Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls on Kauai is one of the Top 5 favorite waterfalls of Hawaii according to a Hawaii Magazine reader poll. Hawaii is home to hundreds of spectacular waterfalls of all heights and sizes on just about every type of terrain – from deep in the mountains and rain forests of Kauai to seacliffs along the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast. There are waterfalls accessible only by hiking trails or helicopters, and some near populations like Honolulu, Hilo, and Lihue. You can literally drive right up to the top of Wailua Falls. A lookout offers a terrific view of the 80-foot plunge, which fans of the TV series Fantasy Island might recognize from the opening credits. The waterfall is especially impressive when heavy rains fill the Wailua River, sending voluminous water over the entire span of the fall’s lip. Access: Turn off Highway 56 onto Maalo Road. Wailua Falls is at the end of Maalo Road.

Also in the Top 5 Hawaii waterfalls are:

Akaka Falls (Big Island) – Akaka Falls was the favorite Hawaii waterfall, receiving nearly three times the votes of its closest competition. Few Hawaii waterfalls of this height are as easily accessible as Akaka, which contributes to its immense popularity. Nearly halfway into a short loop-trail through a rainforest, and past another stunning cascade, Kahuna Falls, your view suddenly opens up. Akaka Falls plunges 422 feet into its deep, foliage-lined gorge. Access: From downtown Hilo, head north on Hawaii Belt Road. Turn right on Route 220 (after 13-mile marker) into Honomu town. Akaka Falls is at the end of Route 220.

Waianuenue Falls (Big Island) – Like Wailua Falls on Kauai, Wainuenue Falls (Rainbow Falls) is at its most visually impressive when heavy Mauna Kea rains fill the river that feeds it. Beyond Rainbow Falls’ breathtaking 80-foot plunge, there’s its broad foliage-covered gorge, deep plunge pool and natural lava cave to appreciate. A short trail from the parking lot offers a view of the falls from its top edge. Access: From downtown Hilo, head east on Waianuenue Avenue then bear right onto Rainbow Drive. Turn right, into Wailuku River State Park.

Kaliuwaa Falls (Oahu) – The hiking trail to Kaliuwaa Falls (Sacred Falls), has been closed to the public for eleven years. State officials have said that opening the trail to the public again is unlikely. But you can still view Sacred Falls by air tours, which offer an amazing view of the 80 foot waterfall and canyon straight up into the Koolau mountain range. Access: Closed to public. Visible by air tours.

Waimoku Falls (Maui) – To get to Waimoku Falls you have to drive the Hana Highway all the way to Haleakala National Park’s oceanside Kipahulu Visitor Center. Then there’s a two-mile hike up Oheo Gulch, crossing Pipiwai Stream several times and a thick bamboo forest. The reward when the trail ends is a full view of 400 foot tall Waimoku Falls. Access: 3- to 5-hour hike on Pipiwai Trail from Pools of Oheo (Seven Sacred Pools) at Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu Visitor Center, 10 miles south of Hana on Hana Highway.