Last Updated on July 13, 2026
Be it a feathery flume, a thundering cascade, or a series of descending cataracts, waterfalls fill us with a sense of wondrous awe. Each reflects the enchanting and timeless majesty of Mother Nature at its finest.
Here are the best waterfalls you’ll find in Hawaii with the easiest accessibility for people of all ages.
Big Island Hawaii
Hawaii’s largest island also happens to have the most waterfalls, too many to count since rain plays a major part in the amount of flow and number of cascades. The most accessible ones are located on the Hilo “wet” side of the island.
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Akaka Falls
This spectacularly tall waterfall hurls an incredible 422 feet into a steam-eroded gorge. Visiting this cascade requires a parking and entrance fee with a .4-mile hike to the overlooks.
Visitors traverse tropical terrain with sweeping landscapes, and, as a bonus, the trail also features an overlook point to Kahuna Falls with tons of gushing water.
Pe’e Pe’e Falls (and Boiling Pots)
What makes this waterfall unique is it features a set of three waterfalls, the tallest crashing down over 80 feet to a plunge pool below the falls.
To reach the falls, drive to the parking lot for Boiling Pots (no entrance fee), and from here take a short upriver hike along the Wailuku River to reach the falls. Don’t miss a photo opportunity at the succession of big pools with bubbling, rushing waters that give the appearance of boiling, hence the name.
Rainbow Falls
Located less than two miles east of Pe’e Pe’e Falls and Boiling Pots, Rainbow Falls is likely the most popular waterfall on the island of Hawaii.
The 100-foot-wide, 80-foot-tall cascade of thundering water crashes over a lava cave to a pool below. The waterfall is so-named due to the brilliant rainbows that can best be seen in the early morning when the mist and sun’s rays create the ideal rainbow-making appearance.
The best photo op isn’t where you see all the visitors, but heading to the right of the falls and up the platform to the far-right corner.
Kauai
Hawaii’s fourth largest island, Kauai is known as the ‘Garden Island’ for good reason. This isle is blessed with stunning terrain ranging from tropical rainforests, lush valleys, towering cliffs, and a massive canyon along with animpressive number of waterfalls, some that can only be seen by helicopter.
With cascades reaching hundreds of feet high and plunging into emerald pools and streams, the waterfalls in Kauai are breathtaking.
Opaeka’a Falls
One of the most popular waterfalls in Kauai, Opaeka’a Falls is a 151-foot-tall and 40-foot-wide cascade located near Wailua River State Park. At one time, freshwater shrimp could be seen jumping and rolling at the base of the falls, therefore the Hawaiians named the waterfalls for the “opae” (Hawaiian word for shrimp) and “ka’a” (rolling).
Wailua Falls
This waterfall is so impressive that it was featured in the opening scene of the long-running TV show, “Fantasy Island.” It’s also one of the easiest on the island to access – just drive up to be awe-inspired.
What makes this such a popular attraction for visitors is catching amazing views of this stunning cascade falling 80 feet into two beautiful streams right from the parking lot.
If you choose to hike to the falls, it’s .4 miles each way, but is very steep and slippery and rated as difficult.
Queen’s Bath
Ok, this is not really a waterfall per se, but it’s worth sharing. Located on the north shore of Kauai, the Queen’s Bath is a large lagoon the size of several swimming pools carved by nature into a lava shelf with an inlet from the ocean with rushing waters.
Though you’ll have to hike a little way to get there, it’s only .8 miles round-trip and is worth the effort to see such incredible beauty. About halfway, you’ll be treated to another 8-foot waterfall before arriving at Queen’s Bath.
Views from this point are mesmerizing, the turquoise waters of the Pacific providing a spectacular backdrop.
Maui
To check a bunch of waterfalls off your list, we have the ideal plan. If you happen to have your own car, which we always recommend when visiting Maui, set an early alarm and head on a scenic drive through a rainforest, along the spectacular Road to Hana. If you don’t have a car, you can book an excursion and you’ll find several to choose from, including those led by Viator.
There are over 10 waterfalls in Maui that you can view with stops along the Hana Highway. Others may require a short hike, but we guarantee these will leave you inspired.
Twin Falls
This small, but impressive waterfall is located at Mile Marker 2 close to the start of the Road to Hana. There’s a parking lot for Twin Falls Farm right off Hana Highway. If it’s full, there’s limited parking on the opposite side of the bridge.
A five-minute walk will get you to the lower falls where you can view the upper falls or take a steep trail down.
Waikamoi Falls
You can see part of the waterfalls from the road at Mile Marker 10, however, to truly appreciate these falls, take a short trail to see the cascades from the base and head a bit further up to see the waterfalls from the top and the stream that feeds them.
Upper Waikani Falls
Also known as the “Three Bears” of Goldilocks fame, this set of cascades just beyond Mile Marker 19 features three parallel drops, large, medium and small. It is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Road to Hana with the upper falls cascading to a below stream from a height of 70 feet.
Most enjoy the falls from the road driving by as parking is limited; just .10 miles further, additional spaces can be found.
Upper Hanawi Falls
This cascade is located after Mile Marker 24 and is almost always flowing. After a heavy rain, it is particularly impressive. You can see multiple waterfalls from the bridge as you drive by but taking a short trail will get you even closer.
Wailua Falls
This is hands down one of our favorites on the Road to Hana. Located at Mile Marker 45, this incredible chute can be seen without even getting out of your car as you’re driving across a bridge. A short trail from the road will get you closer and this is a waterfall where you can go swimming.
Oahu
Oahu is the least-known Hawaiian island for waterfalls, but it still has some impressive cascades.
Kapena Falls and Alapena Pool
This is one of the best Oahu waterfalls as it’s the most accessible from Honolulu, but far less crowded than others like Manoa Falls.
A short and flat scenic hike of only 10 minutes offers lush forest views and ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs on the rock wall opposite the stream. Once you reach the waterfall, you’ll see the beautiful Alapena Pool, a large and deep area ideal for swimming.
Waimea Falls
We love this waterfall on the North Shore of Oahu as it has all the elements of a perfect cascade. The property is owned by a native Hawaiian non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Waimea Valley’s unique history, land and Hawaiian culture.
You can either take a quarter mile, easy and paved hike to the 40-foot waterfall with a swimming pool, or hop on a shuttle if you have young ones or are traveling with someone with a disability.
Manoa Falls
Looking for a lovely waterfall close to Waikiki? Manoa Falls is your best option. It can get busy after 10 am.
The 150-foot flume is only a 15-minute drive from Honolulu and the natural wonder is impressive. Visitors can take a 1.7-mile out-and-back gravel and steps trail to the waterfall.
Waterfall Safety and Precautions
Though we all love chasing waterfalls, it’s important to follow certain precautions that are put in place to keep you safe and healthy.
- Even though it’s rare, leptospirosis (a blood infection caused by bacteria) carries a small risk in waterfall swim areas. Don’t swim in these areas if you have any open cuts and don’t drink the water.
- Wear water shoes while in the water as Hawaii’s volcanic rocks can be slippery and sharp.
- Never jump from cliffs and avoid rope swings. Though you may see locals doing this at some waterfalls, they are experienced and know the falls and the depth of the pools.
- Make sure to have good hiking shoes even for short waterfall hikes. After a rain, the paths can be muddy and slippery and you don’t want anyone in your group to experience a tumble. And be sure to stay on marked paths.
- Pack bug spray as some of the areas you’ll be visiting can have mosquitos and other insects.
