5 Must-See Waterfalls in Hawaii (2026)
If you only have time for five Hawaii waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast, Maui and Oahu, and Kauai.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Hawaii waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Rainbow Falls
Hilo, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why it is a must-see
With 1,710 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Hawaii, and it holds 4.5 stars. In short: "Rainforest waterfall featuring distinctive rainbows on sunny days, seen from a viewing platform." 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Kaimukanaka Falls and Peepee Falls. 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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2. Mānoa Falls
Maunawili, HI · Honolulu County · Maui and Oahu
Why it is a must-see
With 1,144 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Hawaii, and it holds 4.6 stars. In short: "A celebrated hiking area, this 150-foot waterfall is set amid tropical vegetation & an arboretum." Older records also call it Manoa Falls. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Waipuhia Falls and Maunawili Falls. 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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3. Wailua Falls
Wailua Homesteads, HI · Kauai County · Kauai
Why it is a must-see
With 1,103 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Hawaii, and it holds 4.5 stars. In short: "Dramatic double waterfall known for rainbows & its place in the "Fantasy Island" opening credits." 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls and Koholālele Falls. 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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4. Waimea Falls
Pupukea, HI · Honolulu County · Maui and Oahu
Why it is a must-see
With 520 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Hawaii, and it holds 4.3 stars. In short: "A 45-ft.-tall waterfall accessed via a paved path or shuttle through scenic botanical gardens." Older records also call it Waihee Falls. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Sacred Falls. 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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5. ʻAkaka Falls
Pepeekeo, HI · Hawaii County · Hawaii Island: Hilo and the Hamakua Coast
Why it is a must-see
With 405 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Hawaii, and it holds 4.4 stars. In short: "A modest trail leads to this 442-ft. waterfall on the Kolekole Stream, framed by tropical plants." Older records also call it Akaka Falls. 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Kahūnā Falls and Waiemi Falls. 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.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 325 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Wailua Falls (start, near Wailua Homesteads)
- Waimea Falls, about 90 mi east
- Mānoa Falls, about 25 mi southeast
- ʻAkaka Falls, about 200 mi southeast
- Rainbow Falls, about 9.7 mi south
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.
Explore More Hawaii Waterfalls
See all 112 waterfalls in the Hawaii waterfall guide, or browse by town: Hilo, Maunawili, Wailua Homesteads, Pupukea, Pepeekeo.
More Hawaii Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Hawaii?
Rainbow Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.5-star rating from 1,710 Google reviews. It is near Hilo in Hawaii County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Hawaii waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 325 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
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.
Which Hawaiian island has the most waterfalls?
Kauai, with 40 named falls in our directory, followed by Hawaii Island with 37 and Maui with 30. Kauai is the oldest of the main islands, and long erosion under very heavy rainfall has carved its many valleys and cliffs.