3 Short Waterfall Hikes on Oahu You Can Do in Under 2 Hours

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Immediately after getting orders to Wheeler Army Airfield, I started making our Hawaii bucket list. And seeing waterfalls was one of the first items I put on it!

The Island of Oahu is such a beautiful place, full of lush mountain rainforests with stunning views. There’s no shortage of magical waterfall hikes on Oahu. However, hiking in Hawaii can be strenuous and dangerous.

There’s no view worth the risk of losing life or limb, so I stick to easy and moderate hikes.

While we are lucky enough to live here for 3-ish years, I know that most people only have days to explore the island. So here are 3 short waterfall hikes on Oahu:

Likeke Falls

Distance: 0.8 mile
Time: less than 1 hour

The hike to Likeke Falls is less than a mile!

This short hike gives some beautiful glimpses of the Ko’olau Mountains and takes you by an old, graffiti-covered water tank.

The waterfall itself isn’t the tallest or most impressive on the island, but it’s beautiful! And you can wade in the small pool at the bottom and pose for pictures on the ‘mermaid’ rock.

Like every trail on the island, you’ll have to watch out for slippery sections and can expect to get muddy. However, you can finish this hike in less than an hour.

It is my girls’ favorite of these 3 short waterfall hikes on Oahu.

Likeke Falls on Oahu, Hawaii. — *(The shortest waterfall on the list, but she’s cute!)*

Water tank on the Likeke Falls trail. 1 of 3 short waterfall hikes on Oahu. — *(Abandoned water tank graffiti.)*

Girl posing in the shallow pool beneath Likeke Falls on Oahu. — *(Posing on the ‘mermaid rock.’)*

Lulumahu Falls

Distance: 1.7 miles
Time: 2 hours

The hike to Lulumahu Falls is longer and more difficult than the hike to Likeke Falls, but the waterfall is taller and more impressive.

There are ‘rock scrambles’ and stream crossings on this hike, but nothing technical or dangerous. I am very out of shape, plus, I have a back injury that I have to be careful with, and I was still able to do this hike. Just take your time and go slow.

This hike includes a walk through a bamboo forest, a walk along the ledge of a dam, and some very muddy/slippery areas. However, the waterfall is stunning, and we stayed for a long time playing in the water.

It is my favorite of these 3 hikes.

Lulumahu Falls in Oahu's Round Top Forest Reserve. — *(Lulumahu Falls is beautiful!)*

The trail through the bamboo forest on the way to Lulumahu Falls. — *(The beginning of the hike is through a bamboo ‘forest’.)*

Stream crossing on the Lulumahu Falls Trail. 1 of 3 short waterfall hikes on Oahu. — *(This part of the hike was interesting.)*

Manoa Falls

1.8 miles
2 hours

The hike to Manoa Falls is one of the most popular trails on the island. (I discovered this hike on Instagram.) It’s not far from Waikiki in the beautiful Manoa Valley.

The trail to the waterfall is very well-maintained and takes you through some of the most beautiful jungle foliage that I’ve ever seen! I was super impressed by the King Ferns.

You walk beside a stream for some of the hike, and there are several ‘little waterfalls’ along the way. However, the trail is uphill the whole way there, with a steeper section at the end. It’s not technically hard at all, with gravel-filled steps, but it was tiring.

On the day we were there, the waterfall wasn’t very impressive. And you aren’t allowed to get in the water here. However, the jungle views and beautiful plants made up for it.

The view of Manoa Falls in 2025. — *(I wish there had been more of a flow the day we went.)*

King Ferns along the Manoa Falls trail in Honolulu, Hawaii. — *(This was the first time I’d ever seen King Ferns and I was flabbergasted!)*

You can't beat the beautiful jungle views on the short waterfall hikes on Oahu. — *(This hike has a very jungle feel!)*

Bonus Hike: Kapena Falls

Distance: 0.3 miles
Time: less than 30 minutes

While this trail is less popular, it’s definitely one you should check out if you’re short on time. With a distance of only 0.3 miles, the hike to Kapena Falls packs a big punch!

You can find some of the only ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs on Oahu, plus 2 pretty waterfalls. This short hike takes you to Alapena Pool and Kapena Falls! The waterfalls aren’t very big, but they’re beautiful. Plus, we saw people jumping off the rocks and swimming while we were there.

Kapena Falls in Honolulu. — *(Kapena Falls)*

Small unnamed waterfall in Honolulu. — *(A smaller unnamed waterfall on the trail.)*

Views on the Kapena Falls trail. — *(It’s hard to believe this is in the City of Honolulu!)*

All of these short waterfall hikes on Oahu are absolutely gorgeous!

You won’t regret any of them! You could even do all of the hikes in 1 day if you wanted to. Follow them up with a delicious meal and relaxing on the beach – you couldn’t ask for a much better day than that.

Happy hiking, friends!