These 13 Waterfall Swimming Holes In Hawaii Are Perfect For A Hot Day
By Megan Shute|Updated on June 02, 2023(Originally published May 30, 2023)
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Here at Only In Hawaii, we’ve talked about Hawaiian waterfalls, and we’ve talked about swimming holes in Hawaii, but now we’re combining the two and giving you our exclusive list of 13 of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim in across all of the islands – from spots found only from hiking through the deep jungle of Oahu’s windward coast, to various scenic spots visible from Maui’s breathtaking Hana Highway.
Because these incredible destinations are fed waterfalls, it is important to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding, and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaii’s natural pools. It is advised that you check weather reports and ocean conditions before heading out for the day, never swim in these pools when you have open wounds, and always watch your step.
1. Upper Waikani Falls
Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Also known as Three Bears Falls, Waikani is approximately 70 feet tall, and visible from the Hana Highway. However, the best views come when you climb under the bridge and follow a short jungle path to the base of the waterfall.
This Hawaii waterfall you can swim in is such a great adventure for the whole family.
Perhaps one of Oahu’s most stunning hidden waterfalls, this trek through the mud is never uphill for too long and offers the opportunity to jump in a beautiful waterfall at the end.
One of the best waterfalls in Hawaii, it’s worth the trek!
Often referred to as Secret Falls, this beautiful waterfall will require substantial work to reach – but we think it’s totally worth it. Located up the Wailua River, you will need to either rent kayaks or book a guided tour to reach the trailhead. Then, you have to complete the 45-minute hike through the muddy jungle to reach the falls.
It’s such a fun waterfall in Hawaii to swim in, and we love how it feels like a secret when you visit.
Combine vibrant sapphire pools with some stellar spots for cliff jumping, and you’ve got one of Maui’s local hangouts. This picturesque spot can be found past mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway, below the bridge that crosses Palauhulu Stream.
This waterfall in Hawaii is perfect for those who love a little adventure!
Located within Waimea Valley is this charming waterfall, perfect for a family swim. Visitors will have to pay an entrance fee for the botanical garden, but once inside, the paved stroll to the waterfall is quick, and features a changing room, available life jackets and lifeguards on duty.
Head to Waimea Falls for the best Hawaii waterfall swimming.
A short hike within the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside will reward you with a relatively secluded and picturesque waterfall, cascading into the delightful pool below. Another stop on Maui’s Road to Hana, Pua’a Ka’a translates to "rolling pig" in Hawaiian.
One of the best waterfalls in Hawaii, the short hike leads you to this dream swimming hole.
7. Makeleha Falls
Makaleha Trailhead, 7290 Kahuna Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
This secluded swimming spot is a phenomenal reward after a hike that should not be braved unless you are an experienced hiker.
This remote waterfall in Hawaii you can swim in will turn any day into a great one!
Makapipi Falls is visible from the Road to Hana, and is unique in that the waterfall plummets into a striking blue pool. Unfortunately, the strength of the falls is often dependent on rainfall - so here's to hoping you catch it on a good day.
One of the greatest waterfalls in Hawaii to swim, this stunning spot is both gorgeous and refreshing.
Located off Pali Highway is this extraordinary waterfall hike – complete with a trek through a bamboo forest, views of a stunning field and reservoir, the beauty of the Hawaiian jungle, and – of course – the jaw-dropping, 50-foot Lulumahu Falls.
It’s hard not to love this Hawaii waterfall swimming spot.
Wailua Falls flows from Honolewa Stream, and is visible from the highway. In fact, there is a small parking lot near the falls, as well as a short but slippery path to visit the base.
Always a classic, this waterfall in Hawaii you can swim in is easily accessible for most people in your party.
Located just a mile upstream of Rainbow Falls on the Wailua River, Pe’epe’e Falls feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots. Cooling lava flows created columns, which connect a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that appear to be bubbling. Flash flooding in this area is common, so please proceed with caution.
One of the best waterfalls in Hawaii, try to visit when it’s not so rainy!
12. Twin Falls
Twin Falls Maui Waterfall, 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
As you are driving on Hana Highway from the north, the first notable attraction you will discover is these twin waterfalls, also known as Hololawa Falls. The waterfalls themselves might be short, but the picturesque pools are well worth the short hike.
We love this easy waterfall in Hawaii you can swim in.
Located within Haleakala National Park near the Pipiwai Trailhead, these beautiful stream-fed pools are also known as the seven sacred pools. There are more than seven pools, and they aren’t sacred – rumor has it that a local hotel owner coined the name in order to attract more visitors to his establishment.
This multi-tiered waterfall in Hawaii is one of the best!
Have you gone to any of the best waterfalls in Hawaii to swim? Which one was your favorite? Did we list it? Let us know in the comments! Are you as obsessed with Hawaiian waterfalls as we are? Why not go on one of our perfectly planned waterfall road trips – with itineraries for both Oahu and Maui?
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Best Waterfalls In Hawaii To Swim
Megan McDonald|July 15, 2022
Are there a lot of waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii?
Absolutely! Most waterfalls in Hawaii have a great pool of water to swim in. But make sure to read up on the waterfall you visit, because sometimes certain areas in the Hawaiian islands are prone to flooding, and can be dangerous to swim in after heavy rainfall.
Where are the best waterfalls to swim in Hawaii?
Each island has some of the best waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, so no matter where you are, you’ll find something amazing!
