6 Best & Accessible Oahu Waterfalls: swimming, parking, and more

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Hiking to an Oahu waterfall is one of those quintessential Hawaii experiences. Thankfully, you can choose from quite a few different ones on the island. 

However, many Oahu waterfalls are on private land, while others require a permit to access the trail. While you may find some websites that say they’re OK to visit, we don’t recommend ignoring the rules and tackling one of those unofficial trails on your own. It’s essential to respect the ‘aina (land) wherever you go in Hawaii.

There are lots of legal, safe, and accessible waterfalls that are equally as beautiful! We’ve included some that are easy for beginners and families, as well as some that are more moderately challenging to reach.

Looking for some quick tips?
Waimea and Kapena Falls are our favorite waterfalls for swimming! Waimea Falls is the easiest for swimming and is privately owned so you can grab tickets here.
Even after living on Oahu for 3 years, we didn’t know about Kapena Falls until going out on a circle island tour with Mahina Hawaii, which is why we love exploring with tour guides in addition to our DIY adventures.
Some waterfalls can also be found along our favorite easy Oahu hiking trails

Swimming Safely at the Best Oahu Waterfalls

If you are interested in swimming at one of the best Oahu waterfalls, it’s important to remember a few safety tips.

Leptospirosis in Oahu Waterfall Swimming Holes

Leptospirosis is a severe bacterial disease contracted by swimming in a waterfall with contaminated water with open cuts. It can cause muscle aches, fever, jaundice, or lung bleeding, although some people might not experience any symptoms.

While this is an ongoing issue on all the islands of Hawaii, it is extremely rare (we’ve never caught it nor met anyone who has during our time living and traveling in Hawaii). However, you’ll still want to avoid swimming in waterfalls if you have any open cuts. And never, under any circumstances, drink the water, no matter how clean it may look! 

Waterfall Safety

Waterfalls are beautiful, but they are inherently dangerous! Unexpected events and injuries can happen at any time, and unfortunately, Oahu sees at least one or more life-threatening accidents each year.

However, there are a few tips you should consider to ensure your safety.

• Avoid illegal or unofficial waterfall hikes. Hiking on private property or sacred lands is disrespectful and hazardous, as trails and swimming areas are not maintained or monitored. 
• Don’t stand or swim underneath the falling water. While many people love doing so, there’s always a possibility that rocks and other debris can fall from the top without warning.
• Only jump into safe swimming areas. Check the water for rocks or shallow regions beforehand.
• Weather conditions can vary from place to place and may change without warning. Pay attention to weather reports and flash flood warnings, especially during the winter months or wet season.
• Be extra careful while climbing or hiking on the face of the rocks near the waterfall. It’s easy to slip and fall!

Visiting other islands, too? Don’t miss those waterfalls:
Big Island Waterfalls
Maui Waterfalls
Kauai Waterfalls

1. Kapena Falls and Alapena Pool (Honolulu)

Kapena Falls is one of the best Oahu waterfalls for several reasons. Not only is it the most accessible waterfall from Honolulu, but it’s also far less crowded than other waterfalls like Manoa Falls.

The hike is short and flat (it shouldn’t take you any longer than 10 minutes) but surprisingly scenic. In addition to the lush forest views, you’ll also get to see ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs on the rock wall opposite the stream. However, it does get a little muddy here during the winter’s wet season or after rainfall, so bring closed-toe shoes or boots if you don’t want your feet getting muddy! And don’t forget the bug spray, as mosquitoes can be pretty bad here.

Once you reach the waterfall, you’ll see there’s a beautiful pool (Alapena Pool) at its base, perfect for swimming. And because it’s large and deep, you can also go cliff jumping here! While the pool and water are clean, the shoreline has some trash and broken bottles, so just make sure you do your part to conserve the area by leaving nothing behind during your visit.

We visited Kapena Falls and Alapena Pool on this Circle Island Tour. We highly recommend Ryan as his tours are private and customized to what you want to do, be it hiking, swimming, snorkeling in lava tubes, or all of the above. Check out this video to see the waterfall (at 4:34) and our full tour with Ryan.

• Waterfall height: 15 feet
• Swimming Hole: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: No
• Ease of Access: Easy
• Distance from the Trailhead: ½ mile
• Parking Directions: Click here

Check out all our favorite circle island tours on Oahu so you can discover more of the island like we did!

2. Waimea Falls in Waimea Valley

While there are so many beautiful Oahu waterfalls, Waimea Falls on the North Shore is arguably our favorite. It has everything you could want – a scenic trail, a botanical garden, and a safe waterfall for swimming! Check out our video to see the falls for yourself:

The property is owned by a native Hawaiian non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Waimea Valley’s land, history, and culture. Although there is a fee to visit ($25 for adults, $20 for students, $15 for kids up to age 12), you can feel good knowing your money goes to maintaining the gardens and supporting a local cause.

The ¾ mile trail to the waterfall is easy and paved, although a shuttle service is available for those with limited mobility for $10. The 40-foot waterfall is stunning and safe for swimming (life jackets are available, and a lifeguard is on duty). If you plan on swimming, it’s best to check their website to see if it is open, as it may close during dry months or intense rains.

As a bonus, Waimea Falls also has restrooms, showers, and a snack shack where you can grab a shave ice after swimming.

