From towering cascades you can only witness via helicopter tour, to short waterfalls that cascade into small pools you can swim in, the waterfalls you’ll find across the Hawaiian Islands are truly remarkable. And whether you’re enjoying an intense, eight-mile day hike or pulling into a parking lot on the side of the highway, these 9 gorgeous secret “waterfalls near me” in Hawaii are positively magical and should be added to your Hawaii outdoors bucket list at once. They each deserve a good view the next time you’re in the area and a place on the list of best waterfalls in Hawaii!

1. Sacred Falls, Oahu
Sacred Falls, Hauula, HI 96762, USA
Edmund Garman/Flickr
While this impressive waterfall has been closed to the public for more than ten years due to a dangerous and geologically unstable canyon, it is still visible by air tour. It’s worth seeing by air, but we understand why they made sure Sacred Falls in Oahu is closed to the public.
2. Akaka Falls, Big Island
‘Akaka Falls, Hawaii 96720, USA
Steve Dunleavy/Flickr
Cascading 442 feet down a lush cliff face, this waterfall is wildly popular due to the easy, paved trail down to the falls. We think this hike is hands down one of the best waterfall hikes in Hawaii, especially as it’s easy enough for a beginner hiker to explore. It’s a great one to do with the whole family!
3. Waimoku Falls, Maui
Waimoku Falls, Hawaii 96713, USA
Shiny Things/Flickr
This fall may be extremely difficult to get to – we’re talking a three to five-hour hike – but the view is totally worth it to see Maui’s largest waterfall. We recommend this waterfall hike in Maui if you want to get close but skip the strenuous hike. We love its ease and accessibility, including the boardwalks.
4. Hanakapiai Falls, Kauai
Hanakapiai Falls, Hawaii 96746, USA
Paul Bica/Flickr
Situated on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai, this beautiful waterfall is accessible by a strenuous day hike – and can be done without a permit. The Na Pali Coast is absolutely breathtaking, and every hiker’s dream hike. It’s hard to see these sights without getting out and hiking in, but this hiking trail with waterfalls in Kauai is a must-see if you’re able to do it.

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5. Papalaua Falls, Molokai
P?palaua Falls, Hawaii 96748, USA
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Within a cluster of seven waterfalls on the island of Molokai is Papalaua, falling at least 1,200 feet from the top of the Kawai Nui Stream. Papalaua Falls in Molokai is an unbelievably impressive waterfall, and unsurprising that’s it on Molokai as this island is home to some of the tallest waterfalls in the entire world.
6. Waianuenue Falls, Big Island
Wai?nuenue Falls, Hawaii 96716, USA
James Walsh/Flickr
A short trail from the parking lot offers views from the waterfall’s summit, and if you visit on a sunny morning, you might experience how the falls got its name – waianuenue means rainbow in Hawaiian. Waianuenue Falls in Hawaii is located within Wailuku River State Park, an absolute dream to visit. Make sure to visit in the morning to see the waterfalls it frequently creates in the early morning sunshine.
7. Wailua Falls, Kauai
Wailua Falls, Hawaii 96746, USA
Donna S/Flickr
Though this waterfall boasts a modest 80-foot peak, it features a unique two-stream plunge, and visitors can drive right up to the top of the falls. Wailua Falls in Kauai is frequently referred to as the "Niagara Falls in Hawaii," and it’s so surprise why. This double-tiered beauty is the perfect example of Kauai’s lush beauty.
8. Waipoo Falls, Kauai
Waipo'o Falls Trail, Hawaii 96796, USA
Kanaka Menehune/Flickr
Located in the heart of the Waimea Canyon, this 700-foot waterfall only flows during the rainy season, but I still think it’s too gorgeous to pass up. Waipoo Falls in Kauai is located in the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and well worth the visit if you’re in the area. It’s hard to pass up seeing such breathtaking natural beauty in person!
9. Ko'olau Mountain Range, Oahu
Ko?olau Range, Hawaii 96782, USA
Dawn Easterday/Flickr
While these falls may not be overly documented, and only appear when it is raining heavily, it is quite a pleasant surprise to see these gorgeous falls on your drive across H-3. The Ko'olau Mountain Range on Oahu is a wonderful sight during a heavy downpour. It’s almost worth taking a drive after the rainstorm to see these impressive falls come out.

In a state with arguably the highest density of waterfalls in the United States, it is hard to limit this list, so tell us, which other secret waterfalls near me in Hawaii would you add to this list? What is your favorite Hawaiian waterfall? Perhaps it is one of these 11 Hawaiian waterfalls that will have you daydreaming about your next adventure? Sound off in the comments below! We want to hear about your favorite secret waterfalls in Hawaii.

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More to Explore

Secret Waterfalls Near Me In Hawaii

Megan McDonald | June 03, 2022

Which Hawaiian Island has the most waterfalls? 

While each of the main Hawaiian Islands is home to cascading waterfalls, there is perhaps nowhere will you find a greater selection of easy-to-find falls than off Maui’s notorious Hana Highway. In fact:

  • A Hawaiian waterfall road trip was created for this very reason
  • The road trip meanders down this well-known highway and stops at nine waterfalls
  • The entire trip is just 44 miles.

 

And who knows, you may just spot another waterfall or two along the way worthy of pulling over for. Don’t forget your camera! Hana Highway belongs on everyone’s bucket list for sure. It’s the perfect day trip to add to a weekend vacation!

What is the tallest Hawaii waterfall?

The title of the tallest Hawaii waterfall goes to Oloupena Falls. A few facts about this giant waterfall:

  • Measuring in at a whopping 2,953 feet tall, Oloupena Falls is the tallest Hawaii waterfall
  • It is also considered to be the fourth tallest waterfall in the entire world
  • Oloupena Falls is tucked away on the remote northern coast of Molokai
  • It only flows seasonally
  • It is only visible from the ocean or the air

 

Molokai is actually home to many of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Two of the three tallest waterfalls in the United States are all located on the island of Molokai. It’s a very impressive island when it comes to Hawaii’s natural features!

What are the best waterfall hikes in Hawaii? 

It’s true that while you’ll find several Hawaii waterfalls hiding in plain sight — no hiking required — there are even more that are found off-the-beaten-path and only accessible via hiking trails.

 

There are so many great ways to explore waterfall hikes in Hawaii that it’s hard to narrow them down to just these. Keep exploring and let us know which ones you love the best!

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