From short waterfalls that cascade into small pools where you can swim to towering cascades you can only witness via helicopter tour, the waterfalls you’ll find in Hawaii are truly remarkable. And while you’ll find several Hawaii waterfalls hiding in plain sight — no hiking required — there are even more that are found off-the-beaten-path and only accessible via dirt paths. Today, we’re featuring a short and sweet hike that leads to a stunning waterfall swimming hole deep in the heart of Oahu.
Because this incredible destination is stream-fed, 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 to always watch your step. With that warning out of the way, let’s lace up our hiking boots and make a splash.
Just a few minutes away from downtown Honolulu is one of the quickest waterfall hikes you’ll find on the island. Nestled just off the Pali Highway and along the Nuuanu Stream, Alapena and Kapena Falls will bring out your inner explorer with minimal effort.
Ernest Shih/AllTrails
Measuring in at less than a mile round trip, the trail begins near the Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary and meanders through a thick forest.
JTM Bartels/AllTrails
And while this path will make you feel worlds away from civilization, the first cascade, Alapena Pool, will come into view on your right after just a few minutes of hiking.
Cyndy Knudson/AllTrails Seriously, don’t blink or else you’ll miss it. Make your way down the short hill, and you’ll be rewarded with a small yet pleasant waterfall and swimming hole.
From here, follow the short path beyond Alapena Falls to reach Kapena Falls. Leading down to the pool’s edge, you’ll enjoy a phenomenal view of the 20-foot cascade and the large pool.
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Said to be anywhere between 15 and 30 feet deep, many locals love swimming here, though it is rumored to be a leptospirosis hot spot, so please be careful and use your best judgment.
Shiyana T/TripAdvisor Adventure seekers might be drawn to the cliff jumping spot at the top of the falls, but we don’t recommend this as injuries have occurred.
Whether you decide to make a splash into this large waterfall swimming hole or not is up to you, but we’d be remiss not to share such a stunning, easily accessible, slice of paradise with you.
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Though the trail is short and you can likely get away with not wearing your hiking boots, we do recommend bug spray as mosquitoes in this area are known to be pretty aggressive.
Dawn Colon/AllTrails
If you’re looking to get away from it all — if only for an hour — this stunning waterfall swimming hole fits the bill. Surrounded by a thick forest, this spot looks as though it was ripped from the pages of a storybook and is sure to satisfy your need for adventure.
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Address: Alapena Pool, Honolulu, HI 96817
Ernest Shih/AllTrails
JTM Bartels/AllTrails
Cyndy Knudson/AllTrails
Seriously, don’t blink or else you’ll miss it. Make your way down the short hill, and you’ll be rewarded with a small yet pleasant waterfall and swimming hole.
gregobagel/Getty Images
Shiyana T/TripAdvisor
Adventure seekers might be drawn to the cliff jumping spot at the top of the falls, but we don’t recommend this as injuries have occurred.
User/AllTrails
Dawn Colon/AllTrails
Have you ever enjoyed the beauty of this Hawaiian swimming hole? Where do you go when you want to make a splash in the Aloha State? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments below.
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