The islands of Hawaii are filled with spectacular scenery, breathtaking waterfalls, and fabulous tropical rainforest walks, and if you are planning a trip to paradise, there are plenty of waterfall hikes for you to choose from.
1. Pipiwai Trail
Maui has beautiful beaches and amazing surf, but travel into the jungle and you will discover the Makahiku Falls. After you walk through the wild growing guava, you will be met with a sight that you will not believe. One of the largest falls on the island, Makahiku is easy to get to via the Pipwai Trail. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the bamboo forests, and green mountain slopes.
2. Kahuna Falls
The big island is full of waterfall trails for you to explore, but one of the most beautiful is near Hilo. Imagine trekking through thick rainforest that is full of gardenias, azalea bushes and banana trees. You’ll approach a 100-foot falls that some would classify as tiny. What most don’t realize is that it is just a forerunner to the massive 442-foot falls that comes at the end of the trail.
3. Maunawili Falls
Probably the easiest hike on the island of Oahu in Hawaii is Manunawili Falls. The well-maintained trail is popular with tourists and locals. You will start your trek across from Kelewina Street and follow a pathway that goes through a huge orchard of coffee plants. The hike to the waterfall becomes much easier after crossing the stream. On your way you’ll notice the waterfall cascades into a wide and deep swimming hole, very cool!
4. Manoa Falls Trail
Another popular trek in Oahu is the Manoa Falls trail. You will start your descent on a flat pathway that will take you past a meadow where you will cross a small bridge. Once you get over the waterway, you will be introduced to a 150 foot waterfall that is just a short drive from the city of Honolulu. The weather on the island has been know to change rapidly, as a result you’ll want to prepare with a raincoat.
5. Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail
The stunning island of Kauai in Hawaii is a tropical rainforest that will leave you breathless. After you walk the first two miles on the Kalalau Trail you will go up a steep cliff that will take you over wet rocks. If you go up, you have to come down, but it is well worth it. The 300-foot waterfall in Kauai is surrounded by tropical flowers with a large pool at the bottom of the falls.
Related to Waterfall Hikes in Hawaii: Hawaii’s Biggest Volcanoes, Extreme Hiking in Hawaii
Featured Image from iilikoi/Unsplash
