What are the 5 Must See Waterfalls in Hawaii?

Eagle Strayhorn — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:49:24 +0000

Originally published on the Hawaii Blog

The Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Rain falls down the steep ridged mountains from the tropical forests creating hundreds of magnificent waterfalls all over the islands. Some are easily accessible with man-made lookout points, others require a trek through the jungle to find them hidden in the rain forest. Here at Discover Hawaii Tours we’ve selected 5 of our favorite waterfalls to share with you, that can be be seen on several of our guided tours.

Waimea Falls

Waimea Falls is a popular attraction nestled in the back of Waimea Valley on the north shore of Oahu. The valley itself is a botanical garden and cultural park with numerous species of exotic plants and cultural displays of old Hawaiian villages. After a pleasant walk through the valley, you’ll end up at the 45ft Waimea Falls where you can take a refreshing dip. Remember to take your bathing suit because both of our eco tours that go there stop for two hours of fun.
Insider Tip: If you have sensitive feet, bring water shoes for when you step on the rocks to go swim.

Likeke Falls

We call our tour Hidden Waterfall Hike because Likeke Falls is literally hidden in a remote location of the Koolau Mountains. But don’t worry, Discover Hawaii tours will show you how to get there! Our naturalist tour guide will take you through a lush tropical rainforest teaching you the names of the exotic birds and plants you see along the way. After an easy to moderate hike, you end up at the Likeke Falls tucked away in a special remote location. If you want to see a waterfall on the off-beaten path, then this is the one for you!
Insider Tip: Take pictures of the beautiful exotic birds you see on the way. You’re tour guide will help point them out for you.

Rainbow Falls

Located on the Big Island, Rainbow Falls is a massive 80ft waterfall situated minutes from downtown Hilo. It’s big and powerful, yet easily accessible with a parking lot and easy walkways giving you perfect viewpoints from high up. You can safely stand on a high ledge with railings, overlooking the 100ft wide pool that Rainbow Falls crashes into. This gigantic waterfall is one of the highlights on our Big Island Volcano Tours.
Insider Tip: Head up the walkways built for Rainbow Falls Park to get different vantage points of the waterfall.

Wailua Falls

This beautiful waterfall is one of the many reasons they call the Road to Hana on Maui one of the most scenic drives in the world. Located near the town Hana, the 200ft Wailua Falls is the largest waterfall you can witness on all of our tours. Wailua falls plummets down a steep vertical cliff surrounded by lush green vegetation sending misty water high into the air. We like to take the time to appreciate the majesty and beauty of the falls, so we stop there for 10-15 minutes for everyone’s enjoyment on our Road to Hana Tour.
Insider Tip: On sunny days, when the flow is strong, you can take pictures of rainbows from the misty air hitting the sunlight.

Puohokamoa Falls

The Puohokamoa Falls is another hidden gem off the Road to Hana in Maui. We take you on a short walk to witness the falls tucked away in a lush tropical forest on our Road to Hana Tour. There you will find a 30ft waterfall cascading into a tranquil fresh water pool. The Puohokamoa Falls is part of a series of waterfalls that are all on the Puohokamoa Stream. It is a peaceful experience to be at the falls as its away from any road or development.
Insider Tip: There’s nice flat rocks around the pool for you to sit on and dip your feet in the fresh water pool.

The waterfalls of the islands is part of the reason why Hawaii has the most beautiful landscape in the world. All of our falls we chose for you are awe-inspiring and unique in their own way. For me, visiting a waterfall helps me relax and let my worries slip away. My mind becomes at ease as I listen to the falls crashing down and I gaze at the wonder and natural beauty. Come experience the amazing spectacle of a Hawaiian waterfall, and you’ll agree it was a highlight of your vacation!

Waimea Valley – North Shore Oahu

Eagle Strayhorn — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:08:10 +0000

Originally published on the Hawaii Blog

When you hear the word “Waimea” the first things that come to mind might be, world class big wave surfing, cliff jumping, or maybe just scenes of an endless white sandy beach. From this north shore beach you might not even notice the lush rainforest that fills the valley behind the beach.

North Shore's Waimea Beach

Take the time to learn about and explore the valley on your own, or let us share the beauty of this valley with you on any of our following north shore tours:

Waimea Valley - "Valley of the Priests"

Oahu’s north shore is full of hidden gems rich in Hawaiian culture, history, legends, flora, and fauna, but none seem to compare to Waimea Valley. Historically, Waimea was known as the “Valley of the Priests.” With a history dating back more than 700 years ago, archeologists have uncovered over 78 sites of interest including religious areas and shrines on the valley floor. Although few sites still remain, the Hale o Lono Heiau, (Hawaiian temple), can still be seen today. Dedicated to the god Lono, or god of harvest, this temple dates between 1470 A.D. and 1700 A.D.

Waimea's jumping rock

Waimea valley is also home to a 150-acre arboretum and botanical garden area which is filled with over 5,000 species of tropical plants. Of these plants there are 437 species of the known 1,200 Hawaiian plants, making it one of the most extensive collections of native plants anywhere. Take the time to explore the back of the valley where you will find a 45 foot high waterfall. Modern day conservation efforts are aimed at reclaiming the valley and transforming it into a more native environment filled with Hawaiian cultural activities, games, and agriculture.

Hawaii Blog » waimea valley

What are the 5 Must See Waterfalls in Hawaii?

Waimea Valley – North Shore Oahu