Hawaiian Marketplace

Every time you hear “Hawaii,” you immediately think of the world’s most wonderful beaches and endless luau parties. Not many may know this, but Hawaii Waterfalls are actually also among the world’s best. There are many waterfalls in the islands, though some can be viewed only on air so you have to hire a helicopter to see them. All the same, those that you can see from land are just as beautiful and definitely worth a tour. Here are three of the more famous waterfalls in Hawaii:

Heleleikeoha Falls in Maui

The Heleleikeoha Falls, also known as Blue Angel Fall or Blue Pool, is located in the eastern side of Maui, along Ulaino Road. You can easily take a dip in the pool and enjoy the waterfalls in one side and the ocean on the other – a view so breathtaking that you just cannot take your eyes off it. The fall is usually light flowing, and when rain has not fallen for a long time, the water just trickles down the rocks.

To get to the pool, however, you have to cross some private properties despite the beach being considered public access under the Public Access Shoreline Hawaii (PASH). But of course, with all the publicity it has been getting (and along with it the human traffic and the trash that is left behind by the tourists), the owners of the private sections are not very happy, causing controversies on how to handle the tourism in the area.

Rainbow Falls in Big Island

At Hilo town on eastern Big Islands is the Rainbow Falls it is right off Waianuenue Avenue on the northwest side of Hilo. This is the most visited waterfall in the Big Island. Its water falls from 80 feet above, from a river that flows from an arch-shaped rock above a cave.

If you go early in the morning, you can catch a beautiful sunrise – as the sun goes above the mango trees, light starts trickling into the beautiful turquoise-colored pool below. Its effect to the tropical setting is just magnificent. For a better view of the falls, you can also hike down a stone path to reach a lookout point.

Hipuapua Falls in Molokai

Also in Maui, Molokai is the site for the one of the major waterfalls in the head of Halawa Valley. Called Hapuapua Falls, this waterfall boasts of a 500-feet drop and is the biggest waterfall in Hawaii. The second longest fall is the Moaula Falls, which is right next to Hapuapua Falls, at only 250-feet tall. Both falls are visible from Highway 450 if you are on the road to Halawa Valley.

The 7,240-meter (23,760 feet) hike is an intense hike. It is recommended that you go with a tourist guide if you want to do the hike, especially since the trail crosses through some private properties and the area is not very well marked.

Manoa Falls in Oahu

If you are spending a day or two at Waikiki Beach, plan a small side trip to see the Manoa Falls. Manoa Valley is easily accessible via car or city bus from Waikiki, and offers an easy hike amidst beautiful tropical bamboo and rainforest. At 150 feet high, the falls can even be bigger after a good rain, but likewise would be a little drizzle during the hot and dry season. The 2,400-meter (7,920 feet) hike takes only less than an hour from the valley up to the top of the mountain.

It is not recommended that you swim in the pool where the water falls, regardless of how inviting it looks especially on a nice day. You may also want to bring insect repellent, and wear comfortable hiking shoes as you will have to climb over some rocks along the way.

Endless Possibilities in Hawaii

As mentioned earlier, Hawaii has several waterfalls in all its islands. Check out your travel agent when planning a trip to Hawaii to make sure that you see one or two of the best waterfalls in the island where you are going. As much as you love going to the beach in Hawaii, you cannot pass on the chance of seeing some of the world’s best waterfalls – and marvel at the beauty of water both above and beyond.