The island of Oahu in Hawaii is known for its abundance of waterfalls. Maui, especially on the Hana side of the Valley of the Islands, is a paradise of waterfalls, with cascades seemingly around every corner along the bends on the way to Hana. But there are waterfalls on Oahu, and I will tell you about twenty Oahu waterfalls that I have visited and hiked.
1) Similar Falls– A 30-foot cascade under the Lookout Pole is crawled and accessed via a similar trail. It is popular with eco-friendly and has a shallow (ankle deep) swimming hole. Starting at Pali Mirror, the hike is about 3 miles roundtrip.
2) Wai’oma’o River – Located in the Palolo Valley at the end of Waiomao Road. They decided to swim in the hole below the first waterfall. Beyond the first cascade of waterfalls are other pleasant and wonderful tiered falls leading to the entrance of Ka’au Crater.
3) Sacra Suravit – Located in Hau’ula. The trail has been closed due to tragic accidents where people have been killed by huge bulls. This was a very popular hike with tourists before the fall. Delicate pools and falls.
4) Lower Lulumahu falls – eastern wall of the Nu’uanu Valley. Nice falls but a shallow swimming hole. Access restricted by Board Water Supply. The trail starts at the upper end of Nuuanu Pali Pali highway driving.
5) Malaekahana Falls – In the back town of La’ie. Nice lake and the steep descent of the slides. Access via the Malaekahana Trail.
6) La’ie Falls– Nice lake and falls. Access is via the Laie Trail. A short, 2.5 mile hike down to the waterfall.
7) Waiakeakua – To the east of the Manoa Valley. Delicate pools and falls. A mile hike. Very cloudy tracks.
8) Manoa Falls – Very popular with tourists. A delicate deep fall but a shallow swimming hole. A mile hike.
9) Upper Lulumahu Falls (difficult access and remote from the Konahuanui Trail) – Decern swimming hole and falls.
10) Mo’ole Valley – Western upper part Nu’uanu Valley. A nice series of waterfalls but shallow swimming holes. Stealth access. It requires scanning a long water tunnel.
11) Kalauao – Kalauao is located in the valley above Aiea Heights. The middle-water swimming hole is fed by a small waterfall that only flows slowly after a rainstorm. It is accessible by following the Aiea Loop. Hike of about 2 miles to the falls. See and write-up about this hike.
12) Waimano Pool – Above Pacific Palisades in Pearl City. Cataracts accessed via Manana Sequor. Nice pool swimming in stagnant times of low / rain. The required hike is approximately 1.5 miles one way. A steep descent down a hill called cardiac hill by local hikers.
13) Maunawili Falls – It is located in the Maunawili Valley on the windward side of Oahu. A delicate swimming hole and a waterfall. The second most popular waterfall hike is after Manoa Falls. 1.5 mile hike from the trailhead on Kelewina Street.
14) Hamama falls – In the valley of Waihe’e. Nice waterfall but shallow swimming hole. Accessed by permission of the Water Board. The trailhead is at the end of Waihee Valley Road.
15) Waimea Falls – Located inland of the famous surf beach of Waimea Bay on the North Shore, Waimea Falls is a popular destination. Admission charged.
16) Ma’akua Gulch – At Hau’ula. As near Sacred Falls, this trail is closed off-road due to rockfall hazards. Nice swimming hole and a great series of waterfalls.
17) Kaipapa’u – At Hau’ula. Nice swimming hole and waterfall at the end of the hike. The flow of the waterfall depends on the rainfall. Long trail (3+ miles one way) along the creek.
18) Koloa Gulch – At Hau’ula. Nice swimming hole and waterfall at the end of the hike. Long trail (3+ miles one way) along the creek.
19) Kapena Falls – Pali Hwy near Nu’uanu Memorial Park Cemetery. The delicacy is fed by small but abundant mosquitoes in the swimming hole. Walking is also popular among young locals and tourists.
20) Lua’alaea – In the valley of Manoa. Stems off the popular Manoa Falls Trail after crossing the initial bridge. A delicate deep fall but a shallow swimming hole. Plenty of mud and mosquitoes.
Report:
- Hawaii Trails, hiking and Backpacking (hikehawaii.blogspot.com
