Oahu has plenty to offer, especially if you love being active. With options like surfing, volcano hikes, and historical sites to explore, the options are endless. Lush vegetation and steep climbs fill the island, making it the perfect place for those who love going hiking and burn off all those extra calories from the excellent food. What is a hike without a destination at the end, though? Well, we’ve got three great waterfall hikes on Oahu of varying lengths that all end with breathtaking waterfalls where you could enjoy a perfect picnic lunch and maybe even go for a swim.
Manoa Falls Trail
Length: 1.6 miles
Manoa Falls Trail is the perfect pick for families with small children or hiking beginners. It’s short distance, beautiful scenery, and gorgeous waterfall at the end make it worth the hour long round trip.
What used to be a muddy mess has now been modernized with a gravel trail leading all the way to the waterfall itself. Hiking this trail is by far one of the easiest, and while it’s waterfall may not hold a candle to Niagara Falls, it’s still breathtaking. Bring along a picnic lunch, or snack by the water while you listen to the cascading falls and relax.
Maunawili Falls Trail
Length: approximately 3 miles
For a bit more of a challenge, take on Maunawili Falls Trail. While this trail is also maintained in a similar fashion as Manoa Falls, you’ll still be hopping stones to cross streams or dodging tree roots to avoid being tripped. However, it’s worth the hike once you make it to the end.
The wide, cool pool at the bottom of the waterfall is the perfect place to take a dip and wash away sweat from the hike. If going for a swim doesn’t seem appealing to you, there are plenty of large rocks surrounding the pool where you can perch to snap a few photos or enjoy a bite to eat.
Kalauao Trail
Length: 4 miles
Kalauao Trail is categorized as an intermediate trail. It’s length, muddiness, and steep decline into the valley can make it a bit tiresome. However, despite the longer more arduous hike, the trail is located off of ‘Aiea Loop Trail which takes you within viewing distance of several key places on Oahu like Pearl Harbor, and the Ko’olau Mountains. It also boasts one of the most secluded and gorgeous waterfalls on all of Oahu.
Dive into the water at the base of the fall or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many benches along the side of the trail. For those who love photography and the outdoors, this trail is perfect. Just be sure your feet are well protected, and you come prepared for a regular “Lost Boys” adventure.
No matter how you want to spend your vacation, Hawaii’s Oahu has something for you. From amazing food and shows to breathtaking views and hikes, Oahu has it all covered. Join the fun and contact us for deals you simply can’t pass up on vacation rentals or properties in Ko Olina and on Oahu.
Contact us for information on beautiful places to stay while vacationing and the best waterfall hikes on Oahu.