Hawaii Waterfall Hikes on the Island of Oahu

The island of Oahu in Hawaii isn't known for its multitude of waterfalls. Maui, particularly along the Hana side of the Valley Isle, is waterfall paradise, with seemingly a cascade around every corner along the winding road to Hana. But there are waterfalls on Oahu, and I'll describe twenty Oahu waterfalls I've visited and hiked to.

1) Likeke Falls- A 30-foot cascade nestled below the Pali Lookout and accessed via the Likeke Trail. It is popular with eco-tours and has a shallow (ankle deep) swimming hole. Starting from the Pali Lookout, the hike is about 3 miles roundtrip.

2) Wai'oma'o Stream - Located in Palolo Valley at the end of Waiomao Road. Decent swimming hole below first waterfall. Beyond first cascade is another nice waterfall and a wonderful tiered falls leading to the entrance of Ka'au Crater.

3) Sacred Falls - Located in Hau'ula. Closed trail due to a tragic accident where people were killed by a huge rockslide. This was a very popular hike for tourists prior to the accident. Nice pool and falls.

4) Lower Lulumahu Falls- Eastern wall of Nu'uanu Valley. Nice falls but shallow swimming hole. Access restricted by the Board of Water Supply. Trail starts at upper end of Nuuanu Pali Drive off Pali Highway.

5) Malaekahana Falls - In back of La'ie Town. Nice pool and falls gained by a steep descent. Access via the Malaekahana Trail.

6) La'ie Falls- Nice pool and falls. Access is via the Laie Trail. Short, steep descent to waterfall after about 2.5 miles of hiking.

7) Waiakeakua - On the eastern side of Manoa Valley. Nice pool and falls. One mile hike. Very muddy trail.

8) Manoa Falls - Very popular with tourists. Nice high falls but shallow swimming hole. One mile hike.

9) Upper Lulumahu Falls (difficult and remote access from the Konahuanui Trail) - Decent swimming hole and falls.

10) Mo'ole Valley - Western side of upper Nu'uanu Valley. A series of nice waterfalls but shallow swimming holes. Tricky access. Requires traverse of a long water tunnel.