When one thinks about Hawaii, there are a few things that undoubtedly come to mind: gorgeous white sand beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, lush jungles, and some of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls are visible from the road, or accessible via hiking, but there’s one waterfall hiding in the heart of a Hawaiian valley that’s so remote most people will never experience its up close.
The fifth largest Hawaiian Island, Molokai, is easily one of the most wild and beautiful places in all of Hawaii, and maybe even the world. It is on this beautiful island paradise where you will find the world’s largest sea cliffs, the Kalaupapa Leper Colony, and, perhaps our favorite, the striking 250-foot Moaula Falls.
Hidden deep in the heart of Molokai’s lush, verdant Halawa Valley, this double-tiered waterfall cascades nearly 250 feet down a fern-covered cliff face into a modest pool.
Kate Gardiner/Flickr
The largest of four Windward valleys carved into the famous Molokai sea cliffs, Halawa Valley is, to put it quite simply, jaw-dropping. There is no cell phone reception, no roads, no earmarks of modern humanity. Halawa Valley is quiet, calm, untamed: the few who have visited this eden might even say that it is the pure embodiment of Molokai or old Hawaii.
DAVID HOLT/Flickr
It is said that Halawa Valley was settled as early as 450 A.D., though few families live here today since most of the taro fields that once populated the valley were destroyed in the 1946 tsunami that devastated Hawaii. The valley is home to more shrines and temples than any other place in the Aloha State.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Moaula Falls is most often seen via helicopter tour, but we believe it is best experienced up close and personal with a guided hike.
Kristina D.C.. Hoeppner/Flickr
Found four miles from the valley’s beach and traversing through private lands, the only way to reach this wondrous waterfall is to book a private tour with an approved guide.
Kristina D.C.. Hoeppner/Flickr
According to local lore, anyone wishing to swim in the waterfall’s pool must first place a ki (ti) leaf in the water. If it sinks, you shouldn’t swim, and if it floats, you’re free to enter.
Kate Gardiner/Flickr
The 4.5-mile hike itself is considered strenuous, mostly uphill, and muddy Hikers will find a delightful mix of native flowers, fruits, trees, and ancient taro patches along the trail, which requires numerous stream crossings.
Cameron Wears/Flickr
If you want to experience Moaula Falls for yourself, consider booking a tour here.
Kate Gardiner/Flickr
DAVID HOLT/Flickr
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Kristina D.C.. Hoeppner/Flickr
Cameron Wears/Flickr
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you’ll want to check out these 9 waterfalls hiding in plain sight.
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