Yes, it can be busy with hikers and waterfall enthusiasts, but it’s worth swimming in one of the most beautiful and well-taken-care-of spots on the island. Book your ticket in advance online (it’s general admission so you can come any time) and skip the long lines. Plus, if you’re up here, you can make an entire day of it by going to the Toa Luau after, which we think is the best luau on Oahu.

• Waterfall height: 40 feet
• Swimming Hole: Yes 
• Cost: $25 for adults, $20 for students, $15 for kids up to age 12
• Restrooms: Yes
• Ease of Access: Easy
• Distance from the Trailhead: ¾ mile
• Parking Directions: Click here

Keep exploring water activities on Oahu:
5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu
Book One of The 7 Best Snorkeling Tours on Oahu
The 5 Best Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tours
10 Best Beaches on Oahu: Secluded, White Sand, Find It All

3. Manoa Falls near Waikiki

If you’re looking for a lovely waterfall close to Waikiki, Manoa Falls is your best bet! This 150-foot waterfall is an impressive natural wonder just a 15-minute drive from Honolulu, so it’s easy to reach by car or taxi.

We show you this waterfall during one of our vlog-style travel day videos (skip to 3:48 for the falls)!

The 1.7-mile out-and-back trail to the falls is much better than a few years ago. While it used to be muddy and slippery, it now has gravel and steps to make the journey easier (and much more fun).

Because it’s the closest waterfall to the city, it can get hectic. Make sure to arrive before 10 AM to get a spot in the parking lot ($7 per car). Coming early also means hiking the trail before it gets too hot.

Remember that swimming is not allowed as rockfall is expected, so respect the “Trail Closed” signs. But since the trail through the rainforest is lush and beautiful, there’s still much to see, even if you can’t jump in! After you hike, you can also visit the nearby Lyon Arboretum or grab lunch at one of the many poke shops in town.

• Waterfall height: 150 feet
• Swimming Hole: No
• Cost: $7 parking fee
• Restrooms: No
• Ease of Access: Easy
• Distance from the Trailhead: 0.8 miles
• Parking Directions: Click here

If you’re looking for more hikes on Oahu, these are our favorite easy hikes.

4. Jackass Ginger Pools on the Judd Trail

Although these small, cascading waterfalls may not be the largest on the island (they’re only a few feet tall), they’re still worth visiting for anyone who loves a good, scenic jungle hike! 

The Judd Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that snakes along the Nu’uanu Stream. It can get super muddy, and you’ll need to cross the stream, so wear good hiking boots or sandals if you don’t mind getting dirty. Don’t make my mistake; try to tackle this trail in flip-flops! Check out the trail (and get a chuckle at my expense) in the video below:

Because the trail is a loop, you can go either way to reach the Jackass Ginger Pools. If you want to see them first, turn right at the fork after the stream crossing, and they’ll be less than half a mile away. Then, you can turn back or continue on the loop to do the full hike.

On a hot day, it’s nice to sit by the pools and soak your feet. Some of them are deep enough for swimming, too, although be careful when jumping as the rocks can be slippery.

• Waterfall height: Up to 10 feet
• Swimming Hole: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: No
• Ease of Access: Moderate (due to muddy trail)
• Distance from the Trailhead: ½ mile
• Parking Directions: Click here

5. Maunawili Falls via the Pali Highway

Unlike many of the waterfalls on Oahu, which tend to be busy and crowded, Manuawili Falls is a more off-the-beaten-path trek for those craving more adventure. It’s not an accessible waterfall to reach, mainly because of the trail’s length, mud, and difficulty.

There used to be a shorter trail to reach the falls, but this one has been closed for maintenance for the past year. Therefore, you must take the trail from Pali Highway over a 6-mile round-trip hike. Parking is also tricky since there isn’t a public lot. You’ll need to park on the street in a residential area, so be sure to park legally and not block driveways.

But if you are up for the challenge, trust us – it’s worth it! The scenery along the mountain ridge is breathtaking, and the waterfall at the end is the perfect place to cool off! At only 20 feet in height, Maunawili Falls isn’t very tall, but it does have a picture-perfect swimming hole where you can hang out or do a little cliff jumping. 

• Waterfall height: 20 feet
• Swimming Hole: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: No
• Ease of Access: Moderate
• Distance from the Trailhead: 3 miles
• Parking Directions: Click here

Find more amazing things to do around Oahu:
Best 40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii
23 Best Things to Do on Oahu With Kids
21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore

6. Likeke Falls near Kaneohe

Likeke Falls is a short but moderate hike that is not far from the starting point for Maunawili Falls. The trail’s difficulty mainly comes from how slippery and muddy it can get, so ensure you have the right hiking shoes. You will have to traverse fallen trees, branches, and rocks, but we think that’s all part of the adventure!

From the parking lot ($10 per car at the Ko’olau Golf Club), you’ll only need to trek half a mile until you reach Likeke Falls. There are a few different turn-offs on the path, so it’s easy to get lost and end up at the lookout rather than the waterfall. Just keep your eyes peeled for a tree with a painted blue arrow pointing you in the right direction and you should be fine!

The pool is far too small for swimming, but you can dip your toes in the stream to relax for another few minutes before turning back around!

• Waterfall height: 30 to 40 feet
• Swimming Hole: No
• Cost: $10 parking fee
• Restrooms: No
• Ease of Access: Easy to moderate
• Distance from the Trailhead: ½ mile
• Parking Directions: Click here