Tallest Waterfalls in Hawaii – All Above 1,000 Feet!
The tallest waterfall in Hawaii is ‘Olo’upena Falls on Moloka’i, plunging an incredible 2,953 feet down a remote sea-facing cliff. While it is the highest, Hawaii is also home to at least 12 more waterfalls that soar above 1,000 feet.
Let’s see where are they and how to get there. Hint, most of them are in Molokai and none of the waterfalls in Oahu is above 1,000 feet.
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ʻOloʻupena Falls (2,953 feet), Molokai
At 2,953 feet, ‘Olo’upena Falls is the tallest waterfall in Molokai and Hawaii.
It spills down the remote sea cliffs on Molokai’s northeastern coast in a thin ribbon that fans out along the rock face.
The falls are so isolated they can only be seen by air or from the ocean. There are no roads or trails nearby. The closest town is Kaunakakai, the island’s main town.
The Weeping Wall (2,900 feet), Kauai
The Weeping Wall is not a single waterfall, but a dramatic collection of countless thin streams trickling down the green vertical cliffs of Mount Waialeale. It is the tallest waterfall in Kauai.
Water flows year-round, especially after rain, creating the appearance of the mountain itself “weeping.”
Access is extremely limited since there is no road or marked trail. Some experienced hikers reach it via the Wailua River and Blue Hole route, but it is challenging, muddy, and potentially dangerous.
Helicopter tours from Līhue offer the safest and most awe-inspiring view of this natural wonder.
Puʻukaʻoku Falls (2,756 feet), Molokai
Just south of ‘Olo’upena, Pu’uka’oku Falls plunges an incredible 2,756 feet down the same towering cliffs. It is long and narrow, appearing like a silver thread from a distance.
Like its neighbor, this waterfall is inaccessible by land and can only be viewed by helicopter or boat. The closest settlement is Kaunakakai, the island’s main town, but the falls lie far beyond any roads.
Waihilau Falls (2,600 feet), Big Island
Waihilau Falls drops a breathtaking 2,600 feet in a sheer plunge surrounded by jungle, deep in Waimanu Valley.
It is the tallest single-drop waterfall on the Big Island. It is among the hardest to reach, but at least it is accessible on foot.
You will need to hike the challenging Muliwai Trail, an overnight trek from the town of Waipi’o that includes steep switchbacks and stream crossings.
Haloku Falls (2,297 feet), Molokai
Haloku Falls height is an impressive 2,297 feet. It lies along Molokai’s remote northern coastline, neighboring ‘Olo’upena and Pu’uka’oku Falls. The waterfall is narrow and often seasonal, fed by rainfall high on the cliffs.
Similar to them, Haloku is also accessible only by air or sea due to its isolated location and sheer, vertical terrain.
The best way to witness its full height and dramatic setting is by helicopter tour or a boat trip along the coast departing from Kaunakakai, the island’s main town.
Kahiwa Falls (2,165 feet), Molokai
Dropping 2,165 feet over multiple tiers, Kahiwa Falls cascades directly into the ocean along Molokai’s northern coastline.
It is best seen during the rainy season, when its full volume creates a dramatic show.
There is no road or trail access. A helicopter tour or boat ride is your only chance to glimpse this spectacular coastal waterfall. The nearest accessible town is Kaunakakai.
Wailele Falls (1,903 feet), Molokai
Wailele Falls drops approximately 1,903 feet along Molokai’s rugged and nearly inaccessible northern coast. Like several of Molokai’s epic vertical cascades, it tumbles from the island’s towering sea cliffs directly toward the Pacific Ocean.
The falls are slender, seasonal, and often hidden in mist. There are no trails or roads leading to Wailele Falls, so it can only be seen from the air or offshore by boat. Helicopter tours from Kaunakakai offer a bird’s-eye view of this remote and breathtaking natural wonder.
Waimanu Falls (1,804 feet), Molokai
The height of Waimanu Falls is estimated to be 1,804 feet. It is another remote waterfall, spilling from the upper rim of the volcanic slopes straight toward the ocean.
There is no land access to Waimanu Falls. It is completely inaccessible by road or trail. The only way to witness its full grandeur is by helicopter tour or a coastal boat trip, typically departing from Kaunakakai, Molokai’s main town.
Hiʻilawe Falls (1,450 feet), Big Island
Hi’ilawe Falls is one of the tallest easily visible waterfalls in Hawaii, plunging about 1,450 feet.
It flows between lush, steep valley walls and is particularly striking after heavy rains.
While the base is on private land, the falls are often visible from the Waipi’o Valley floor, which is accessible via a steep road from the town of Honoka’a.
Papalaua Falls (1,250 feet), Molokai
Papalaua Falls cascades an impressive 1,250 feet down the cliffs of Molokai’s remote north coast. It is another long, ribbon-like drop, especially striking after heavy rains.
Like most of Molokai’s waterfalls, Papalaua Falls is not accessible by road or trail.
The best way to see it is by helicopter tour or a scenic boat ride along the island’s rugged coastline, with departures available from Kaunakakai.
Hina Falls (1,247 feet), Molokai
Hina Falls drops approximately 1,247 feet from the steep, emerald cliffs of Molokaʻi’s northern coast.
Named after the Hawaiian goddess Hina, the falls are thin and often partially hidden by mist and vegetation. It also flows seasonally and is best viewed after significant rainfall.
It is another one of Molokai’s waterfalls that are not accessible by road or hiking trail. The only way to witness it is from the air via helicopter or by boat along the island’s dramatic shoreline, with the nearest departures typically from Kaunakakai.
Honokohau Falls (1,100 feet), Maui
The tallest waterfall on Maui, Honokohau Falls drops 1,100 feet in two tiers through the remote West Maui Mountains.
Made famous by its appearance in Jurassic Park, the falls are a breathtaking sight. However, breathtaking only from above since there are no roads or trails leading to its base or its top.
Helicopter tours usually depart from the town of Kahului.
Waiʻilikahi Falls (1,080 feet), Big Island
Wai’ilikahi Falls tumbles around 1,080 feet in Waimanu Valley and is one of several dramatic waterfalls in this isolated region.
Reaching it requires hiking the strenuous Muliwai Trail from Waipiʻo Valley, just like Waihilau Falls.
The reward after a 19-mile round trip that starts at Waipio Lookout? A rare view of a jungle-draped, multi-tiered waterfall that only a few see in person.
More waterfalls in Hawaii
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.