The Best Waterfalls & Hikes on Oahu

Heading out on a trip to Oahu soon? How exciting! There are so many thrilling things to do in Oahu that it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, we know all the best places to go during your trip to Oahu! One favorite activity (for both tourists and locals) is seeing the beautiful waterfalls in Oahu!

Hawaii is full of beautiful waterfalls, and the island of Oahu is certainly no exception. There’s no way to go wrong when searching for a waterfall here—they’re all stunning! There are some local favorites and famous falls you won’t want to miss, though. So, let’s get to it and explore the best waterfalls and waterfall hikes on Oahu!

Where are the Nearest Waterfalls to Oceanfront Vacation Villas?

That depends on whether you’re staying in our Turtle Bay Villas or Ko Olina Villas, of course! The island of Oahu isn’t very large—you can drive from one end to the other in just a few hours. However, you may be looking for a hike close to your rental and not across the island.

If you’re staying in our Turtle Bay Villas, the Waimea Falls Trail is close to your rental. Lāʻie Falls Trail is fairly close, as well!

Those staying in our Ko Olina Villas will have to drive a little farther to go on a waterfall hike. Likeke Falls and the Manoa Falls Trail are both about a 45-minute drive. It’s not exactly a short trip, but it is worth it to see some stellar views. Other Oahu waterfall hikes, like Kaʻau Crater Trail, are further west and will increase drive time, but if you have the time, we say go for it!

Na Ale Hele: Manoa Falls Trail

Length: 1.8 Miles

Manoa Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes on Oahu! You can access the trail at the end of Manoa Road, just a short drive from downtown Honolulu.

These falls are gorgeous in and of their own right, but they’re also famous for being the filming location of some pretty well-known projects like LOST and Jurassic Park. Pretty cool!

Since this hike is so popular, it can often be pretty crowded. Most rank Manoa Falls as a fairly easy hike, but you should always be careful when hiking near the falls—they can get quite slippery!

Likeke Falls

Length: .9 Miles

Likeke Falls is the perfect waterfall trail to take your little ones on! At just under one mile, they’ll be able to cover the distance with no problem. There’s minimal elevation gain, so no one will get too tuckered out! If you want to see incredible waterfall views with less hiking involved, Likeke Falls is the place for you.  The other waterfall hikes on this list are nearly double the distance of Likeke! You should keep in mind, though, that Likeke Falls is one of the muddiest waterfall hikes on Oahu—so wear proper shoes.

Waimea Falls Trail

Length: .75 Miles There & Back

Waimea Falls is another popular Hawaiian waterfall hike. Visitors pay a small fee to enter Waimea Valley before they can access the falls, but it’s well worth it. They do an incredible job maintaining the falls and surrounding nature, and conservation is an essential effort in keeping Hawaii beautiful! You can also visit the botanical garden here after your hike.

There’s a shuttle up to the falls from Waimea Valley, so if you’re traveling with elderly family members, this is a great option. They can see the sights without having to hike all the way up!

For those ready to take on the hike, though, you’ll have a fantastic time traversing the path to these falls. It’s not as rugged as the others on this list—it’s fully paved and has gentle hills along the way. Waimea Falls is perfect for a low-key hike, magnificent waterfall views, and other activities like the botanical garden.

Lāʻie Falls Trail

Length: 8 Miles

Laie Falls is not for the faint of heart. You actually need a permit to set out on this hike! The process is relatively quick, but you should be aware of that before you head out—no one is allowed on the trail without one. Check out this link from Hawaii Reserves Inc. to get a permit to access the trail!

This trail is a fantastic way to spend the day in nature, and you’ll see plenty of small waterfalls before you get to the main attraction, too! Though it’s a long hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views at the end.

Waipuilani Falls

Length: 2.5 Miles

These are a hidden gem here on Oahu. So hidden in fact, that they can be difficult to find! We’d highly recommend downloading All Trails to have an idea of where you are; you’ll need to go off-trail to see the falls themselves, but it’s helpful to have a reference point!

If you are in the mood for an adventure, then go ahead; brave the trail and find the falls! Plenty of people have done it before, so you’re not heading out on an impossible mission. The Twin Falls are a sight to see, and you’ll be glad you made the trek once you’re there. Make sure you wear shoes with good traction, though! As with any waterfalls, this trail can get quite slippery—and that’s before you have to break off to see the falls themselves!

Book Your Stay in Oahu Directly with Oceanfront Vacation Rentals

Wow, we’re so glad that you know all the best spots to go on a waterfall hike on Oahu now! You’ll be able to see so many stunning sights during your trip. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your Oahu vacation.

There’s much to consider when deciding where to stay on vacation. If outstanding customer service and incredible oceanfront views are deciding factors for you, we have you covered at Oceanfront Vacation Villas!

We know Oahu better than anybody, and our team is always here to answer any questions you may have about your stay.  When you book directly with us, you get access to our extensive knowledge of Oahu, plus you won’t incur any unnecessary hidden fees like you would with a third-party online travel agency such as Airbnb or VRBO.

Explore our gorgeous beachfront rentals to see what views are available when you stay with us! We also frequently have specials, so make sure to visit our specials page to stay up to date.

We can’t wait to see you on your trip to Oahu! Browse our available Oahu vacation rentals and book your trip directly with us!