Waterfalls provide momentary peace and it feels very much like time has stopped - that all you need to care about in those few minutes is how the water pours down and how majestic the waterfall is from afar. Time resumes after those few minutes. When you are heading to Hawaii the next time, go with this list of best waterfall hikes in Honolulu, and you will be ready for a quest to some of the most serene spots that you can find in Hawaii. Maybe sometimes, too much of the beach and sand may make you forget how great mother nature is, so a sight of these waterfalls will remind you the greatness of what has been left behind from centuries ago. So, keep reading to find out more about the best waterfall hikes in and near Honolulu, Hawaii.
Travel Advisory
Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations’ ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks.
1. Lulumahu Falls
Over at Lulumahu falls, you will not be disappointed with what you see. In fact, leave your footprints along the way as you make your hike to Lulumahu Falls and the moments and sights of this place will forever be imprinted in your memory. Though it is said that the floor might be slippery during wet weather, the view you get of the waterfalls would be really welcoming. Do remember to wear some comfortable and closed shoes when making your way to the waterfalls.
Lulumahu Falls
Address: 4459 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Website: Lulumahu Falls
Opening hours: Open all day
Price: Admission is free
2. Manoa Falls Trail
If you are a fan of the television series “Lost” you will be glad to go on this hike because every step through the green landscape will bring back vivid memories of the show and glimpses into where the cast went. Not only is this the place where “Lost” was filmed, another classic movie “Jurassic Park” also had scenes that featured the Manoa Falls Trai. This place is a mini adventure for you to go on if you’d like a short hike, but you can also go on a memorable hike through the forests in Honolulu.
Manoa Falls Trail
Address: End of Manoa Road, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96822
Website: Manoa Falls Trail
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Admission is free
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3. Waiakeakua Falls
If you are someone keen on seeking an adrenaline rush, this hike into Manoa Valley, which follows the trail of Waiakeakua Falls, will offer some fun and excitement. Near the waterfall, there is a rope, and if the adventurer in you calls, you may want to climb your way up. This is an experience that is not conventional and what a memorable moment it will be!
Waiakeakua Falls
Address: 3751 Waaloa Way, Honolulu, HI 96822
Website: Waiakeakua Falls
Opening hours: Open all day
Price: Admission is free
4. Kapena Falls
An area surrounded by lots of greenery and bushes, this is not your typical forest hike. As you hike on the trail, you will soon come to a view of the waterfalls, and it is really a sight to behold. If you feel like it, you might even want to consider cliff-jumping at the Kapena Falls. This activity, which does not cost anything, is a great way to spend your afternoon as your friends and you take turns jumping off the cliffs and probably you guys would compete on who makes a bigger splash.
Kapena Falls
Address: Alapena Pool, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Website: Kapena Falls
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Admission is free
5. Maunawili Falls
One of the most challenging hikes you can possibly try out is definitely the one to Maunawili Falls. Though stipulated as a tough hike, what greets you along the way is as memorable as the challenging hike is. The tropical birds that chirp their way in the forest leave you a song waiting to be discovered, and the smaller water streams as you walk along will definitely brighten up your trail.
Maunawili Falls
Address: Maunawili Falls TrailMaunawili, HI 96734, USA
Website: Maunawili Falls
Opening hours: Open all day
Price: Admission is free
6. Ka'au Crater Trail
Over at the Ka'au Crater Trail, what most people do not know is that they are are only a comfortable drive of 15 minutes away from Waikiki. If you are looking for something challenging, this feels like a hike you should sign up for because, at the end of the hike, you will be greeted by views of the mountainous regions.
Ka'au Crater Trail
Address: 3000 10th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
Website: Ka'au Crater Trail
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Admission is free
7. Judd Trail
A hike like the no other, this hike will bring you through sights not commonly seen. An example is where you will walk through a forest surrounded by bamboo trees, all tall and lush. A trip to Japan would not be needed as this hike reveals to you an authentic bamboo forest experience before you even reach the waterfalls.
Judd Trail
Address: Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Website: Judd Trail
Opening hours: Open all day
Price: Admission is free
8. Aihualama Trail
Another challenging yet promising adventure is the Aihualama Trail, where once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a picturesque and breathtaking view of the mountainous area against a blue sky. If you are lucky, the fog that appears from time to time makes it a picture-worthy spot and most importantly, makes the hike much more bearable and fruitful.
Aihualama Trail
Address: Na Ala Hele: Aihualama Trail, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Website: Aihualama Trail
Opening hours: Open all day
Price: Admission is free
Fascinating waterfall hikes
All in all, if you were once attracted to the image of Hawaii as a place of sun, sand and sea, you might be surprised to know now that there is an added activity to do when you are in Hawaii, and this is to go on waterfall hikes and there are just too many hiking trails for you. Of course, they range in difficulty levels, so on your next flight out to Hawaii, remember to set aside time from the beach to go hiking and be ready to find yourself sweating out on your hiking trail.
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