Nowhere in America will you find a denser concentration of waterfalls than throughout the Hawaiian Islands. From waterfall hikes perfect for outdoor adventurers to waterfalls hiding in plain sight, Hawaii waterfalls are truly second to none. And while there are countless waterfall swimming holes across Hawaii, this hidden gem is not only often overlooked but requires just a few minutes of hiking to reach. Ready to make a splash at the Waikamoi stream and waterfalls in Hawaii? Let’s go!
Maui’s famous Hana Highway is littered with stunning waterfalls and swimming holes perfect for an afternoon dip, but Lower Waikomoi Falls is special.
MNStudio/Getty Images
Nestled between the Waikamoi Forest Trail and the Garden of Eden — near mile marker 10 on the Hana Highway — you might notice a small waterfall and pool near the bridge along the Waikamoi Stream.
Ben Loomis/Flickr
Many people drive right past this spot because they either notice it too late or are rushing to get to some of the more popularized destinations. From the one-lane bridge above, it’s easy to see why Waikamoi is overlooked.
Sammy K/Flickr
Those in the know, however, stop to embark on the short trail that leads down to the lower falls, and with it, a dreamy swimming hole. You can also hike along the stream bed to the upper falls if you’d prefer: both are gorgeous spots for a swim.
MNStudio/Getty Images
Surrounded by lush greenery, water cascades down the cliff edge from the Waikamoi Stream into a pool of sparkling turquoise water. You’ll find that the water’s edge is home to flat rocks that make it easy to enter and exit the water, but we’re partial to the rope swing you might find tethered to a tree above.
MNStudio/Getty Images
After periods of intense rain, the Lower Waikamoi Falls isn’t safe to swim in, so please use your best judgment when you visit.
Josh Berglund19/Flickr
The next time you decide to swap your favorite beach for a swimming hole, consider heading on over to Waikamoi Falls. This natural oasis is as pretty as a postcard and undoubtedly deserves a spot on your Aloha State bucket list.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Address: Hana Highway, Haiku, HI, 96708
MNStudio/Getty Images
Ben Loomis/Flickr
Sammy K/Flickr
Josh Berglund19/Flickr
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Because this destination is stream-fed, it is important for us to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with strong ocean currents, 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, and to always watch your step.
Have you ever enjoyed the beauty that is Lower Waikamoi Falls? Have you ever visited the Waikamoi stream and waterfalls in Hawaii? Can you imagine a more perfect place to spend a hot Hawaiian afternoon?! Share your favorite Hawaiian swimming holes with us in the comments below, then go discover another one of our favorite Maui swimming holes.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Waikamoi Stream, Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waikamoi stream and waterfalls in Hawaii August 05, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other natural oases in Hawaii? The Waikamoi stream and waterfalls is certainly a beautiful oasis in Hawaii, but it’s not the only gorgeous place! Akaka Falls is a beautiful oasis to visit in Hawaii; located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls fed by the Kolekole Stream: Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. At more than 400 feet in height, Akaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on Hawaii Island – and for good reason. Cascading 442 feet into a lush, tropical jungle is Hawaii’s greatest and most wondrous waterfall. Located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is Akaka Falls, a place of pure paradise flowing from the Kolekole Stream. To view the falls, visitors take a half-hour paved trail leading through a jungle of banana plants, towering bamboo groves, and lush orchids. Another beautiful slice of Hawaii paradise is Kailua Beach. With powder-soft, white sand, magnificent turquoise, clear water, and swaying palm trees, Kailua Beach is a photographer’s paradise – if you can catch the beach during a low-traffic period, that is. The water is relatively shallow, and it is perfect for enjoying a lazy day at the beach. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter, you should also check out Kailua’s neighbor, Lanikai Beach. Of course, the most iconic Hawaii oasis is arguably Nāpali Coast. This stretch of rugged Kauai coastline is said to be one of the most unspoiled natural beauties in all of Hawaii: thousand foot cliffs are eroded to create vaulted valleys and hidden beaches.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waikamoi stream and waterfalls in Hawaii
August 05, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other natural oases in Hawaii? The Waikamoi stream and waterfalls is certainly a beautiful oasis in Hawaii, but it’s not the only gorgeous place! Akaka Falls is a beautiful oasis to visit in Hawaii; located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls fed by the Kolekole Stream: Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. At more than 400 feet in height, Akaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on Hawaii Island – and for good reason. Cascading 442 feet into a lush, tropical jungle is Hawaii’s greatest and most wondrous waterfall. Located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is Akaka Falls, a place of pure paradise flowing from the Kolekole Stream. To view the falls, visitors take a half-hour paved trail leading through a jungle of banana plants, towering bamboo groves, and lush orchids. Another beautiful slice of Hawaii paradise is Kailua Beach. With powder-soft, white sand, magnificent turquoise, clear water, and swaying palm trees, Kailua Beach is a photographer’s paradise – if you can catch the beach during a low-traffic period, that is. The water is relatively shallow, and it is perfect for enjoying a lazy day at the beach. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter, you should also check out Kailua’s neighbor, Lanikai Beach. Of course, the most iconic Hawaii oasis is arguably Nāpali Coast. This stretch of rugged Kauai coastline is said to be one of the most unspoiled natural beauties in all of Hawaii: thousand foot cliffs are eroded to create vaulted valleys and hidden beaches.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Waikamoi stream and waterfalls is certainly a beautiful oasis in Hawaii, but it’s not the only gorgeous place! Akaka Falls is a beautiful oasis to visit in Hawaii; located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls fed by the Kolekole Stream: Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. At more than 400 feet in height, Akaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on Hawaii Island – and for good reason. Cascading 442 feet into a lush, tropical jungle is Hawaii’s greatest and most wondrous waterfall. Located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is Akaka Falls, a place of pure paradise flowing from the Kolekole Stream. To view the falls, visitors take a half-hour paved trail leading through a jungle of banana plants, towering bamboo groves, and lush orchids.
Another beautiful slice of Hawaii paradise is Kailua Beach. With powder-soft, white sand, magnificent turquoise, clear water, and swaying palm trees, Kailua Beach is a photographer’s paradise – if you can catch the beach during a low-traffic period, that is. The water is relatively shallow, and it is perfect for enjoying a lazy day at the beach. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter, you should also check out Kailua’s neighbor, Lanikai Beach.
Of course, the most iconic Hawaii oasis is arguably Nāpali Coast. This stretch of rugged Kauai coastline is said to be one of the most unspoiled natural beauties in all of Hawaii: thousand foot cliffs are eroded to create vaulted valleys and hidden beaches.
