Maybe you’re creating an adrenaline junkie’s bucket list—searching for inspiration to travel far away and have an adventure. Maybe you already have a vacation to Hawaii planned and are looking for the best Oahu waterfall hikes and stumbled across my page. Or maybe you’re a rock climber like me and and are quickly realizing that the rock climbing on Oahu is severely limited and not really worth the extra luggage fees to bring climbing gear. I quickly conceded to the fact I would not be rock climbing on Oahu, and began searching across the island for a similar adventure. Just like you, I realized rappelling waterfalls could be an option. It’s always been a dream of mine, but didn’t know where to begin.
Here’s how I finally made that dream a reality in January 2024!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, designed to allow The Unremarkable Climber (me) to earn a small commission if you choose to book through them, at no extra cost to you. This really helps support the site and lets me know you find this information valuable! That being said, all of the experiences I recommend, commission based or not, are genuine recommendations for some of my favorite activities, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I have! Feel free to drop any questions in the message box below.
Rappelling Waterfalls for the First Time: How to Begin
Rappelling waterfalls is very gear intensive. Even as a rock climber who has rappelled hundreds of climbing routes, I immediately knew this was out of my league. I had neither the proper gear nor training. Additionally, I wasn’t planning to lug any heavy gear across the ocean. Even then, there are hundreds of waterfalls in Hawaii. How do you choose one with reliable rappel stations and navigate to the top without getting lost in the rainforest?
Step 1: Hire a guide who specializes in rappelling waterfalls.
Navigating unfamiliar terrain is a challenge, even for your average rock climber. The true mark of experience is knowing when you don’t have enough of it, so we decided to hire a guide to safely show us the way!
It sounds simple, but I was surprised to discover that finding a reliable guide wasn’t easy. I contacted old friends on island (I used to live there!) and did a ton of research until I finally stumbled across Caleb— a super knowledgeable canyoneer with ample search and rescue experience in the steep Hawaiian mountain terrain.
I sent him an email and got on a call just to make sure he was a good fit for us. He was really responsive and had multiple options for rappelling waterfalls based on our experience level and comfort in the outdoors. Immediately, I went for the longest and most challenging option. However, since he’s willing to adapt to your ability, someone with average hiking experience and some healthy determination would fare just fine!
Step 2: Decide what to bring.
Your guide will provide most everything (including some good jokes and cool facts about local plants!), but I’d recommend bringing a few extra things:
- A wetsuit of some sort: I am notoriously cold, it was January, Oahu was getting hit with a cold spell, and it was raining when we went, so I was SO THANKFUL for my 1mm surf suit! Expect to get soaked. Your guide will probably have rashguards to lend you, and this will obviously depend on time of year, but a little extra warmth is always nice. Fresh water in Hawaii can be chilly!
- Bug spray: it wasn’t an issue for us because of the wind, but mosquitos can be thick at times in the Hawaiian rainforest!
- An open mind: the only way to ruin the day is to set expectations for yourself and the weather. Just go with the flow and enjoy all the unpredictable parts of navigating through nature!
- A watertight baggie with some emergency toilet paper: just in case rappelling waterfalls scares the crap out of you! Seriously though, you’ll be away from a real restroom for a few hours.
- A bag for muddy shoes: to avoid soiling the rental car.
- Extra cash for a tip: your guide worked hard, gave you an unforgettable experience, carried heavy gear, and kept you alive and in good spirits. A little cash goes a long way in the guiding community, trust me!
Step 3: Prepare for your adventure.
Rappelling waterfalls is hard work both physically and mentally. Make sure to eat a good breakfast, drink plenty of water, and get a good night’s sleep to set you up for success.
Step 4: Don't forget to tip your guide!
I said it once and I’ll say it again. A little cash goes a long way in the guiding community! Once the adrenaline rush wears off and the exhaustion sets in after your adventure, don’t forget to leave a gratuity for your guide. As you’re heading home to shower, they’re heading home to wash gear and prepare for another long and strenuous day in the wilderness. They carry all the heavy gear and do their best to show you a good and safe time, so don’t forget to show your appreciation!
The Best Time for Rappelling Waterfalls on Oahu
Anytime of the year can be a good time for rappelling waterfalls on Oahu, but there are some pros and cons to each time of the year.
