hike. Visitors pay a small fee to enter Waimea Valley before they can access the falls, but it’s well worth it. They do an incredible job maintaining the falls and surrounding nature, and conservation is an essential effort in keeping Hawaii beautiful! You can also visit the botanical garden here after your hike.

There’s a shuttle up to the falls from Waimea Valley, so if you’re traveling with elderly family members, this is a great option. They can see the sights without having to hike all the way up!

For those ready to take on the hike, though, you’ll have a fantastic time traversing the path to these falls. It’s not as rugged as the others on this list—it’s fully paved and has gentle hills along the way. Waimea Falls is perfect for a low-key hike, magnificent waterfall views, and other activities like the botanical garden.

Lāʻie Falls Trail

Length: 8 Miles

Laie Falls is not for the faint of heart. You actually need a permit to set out on this hike! The process is relatively quick, but you should be aware of that before you head out—no one is allowed on the trail without one. Check out this link from Hawaii Reserves Inc. to get a permit to access the trail!

This trail is a fantastic way to spend the day in nature, and you’ll see plenty of small waterfalls before you get to the main attraction, too! Though it’s a long hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views at the end.

Waipuilani Falls

Length: 2.5 Miles

These are a hidden gem here on Oahu. So hidden in fact, that they can be difficult to find! We’d highly recommend downloading All Trails to have an idea of where you are; you’ll need to go off-trail to see the falls themselves, but it’s helpful to have a reference point!

If you are in the mood for an adventure, then go ahead; brave the trail and find the falls! Plenty of people have done it before, so you’re not heading out on an impossible mission. The Twin Falls are a sight to see, and you’ll be glad you made the trek once you’re there. Make sure you wear shoes with good traction, though! As with any waterfalls, this trail can get quite slippery—and that’s before you have to break off to see the falls themselves!

Tips for Hiking to Waterfalls in Oahu

• Wear sturdy shoes with good traction — mud is common

• Bring water and insect repellent

• Start early to avoid crowds and heat

• Check weather conditions before hiking

• Follow posted signs and local guidelines

• Never climb waterfalls or swim where prohibited

Book Your Stay in Oahu Directly with Oceanfront Vacation Rentals

Wow, we’re so glad that you know all the best spots to go on a waterfall hike on Oahu now! You’ll be able to see so many stunning sights during your trip. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your Oahu vacation.

There’s much to consider when deciding where to stay on vacation. If outstanding customer service and incredible oceanfront views are deciding factors for you, we have you covered at Oceanfront Vacation Villas!

We know Oahu better than anybody, and our team is always here to answer any questions you may have about your stay.  When you book directly with us, you get access to our extensive knowledge of Oahu, plus you won’t incur any unnecessary hidden fees like you would with a third-party online travel agency such as Airbnb or VRBO.

Explore our gorgeous beachfront rentals to see what views are available when you stay with us! We also frequently have specials, so make sure to visit our specials page to stay up to date.

We can’t wait to see you on your trip to Oahu! Browse our available Oahu vacation rentals and book your trip directly with us!

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls in Oahu

Are waterfalls in Oahu open year-round?

Yes, most waterfalls are accessible year-round, though flow is best after rainfall. Always check trail conditions before hiking.

Do you need permits to hike to waterfalls in Oahu?

Some hikes, like Lāʻie Falls, require permits. Others, such as Manoa Falls and Waimea Falls, do not.

Are Oahu waterfall hikes kid-friendly?

Yes. Likeke Falls and Waimea Falls are two of the most family-friendly waterfall hikes on Oahu.

Can you swim at waterfalls in Oahu?

Swimming is allowed at some waterfalls but not all. Always follow posted rules and check current safety advisories.

What’s the easiest waterfall hike in Oahu?

Waimea Falls is the easiest due to its paved path and optional shuttle service.