The 8 Best Waterfall Hikes on Oahu

1.Tour of North Shore & Waimea Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,682 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $154Our pick

Ride a small bus from Waikiki around Oahu’s east and North Shore, stopping at Halona Blowhole, Mokoli’i, Kahuku, Waimea Valley, Dole Plantation, and Nu’uanu Pali. You’ll hike to a waterfall, sample local treats, and hear island stories from guides such as Ian, Tim, Rocky, and Kanamu.

“Really the only thing that , I would consider a downside was the traffic. Other than that, it was very enjoyable. Our guide RJ was very professional, friendly with a healthy dose of humor!”

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2.All Inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Tour, Waimea Falls & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,067 reviews · from $156

Spend a full day circling Oahu from Honolulu with guides such as Hailey, stopping at coastal lookouts, Byodo-in Temple, a North Shore shrimp farm, Waimea Falls, Haleiwa, and Dole Plantation. Transport, entry fees, lunch, and vegetarian options are included.

“Hailey was a great guide. Very educational. Chen did an awesome job driving and making a bus ride enjoyable. Sites were amazing even though the first part of the day was rain soaked.”

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3.Byodo In Temple, Waimea Botanical Garden-Waterfall: Includes Fees

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 291 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $164

Spend about 8.5 hours circling Oahu in a small group of up to 25, with hotel pickup from Waikiki. Captain Vince or Justin guides you through Byodo-In Temple, Waimea Valley, North Shore food stops, scenic lookouts, and Honolulu history. Temple and Waimea admission are included.

“Justin was our tour guide in Honolulu. He was so knowledgeable and friendly. He took time to explain and share the history and the culture. We had an amazing time and would definitely book another tour with Viator especially with Justin. The booking process was easy. The day before our tour, we received clear directions to get to meeting point and Justin kept in touch with us to confirm meeting time as we were arriving by cruise ship.”

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4.Self guided Hike Trail to Nature Walk & Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 283 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Ride from a designated Waikiki pickup point to Manoa Falls, then walk through rain-fed forest to a 150-foot waterfall. Guides such as Robert, Arlaine, Hema, and Cortina add plant lore, local history, walking sticks, water, and sometimes bug spray. A final Tantalus lookout may be included.

“Hema is an amazing guide! We thoroughly enjoyed the hike! We enjoyed every aspect of the trip! Thank you for having such a wonderful outing!”

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5.Manoa Falls Rainforest & Self-Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 227 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52Best value

Take a self-guided rainforest hike to Manoa Falls with round-trip shuttle service from select Waikiki hotels. Drivers such as Matthew, Steve, Orlando, and D share local stories on the way. Expect muddy rocks, steep sections, birds, tropical plants, and waterfall flow that changes with rainfall.

“It was a great trip. Our driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. The hike was more than what we expected. Had a great time”

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6.Manoa Waterfall Hike with Waikiki Pickup & Healthy Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 185 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $107

Join guides such as Jason, Jak, or George for a 1.6-mile walk through Manoa Valley’s rainforest to a 150-foot waterfall. Waikiki pickup, walking sticks, plant and cultural insights, a sandwich from Andy’s, and Tantalus Lookout make this a useful half-day outing.

“Thank goodness I opted to have a walking stick. I think it really helps on the return so that you don't lose your balance and slip on the rocks. It was a slight challenge but weather wasn't too hot and manageable under all the tropical environment. There was an unexpected tree fall which we had to do a somewhat limbo dance to get through. Thank goodness no one was killed But overall it's worth seeing.”

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7.North Shore / Waimea, Falls Day & Swim with Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $150

Spend about eight hours with guide Seamus and, often, his friendly dog Sandy, visiting Waimea Valley, a macadamia or coffee and chocolate stop, North Shore beaches, local shops, and a shrimp truck. Pickup is offered from Honolulu hotels or the airport. Waimea admission and lunch cost extra.

“Seamus picked us up on time and was really engaging all day. He clearly knows his stuff and the benefit of a private tour meant we didn’t have to wait on other people every time we wanted to move on. We learned so much from him and his partner sandy was such a good girl! Thanks Seamus we had a really great day and will recommend you anytime! Mahalo”

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8.Diamond Head Manoa Falls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 6 hours · from $245

Spend six hours with an English-speaking guide on a private Oahu outing to Diamond Head and Manoa Falls. Hike Diamond Head for Waikiki views, pause for a breakfast stop, then walk through bamboo forest to the waterfall. Lucas is one named guide, and extra stops can be customized if time allows.

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