Rappelling Waterfalls in the Summertime
During the summer, the hike in will be very hot and sweaty, but the cool falls will feel incredibly refreshing. You probably won’t even need a wetsuit! However, it rains much less this time of year, so the falls might not be flowing as heavily as they are in the wintertime. Additionally, summer is tourist season on the island and the base of the falls will most likely be packed with hikers and onlookers gawking at how cool you look.
Rappelling Waterfalls in the Wintertime
I personally really enjoyed my experience rappelling waterfalls in the wintertime. January is the rainiest month on Oahu, and 2024 did not disappoint! The hike was comfortable and cool and the falls were flowing really well. However, I definitely got cold even through my wetsuit due to the cloudy skies and rainy weather. Fortunately, the stormy weather rewarded our efforts with some solitude. The busy pool at the bottom was essentially empty with the exception of two new friends who braved the rain too!
Is Rappelling Waterfalls Difficult?
The short answer is yes, but not for the reasons you might expect.
The Hardest Part of Rappelling Waterfalls is...
…hiking to the top of the waterfall! A long rappel means a long the hike to the top. Since I chose the tallest waterfall possible, I also chose a steep ridge hike through the Hawaiian rainforest to get there! However, despite the challenge, getting to hang out while suspended halfway down a 300-foot waterfall and feel the water rushing around me made it all worth the hike!
Hiking to the Top of the Falls
Even as avid hikers, hiking to the top of the falls took us approximately an hour. The terrain was steep and wild with a barely-visible trail. Luckily, our guide Caleb knew the way or I’d probably still be out there wandering the rainforest. Even so, I’d be surviving off of the plentiful and invasive strawberry guavas that line the trail. Caleb pointed out numerous native and invasive plants along the hike which was right up my alley (I’m a naturalist and hiking guide at my real job). We climbed through foliage and clung to branches to avoid plummeting off the ridge in the heavy wind that day, but panoramic views of the rainforest and valley below were unbeatable!
Rappelling Waterfalls vs. Rappelling Climbing Routes
Eventually, we dropped down to the river that fed the falls below. At this location, our guide built an anchor and familiarized us with the gear on a short introductory rappel. Even as an avid rock climber, the rappel device was foreign to me and it felt weird lowering on a single static line with a thinner diameter than my typical climbing rope.
Additionally, we had to wear these odd felt shoes to help stick to the wet and mossy rocks. Right away, I felt uncoordinated in a way that I’ve never felt rock climbing. Squishing over muddy ledges and blindly stepping into flowing water was definitely a weird feeling, but one I can’t wait to feel again!
Is Stepping Over the Edge Scary?
First off, I’m not scared of heights in the slightest, but lowering over the edge of the first (and tallest) drop was exhilarating! Unlike a dry climbing route, I had to navigate mud, moss, plants, and flowing water all trying to knock me off balance as I was shifting my weight over the edge. For those with a fear of heights, it could seem daunting. As long as you don’t think you’ll faint, just push through the fear because the experience is something you’ll never forget! The best things in life don’t come easy—including rappelling waterfalls.
Ironically, I was so awestruck looking down 150+ feet of waterfall that I almost forgot to rappel the falls itself! I quickly tested the water and sidestepped into the flow. I had to stop and appreciate the power and beauty of nature as water rushed all around me. It finally sunk in that I was hanging in the middle of a 300-foot waterfall in the middle of the Hawaiian rainforest. This life-changing moment made the entire adventure worth it! Luckily there were two more rappels still to come.
My Best Advice
The next two rappels went even more smoothly thanks to Caleb’s clear instructions and focus on safety. The three of us were so efficient in hiking and rappelling that the entire excursion took under four hours! I almost wish it took longer. If I had any advice to give it would be to take your time as much as possible, be completely present, and appreciate every moment of the experience. I know it’s an adventure I’ll never forget, and it’s definitely not my last time rappelling waterfalls!
Check Out My Own Rappelling Adventure!
After returning to the mainland, I can still say this experience is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! Rappelling waterfalls in Hawaii is breathtaking from start to finish. Even the hike was incredible! I really hope you get the chance to go on this adventure too and make your waterfall dreams a reality. If you do, definitely shoot me a message and let me know how it went!