Top Things to do in Oahu
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Top 10 Waterfalls in Oahu, Hawaii (HI)
The Hawaiian island of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise, with swelling waves that can reach epic heights. No wonder, then, that it’s the site of one of the world’s premier competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing. If hanging ten isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches – particularly famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Art connoisseurs will appreciate the annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival, a celebration of local crafts, painting, jewelry, sculpture, dance, and music.
Restaurants in Oahu
1. Waipuhia Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
2. Waimea Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By pernilleh789 - Denmark, null
A must see if you’re a LOST fan! This is where Kate and Sawyer took a swim. It was also in a Beverly Hills 90210 episode. It is possible to swim in it with swim vests on, and there is a lifeguard there until 5.30 PM. It is easy accessible. The beautiful botanical garden closes at 5PM but you have untill 6PM to get out.
3. Waimea Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,434 reviews
Experience Hawaiʻiʻs Living Culture in Waimea Valley, deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian History, Culture, Spirituality and Tradition. Waimea Valley is a world apart from Waikiki, be in the quiet of nature, beautiful flowers, rare plants, cultural sites and a beautiful waterfall for swimming.
4. Manoa Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,626 reviews
Reviewed By Studyhardallday - Waianae, United States
This place is an amazing place to visit. Beautiful hike where individuals can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy and a nice day or a picnic.
5. Likeke Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By 577shahanaa
At first, driving up to the trail head via Ko'olau Golf Course, I saw a bunch of signs saying hikers couldn't park there so I got nervous. When I parked and talked to a golf course employee, he assured me that parking there was fine. Before going, I suggest making sure you know the way to get to the falls (there are a few places where you have forks in the trail). The very short and easy hike is a great option for folks who have lower tolerance for difficult/long hikes, and the payoff for such an easy hike is amazing. Along the way, you get to see beautiful mountain scenery and you end at intimate waterfall in which you can wade and hang out. We went on a Sunday afternoon (about 12pm) and we were the only ones on the trail for most of the time. After spending about 30 minutes at the waterfall, 2-3 groups of hikers joined us, so we headed back to our cars. Overall, I think this was a lovely hike for people with limited time or for people who need easier options.
6. Lulumahu Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By valel1452 - Summerfield, United States
Warning: this is not a tourist spot, it is a bit off the beaten path. But ask anyone in my family, it is our favorite thing we did on our visit to Hawaii. You feel as though you are walking through a rainforest. We even got rained on a couple of times, but the rain didn't last long. Parking is on the side of the road near the trailhead. To enter the trail, you first have to climb over a fallen tree to get around a chained barb wire-gate (don't worry, and police officer was standing outside the gate doing construction on the road when we went and he said it is perfectly legal to hike there). Then you walk through a bamboo forest before climbing the mountain. You have to cross over the creek a few times using the rocks in the water, and at the very end you have to climb up some pretty steep areas with either roots or boulders you use to climb. Right before you get to the waterfall there is a rope tied to a branch that people use to get up and down the hill. I was a little worried at times that not all in our party would make it without getting hurt. A 20, 23, 55, and 59-year-old went on this hike in my group. We learned that Hawaiians have a much different definition of a "moderate/intermediate" hike than we do on the East coast of the USA. We almost turned back at the end because of that last hill, but man are we glad we did not turn back. The waterfall is stunning, probably about 300 ft high. There is a pool at the bottom of the waterfall that you can wade around in (not really deep enough to swim). There was one other group of three kids at the falls when we got up there, and as we were leaving there was one group hiking up, so it is not very crowded like the popular Manoa and Waimea waterfalls. It was a truly wonderful experience. A true adventure awaits you at this waterfall. I recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the real Hawaii.
7. Maunawili Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By 527viviennen
Hiking the Maunawili Trail with the waterfall at the end was my favorite thing to do while visiting Oahu, and we did plenty! There were 7 of us, ranging in age from 10 - 52, and moderate skill level and average fitness. We paced ourselves and struggled a bit, but it was all part of the challenge. I would NOT recommend hiking in flip flops although we did see several people doing so. At least wear trail shoes. It is a muddy, rugged terrain with large exposed tree roots and slippery paths. At times you have to cross the stream and your feet will get wet. The trail is dense with mosquitos, so take your repellent, and sufficient water! The waterfall at the end is beautiful with a refreshing pool at the base of it that many were jumping and swimming in. Definitely a hike worth doing. Enjoy!
8. Maunawili Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By aparnac2013
We started our hike to the Maunawili Falls around 10:00 AM. The hike itself is not bad, but we got lucky as there was no rain that day or a few days prior. I can only imagine how difficult this can get if it has been raining though. I would totally skip this trail if it has been raining to be honest. The entire can get very muddy and mushy and you will probably be covered in mud by the time you are done. Another recommendation, get bug spray or put on at least a few layers before you get on the hike!!! We forgot, my husband and kid were (10) just find, but I have never been buttin with so many mosquito/bugs ever in my life!! Now to the best part - the waterfall! It is absolutely gorgeous. There were a lot of people swimming in the water fall and jumping off the cliffs when we were there. It can get pretty crowded so be careful if you are jumping off the cliffs, to make sure you avoid accidents.
9. Hamama Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By prateeks411
This was a 5.6km there-and-back trek which is technically "forbidden" but everyone does it anyways (there will be a fence that you can simply stroll around to access the hike). You'll gain about 250m on this hike with some parts that can be tricky particularly with recent rainfall. Otherwise, it is a shaded hike through the forest with surprisingly few bugs/mosquitoes thankfully. The waterfalls are gorgeous and you can actually go into the pool below them if you wish as well!
