Oahu Waterfalls & Trails

Laie Falls Manoa Falls Maunawili Falls

Waimea Falls. Located on Oahu’s North Shore in the Waimea Valley Audubon Center, Waimea Falls is a towering waterfall that flows down from the mountains by the Waimea River. Visitors can enjoy a 3.5-mile self-guided nature walk to the park’s focal attraction: 40-foot Waimea Falls. On warm days, nothing is more refreshing than a cool dip in the pool below the falls. In ancient times, Hawaiians believed that Waimea’s red tinted waters had healing powers due to the iron oxide found in the volcanic soil.

Laie Falls. Nestled in peaceful town on the northeastern tip of Oahu, between Kahuku and Hauula, Laie Falls is a beautiful waterfall that tumbles into a deep pool of water. The gently-ascending 5-mile hiking trail, which winds you through lush tropical foliage and forest, affords magnificent views of the ocean every half mile. Once you reach the secluded falls and pool, cool down with a refreshing swim or continue to the Koolau Summit Trail.  [Top]

Manoa Falls. Manoa Falls is a spectacular site as it cascades down a vertical cliff for 150 feet into a small pool of sparkling water. Enjoy a moderate hike on a scenic, well-traveled 1.5 mile trail through a bamboo forest, rainforest, and base of the Koolau Mountains to the towering falls. The pool at the bottom of the falls is filled with boulders and the bottom of the pool can not be visualized, making it very unsafe for swimming or diving. Wearing proper footwear is highly recommended as the path may be slippery and muddy.  [Top]

Maunawili Falls. A favorite destination for hikers, Maunawili Falls is a series of small waterfalls that cascade into a deep, cool pool of water - and is considered on the most beautiful falls on Oahu. Enjoy an easy 1 ½ mile hike along the stream to the beautiful falls and enjoy stunning views of the Koolau Mountains. This wide, well-graded hiking trail heads uphill into one of the lesser gulches at the foot of the windward Koolau cliffs and crosses three streams.  [Top]