The 14 Tallest Waterfalls In Hawaii Will Drop Your Jaw
By Megan Shute|Updated on July 01, 2022(Originally published June 22, 2022)
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
When one thinks about Hawaii, there are a few things that undoubtedly come to mind: gorgeous white sand beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, lush jungles, and some of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls. And if you’re looking for tall waterfalls near me in Hawaii, you’re in luck!
Because while we love hanging out under short waterfalls that are easily accessible via hike as much as the next person, there’s something incredibly humbling about waterfalls that tower above the world – whether 150 feet or 2,900 feet. Here are 14 of the tallest waterfalls found throughout Hawaii, listed in order from the shortest to tallest, of course.
Just 20 minutes from Waikiki, Manoa Falls is a favorite amongst tourists. The 150-foot waterfall plunges down a vertical drop into a small pool below, and is a beautiful reminder that there is more to Honolulu than high-rise apartments and luxury resorts.
We love this hiking trail with a waterfall in Hawaii, especially because it’s such a short drive from Waikiki.
The first waterfall on our list may only be 151 feet tall, but it is one of Kauai’s most famous waterfalls, and is visible from the road, making it a popular tourist destination on Kuamoo Road between Lihue and Kapaa.
Opaekaa Falls in Kauai is such a show stopper! If you have the chance to see it in person, don’t miss out.
One of two waterfalls found along the gorgeous Pipiwai Trail in Halekala National Park, Makahiku Falls runs along the Oheo Gulch stream, and measures in at a modest 200 feet.
Makahiku Falls in Hawaii is an impressive place to visit, and the hike to it is gorgeous, too.
Found on Kauai’s rugged Na Pali Coast, access to this 300-foot beauty is only possible via a two-mile trek from Hanakapiai Beach that marks the start of the famous Kalalau Trail.
Hanakapiai Falls in Kauai is a quick hike, but well worth the trek to this cinematic masterpiece.
Another waterfall viewable from the Maui’s famous Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls cascades approximately 400 feet down a sheer lava rock wall, full of green vegetation.
Waimoku Falls in Maui is a famous place to visit, as the 400 foot falls are guaranteed to take your breath away.
Viewable via several lookout points along the loop trail within Akaka Falls State Park, this 442-foot gem is often considered to be one of Hawaii’s most recognizable – and accessible – waterfalls.
Akaka Falls in Hawaii is easily accessible by a fun staircase path that is an adventure all on its own.
While you won’t be able to see the entire 1,080-foot Waiilikahi Falls from the base, found in the remote Waimanu Valley, those who dare to make the trek to this beautiful spot will be rewarded with views of a 300 to 400 foot plunge.
The Waiilikahi Falls in Hawaii is guaranteed to be an epic visit, no matter what time of year you end up visiting.
Measuring in at just more than 1,100 feet, Honokohau Falls is considered to be the tallest waterfall on Maui. Only viewable via a helicopter tour, this waterfall, which narrowly falls in two tiers, was famously featured in "Jurassic Park."
Honokohau Falls in Maui is one of those places you’ve only ever dreamt about. Definitely a must-see!
Found deep in the heart of Molokai’s Papalaua Valley, this impressive waterfall cascades more than 1,250 feet, and is only visible from the ocean or air. With lush, green surroundings and five drops, this waterfall is a thing of pure wonder.
Papalaua Falls in Molokai is a record breaking waterfall, and one of the tallest in the entire world.
Located on Hawaii Island, Hiilawe Falls cascades 1,450 feet into the Waipio Valley on Lalakea Stream. Unfortunately, because the stream above the falls has been diverted for irrigation purposes, the waterfall is often dry – even during the rainy season.
Hiilawe Falls in Hawaii is a gorgeous one to see if you have the chance!
Averaging more than 450 inches of rain each year, Mount Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on earth. As rain water makes its way down the 5,148 foot summit, innumerable streams are formed, known affectionately as the "wall of tears."
Mount Waialeale Waterfalls in Hawaii are one of the most iconic visions of the natural beauty in the islands.
Found in the remote and isolated Waimanu Valley on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast, accessible only via the treacherous Muliwai Trail, Waihilau Falls measures in at am impressive 2,600 feet.
The Waihilau Falls in Hawaii are impressive if you have the chance to see it. If you’re not interested in hiking, see if you can find a tour company that will fly you over it!
A true Molokai gem, Pu’uka’oka comes in second place at more than 2,700 feet tall, and is the eighth highest waterfall in the world. And this stunning waterfall isn’t too far from the tallest waterfall in the state…
Pu’uka’oku Falls in Molokai is another record breaking waterfall that defies description. Easily one of the best waterfall hikes in Hawaii.
This beauty located on Molokai’s northern coast measures in at approximately 2,953 feet tall, and is considered to be the fourth tallest waterfall in the entire world. The seasonal waterfall is only visible from the ocean, or the air.
Oloupena Falls is the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, and the perfect spot to view from the air.
Aren’t these 14 waterfalls simply majestic? We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful island paradise. If you’re looking for tall waterfalls near me and you’re in Hawaii, this list is the best! Let us know in the comments below if you’ve ever visited any of them.
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More to Explore
Tall Waterfalls In Hawaii
Megan McDonald|July 01, 2022
How many waterfalls are in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a ton of waterfalls, with over 100 throughout the island that are named and catalogued. But during the rainy season, expect that number to triple, as some waterfalls deep in the jungle only appear during lots of rain.
Which island has the most waterfalls?
While the Big Island has many of the most famous waterfalls, and Molokai is filled with record breaking waterfalls, Kauai, the Garden Isle, has waterfalls every where you look.
