Find some of the most breathtaking waterfalls on the planet tucked away in the lush valleys of O‘ahu. From the everlasting greenness of Mānoa to the remote tranquility of Lā‘ie, the island’s natural beauty shines through, and the power of nature comes to life in these waterfalls.

Mānoa Falls

Just a 15-minute car ride from Waikīkī will bring you to Mānoa Valley, known for its gentle, mist-like showers and laid-back lifestyle. Many visit the area to hike the popular Mānoa Falls trail, which attracts nearly 200,000 visitors annually. This 1.7-mile, out-and-back trail is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, winding hikers through a lush tropical rainforest.

To access the trailhead, drive into the valley along University Avenue, which turns into O‘ahu Avenue. Continue along this route until you reach the intersection of O‘ahu Avenue, Lowrey Avenue and Mānoa Road. Turn right onto Mānoa Road to be led directly to the parking lot and trailhead of the Mānoa Falls hike.

After securing your vehicle, head to the trail, which, despite being moderately challenging, is a favorite hike for groups, keiki (children), and dogs on leash. The easy-to-follow path comprises dirt intermixed with gravel and portions of wooden planks. Despite being a popular hike, the trail is still immersive, with the sights and sounds of the luscious valley enveloping your senses once you enter the forest. Over the coming 30 minutes that it takes to reach the waterfall, you will encounter a total elevation gain of 600 feet and be led under the towering trees and through bamboo groves. At the end of the trail, you will find yourself standing at the base of a 150-foot waterfall that empties into a small pool below. Swimming in the pool is discouraged due to the threat of catching water-borne bacteria, but you can still stand in the mist that is reflected from the waterfall hitting the pond.

After completing the hike, be sure to stop by Rainbow’s End Snack Shop, located near the parking lot and trailhead of the Mānoa Falls trail. Here, you can find refreshing drinks, hot dogs and shaved ice to help you cool down and refuel.

Rainbow’s End Snack Shop; 3737 Mānoa Road, Honolulu; (808) 988-1978; Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Likelike Falls

Cross the Pali Highway and head to Likeke Falls, a waterfall that even many locals are unaware of. This short hike through dense vegetation has a big payoff of a graceful, two-tiered waterfall that elegantly cascades down hard rock.

Completed in 1963 by Richard “Dick” Davis, one of Hawai‘i’s most respected and experienced hikers, the Likeke Falls trail was carved out by Davis as a favor to the Windward area Boy Scouts. To get to the trailhead of this 0.8-mile, out-and-back hike, park at or near the Koʻolau Golf Club or Koʻolau Ballrooms. Near the back of the parking lot, you will find a gap in the foliage leading you along a dirt path. Follow this former service road until you reach a water tank covered in graffiti. Take a left at the water tank, which will lead you uphill. At about 0.3 miles in, you will hit a junction in the path, and be sure to take the right-hand side of the path that will lead you toward the falls. The next part of the trail tends to be the muddiest, but as you continue along, you will start to hear the rushing waters of Likeke Falls.

At the end of the path, you will find the 40-foot waterfall, a spring-fed waterfall that empties into a small pond. Whereas other waterfalls depend on rainwater, the spring water origin of this waterfall ensures that it is available year-round. And, since this path is a little harder to find and harder to follow compared to other trails, many hikers overlook this trail, which benefits those who do head out to the waterfall, giving you a nearly private hiking experience.

Waimea Falls

Nestled in the back of Waimea Valley lies Waimea Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls on the island. It is a popular spot where people swim in the pool below the falls. Waimea Falls is also possibly the most accessible waterfall on the island, with two options for getting to it.

To get to the Waimea Falls, park your car in the Waimea Valley parking lot and head to the entrance booth. After paying admission to the grounds, walk along the ¾ mile-paved path towards the back of the valley. The gentle slope of the path is only an 8% incline, taking guests along a pleasurable stroll through the valley’s well-maintained gardens and historical sites. After about a half-hour walk, you will start to hear the gentle roar of the 45-foot tall waterfall that crashes into a 30-foot-deep pond below. Another option is to catch a shuttle ride operated by the Waimea Valley staff, which takes guests from Hale Hoʻike, located on the Waimea Valley property, directly to the falls. The first shuttle departs at 10 a.m., and shuttle ticket sales end at 3 p.m.

Swimming here depends on the daily waterfall conditions, so guests are encouraged to call Waimea Valley ahead of time for a status update.

Waimea Valley, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Hale‘ʻiwa; (808) 638-7766; waimeavalley.net; open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lā‘ie Falls

Hiking to Lā‘ie Falls will take you approximately 4 hours to complete the 7 miles of this out-and-back hike, but the rewards along the way will brighten the hearts of avid hikers. Taking you through rugged terrain and lush ridges, the culmination of this hike is the picture-perfect waterfall that tumbles over multiple tiers of rocks.

To get to the trailhead of the Lā‘ie Falls hike, park at Lā‘ie Park and walk about half a mile along Po‘ohali Street. After a few minutes of walking, the road will split and you will want to veer towards the right. Continue along until you reach the yellow gates and the No Trespassing sign. This is one of the hikes on the island that does require a permit, but you can easily get one by completing the Hawaii Reserves Inc. form and submitting it to their offices (hrihelp.com/hiking-camping). Once you pass through the gate, you will be on the trail leading you along dirt paths with dense foliage, graded ridge trails and even a portion lined with ropes to help hikers descend carefully along the muddier portions of the trail. At the end of the hike, you will come upon the beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall that empties into a serene, blueish-green pond below. While some hikers venture into the pond to cool down, caution is advised, especially for those with open cuts or wounds.

Across the island, hikers of all ability levels have many opportunities to view these beautiful waterfalls and experience the wonder of Hawai‘i’s rugged wilderness.