10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Hawaii (2026 Updated)
Ranked by what visitors photograph and rate five stars, these are the 10 most beautiful of Hawaii's 112 named waterfalls, starting with Waimoku Falls. The list spans the Maui and Oahu, Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast, and Kauai.
How We Picked
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 30 publicly accessible Hawaii waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Waimoku Falls
Hana, HI · Maui County · Maui and Oahu
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 541 photos of it on Google, about 4.4 for every review. 91% of its 124 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "A trail leads hikers to a tall waterfall at this hiking spot known for its picturesque landscapes." The setting includes Puʻuʻahuʻula (summit, 0.8 mi) and Kīpahulu Valley (valley, 0.9 mi). It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. The nearest town is Hana, about 6.9 miles to the northeast.
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2. Rainbow Falls
Hilo, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 4,931 photos of it on Google, about 2.9 for every review. 70% of its 1,710 reviewers rate it five stars (4.5 average). Its listing describes it as: "Rainforest waterfall featuring distinctive rainbows on sunny days, seen from a viewing platform." The setting includes Kupapaʻu Hill (summit, 0.5 mi) and Mokupau Gulch (historical) (valley, 0.5 mi). It is one of 37 named falls in the Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast region. The nearest town is Hilo, about 1.4 miles to the northeast.
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3. Waimea Falls
Pupukea, HI · Honolulu County · Maui and Oahu
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 2,615 photos of it on Google, about 5.0 for every review. 67% of its 520 reviewers rate it five stars (4.3 average). Its listing describes it as: "A 45-ft.-tall waterfall accessed via a paved path or shuttle through scenic botanical gardens." The setting includes Kauwalu Gulch (valley, 0.6 mi) and Kehu-o-Hapuu (cliff, 1.4 mi). It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. The nearest town is Pupukea, about 2.0 miles to the northwest.
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4. Wailua Falls
Wailua Homesteads, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 2,129 photos of it on Google. 68% of its 1,103 reviewers rate it five stars (4.5 average). Its listing describes it as: "Dramatic double waterfall known for rainbows & its place in the "Fantasy Island" opening credits." The setting includes ʻAʻahoaka (summit, 0.5 mi) and Puʻupilo (summit, 1.4 mi). It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. The nearest town is Wailua Homesteads, about 2.1 miles to the north.
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5. Mānoa Falls
Maunawili, HI · Honolulu County · Maui and Oahu
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 4,609 photos of it on Google, about 4.0 for every review. 75% of its 1,144 reviewers rate it five stars (4.6 average). Its listing describes it as: "A celebrated hiking area, this 150-foot waterfall is set amid tropical vegetation & an arboretum." It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. The nearest town is Maunawili, about 2.7 miles to the northeast.
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6. Hoʻopiʻi Falls
Kapa'a, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 699 photos of it on Google, about 2.4 for every review. 71% of its 289 reviewers rate it five stars (4.5 average). Its listing describes it as: "A hiking trail through a jungle leads to this series of scenic waterfalls with pools for swimming." The setting includes Puu Lawii (summit, 1.5 mi). It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. The nearest town is Kapa'a, about 2.4 miles to the southeast.
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7. Hanakāpīʻai Falls
Princeville, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 275 photos of it on Google, about 3.1 for every review. 92% of its 90 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Reached via a trail that runs from the beach, this 91-m. waterfall provides an impressive sight." The setting includes Honoʻonāpali (summit, 0.6 mi) and Pōhākea (summit, 0.7 mi). It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. The nearest town is Princeville, about 7.8 miles to the east.
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8. ʻAkaka Falls
Pepeekeo, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 1,308 photos of it on Google, about 3.2 for every review. 70% of its 405 reviewers rate it five stars (4.4 average). Its listing describes it as: "A modest trail leads to this 442-ft. waterfall on the Kolekole Stream, framed by tropical plants." The setting includes Kaʻuku (summit, 1.5 mi). It is one of 37 named falls in the Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast region. The nearest town is Pepeekeo, about 3.5 miles to the southeast.
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9. ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
Wailua Homesteads, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 414 photos of it on Google, about 2.0 for every review. 59% of its 205 reviewers rate it five stars (4.3 average). Its listing describes it as: "An overlook provides distant views of this scenic waterfall cascading in a lush environment." The setting includes Maunakapu (summit, 0.8 mi) and ʻAʻahoaka (summit, 1.0 mi). It is one of 40 named falls in the Kauai region. The nearest town is Wailua Homesteads, about 1.9 miles to the northwest.
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10. Makahiku Falls
Hana, HI · Maui County · Maui and Oahu
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 174 photos of it on Google, about 5.3 for every review. 79% of its 33 reviewers rate it five stars (4.7 average). Its listing describes it as: "This 200-ft-tall horseshoe waterfall in Haleakalā National Park lies along the Ohe'o Gulch stream." The setting includes Pools of ʻOheʻo (lake, 0.5 mi) and ʻOheʻo Gulch (valley, 0.6 mi). It is one of 35 named falls in the Maui and Oahu region. The nearest town is Hana, about 7.5 miles to the northeast.
When to Visit Hawaii's Waterfalls
Hawaii has falls year-round, but flow depends on recent rain far more than on season. The wetter months generally run from about October through April, when winter storms add to trade-wind showers and falls along the Hana Highway, the Hamakua Coast and Kauai's interior run strongest. Summer trades still bring regular windward showers, so many falls keep flowing, though some smaller ones shrink to a trickle during dry spells. Morning visits tend to be clearer, calmer and less crowded, and they are best for rainbows at Rainbow Falls in Hilo. Heavy rain can arrive suddenly in any month, and north-shore winter surf affects coastal trailheads on Kauai and Oahu.
Before You Go
Many of Hawaii's best-known falls are in state parks or national parks, while others sit on private land, in watershed areas or in botanical gardens that charge admission. Several popular sites, including Haena State Park at the start of Kauai's Kalalau Trail, use reservation or entry systems for out-of-state visitors, so checking current requirements is wise. Parking is tight along the Hana Highway, and stopping on narrow shoulders is dangerous and often restricted. The biggest hazard is flash flooding: streams can rise within minutes from rain falling far upslope, stranding hikers at crossings. Rockfall beneath falls is common, freshwater can carry leptospirosis, and trails turn very slick with red mud. Respect closures and no-trespassing signs, which are frequently posted at informal access points.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. For better pictures, see our waterfall photography tips.
Explore More Hawaii Waterfalls
See all 112 waterfalls in the Hawaii waterfall guide, or browse by town: Hana, Hilo, Pupukea, Wailua Homesteads, Maunawili, Kapa'a, Princeville, Pepeekeo.
More Hawaii Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful waterfall in Hawaii?
Waimoku Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.9-star rating from 124 Google reviews. It is near Hana in Maui County.
How was this list made?
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 30 publicly accessible Hawaii waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views.
How many waterfalls are in Hawaii?
Our directory lists 112 named waterfalls in Hawaii. See them all, sorted by town, in the Hawaii waterfall guide.
Is it safe to swim beneath Hawaii's waterfalls?
It carries real risks. Rocks regularly fall from the cliffs above pools, flash floods can arrive with little warning, and freshwater may carry leptospirosis, so many agencies advise against swimming, especially with open cuts or after rain.