Cliff jumping began in Hawaii as a test of mettle and bravery. In the hundreds of years since its outset, it hasn’t changed much. And neither have the thrills that accompany leaping from the edges of the islands and into the surging seas. Cliff jumping may now be a world sport, but its origins lie undeniably on the shores of Hawaii, making cliff jumping on the islands a bucket-list-worthy adventure for your next journey to the Aloha State.
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Can You Go Cliff Jumping in Hawaii?
Hawaii is known for cliff jumping. As the birthplace of this extreme sport, it’s a rite of passage for thrill-seekers wishing to leap into the unknown. A singular experience you won’t find anywhere else, going cliff jumping in Hawaii is one of the best decisions you could make.
But with that said, cliff jumping is a dangerous sport that’s not for everyone. The heart-pumping thrills come at the risk of serious dangers that you’ll find cliff jumping in Hawaii—or anywhere else, for that matter. But as long as you know your comfort levels and take the proper precautions, nothing is stopping you from following in the footsteps of the world’s earliest cliff divers.
The Fascinating History Behind Cliff Jumping in Hawaii
The origins of cliff jumping date back more than two centuries to the Hawaiian Islands and hold great cultural significance for native Hawaiians. Kahekili II, the king of Maui, repeatedly braved an 80-foot jump into shallow waters littered with rocks. After this daring feat, the cliff jump became known as Kahekili’s Leap, and perhaps even more aptly named, the Leap of Faith. Eventually, the fearless king forced his men to perform the same jump to prove their bravery and loyalty.
But, while Lanai’s southern tip is considered the birthplace of the sport, the spot where cliff jumping in Hawaii truly got its competitive start was on the cliffs of Maui.
Under King Kamehameha, a touch of flair was added to the jumps, with competitors judged on style and the size of the splash as they entered the water.
Over the last 250 years, cliff jumping has spread to other parts of the world, with famous competitions held around the globe. However, the sport’s beginning will always be the ruggedly beautiful cliffs of Hawaii.
The Top 12 Locations for Cliff Diving in Hawaii
The Aloha State welcomes all, with excellent places to cliff jump for all experience levels. From unassuming 5-foot jumps to terrifying 70-foot leaps, take a breath, and dive into these impressive cliff jumps in Hawaii.
Safety Tips: No matter your skill level, the conditions at these jumps are constantly changing. So, whether you’re leaping into a soft watering hole or the open ocean, remember to survey your jump ahead of time and properly prepare.
1. Waimea Bay Rock
Oahu isn’t only known for its fantastic surf; it also has some pretty incredible cliff-jumping locations. One of the best is located right on Oahu’s north shore. Waimea Bay is a standout beach, surf spot, and one of Hawaii’s best cliff diving locations. The white sand and stunning blue water make it picturesque, but the large black rock jutting into the ocean makes it immediately recognizable.
The Waimea Bay rock jump has it all: ease of access, multiple points for jumping, and breathtaking views. The water is clear and rock-free, and while it often appears shallow, it’s usually deep enough for a good jump—just make sure it’s a calm day. Unfortunately, Waimea Bay rock can be hazardous on rough days, and jumping is prohibited during the winter when the surf becomes overpowering.
Whether you tackle a 5-foot cliff jump or a 35-footer, Waimea Bay is a must-visit for cliff jumping in Oahu.
2. Maunawili Falls
A beautiful waterfall and an epic cliff jump spot? Sign us up. Maunawili Falls sits just outside Oahu, with a quick hike to show off the island’s jungle-like interior. Lush foliage with the sun shining through and peak-a-boo views of distant mountains make this jump a highlight, and that’s before you even make it to the waterfall!
Once you reach Maunawili Falls, you’ll find a 20-footer cascading into a deep basin surrounded by rocky cliffs and leafy vegetation. The falls offer several cliff jumping spots to choose your level of difficulty. You can jump from the rock boulders surrounding the basin or climb the cliff face to leap back into the water. Just check the water for debris and depth before taking the plunge.
Note: The Maunawili Falls trail is closed through the beginning of 2023, but the waterfall remains open and accessible via the Maunawili Demonstration Trail.
3. Mokulua Islands
Hawaii is all about adventures, so it only makes sense to combine two of Hawaii’s most popular adventure activities: kayaking and cliff jumping. The Mokes are the perfect place to do just that.
The iconic Na Mokulua Islands—more commonly called the Mokes—sit just offshore from the dazzling Lanikai Beach. A popular activity for many is to head to Lanikai’s sister beach, Kailua, to rent a kayak and head out to the Mokes. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and the reward is well worth it.
Crystal-clear water awaits those daring to leap from the islands’ rocky faces. As with many other cliff jumps on Oahu, you can choose your difficulty level, from just over 10 feet to scaling the jagged cliff and jumping from high above.
4. Laie Point
Another north shore cliff jumping spot, Laie Point, is famous for a particular reason. And if you’ve ever seen the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, you may already know why. Hawaii’s Laie Point cliff jump features in a memorable scene where Peter has a somewhat harrowing experience jumping off this very spot.
If you’ve come to follow in Peter’s footsteps, we’d recommend watching your step so that you don’t end up dangling from the cliff face yourself. As a 25-30 foot jump, it’s not for the inexperienced or the faint of heart. Though for the heartbroken, it could serve as just the ticket for getting over your own ex.
Since this jump is located on the north shore, plan to take this leap in the summer, as the winter water is far less forgiving.
5. Spitting Caves
The Spitting Caves gets its name from the water that feeds into the caves and spits back out, sometimes as far as 20 feet. But make no mistake, for the uninitiated, Spitting Caves will have little trouble chewing you up and spitting you back out too.
Heralded as one of the greatest cliff diving spots on Oahu, this cliff jump sits around 70 feet at its highest point. Of course, it is possible to jump from lower, but the height isn’t the only worry. The landing area is narrow, wedged between rocks and the reef’s edge. On rough days, you can’t even see it beyond the surging waves, which is why this is often a jump reserved for experienced cliff jumpers and Hawaiian locals.
Thankfully, the cliff jump isn’t the only thing Spitting Caves has going for it. Incredible views make for a great picnic spot and a fun stop if you’re already nearby for Hanauma Bay Nature preserve. Even if you can’t make the jump yourself, it’s a great spot to watch others take that proverbial leap of faith.
6. Alan Davis
Alan Davis isn’t a big name on the cliff-jumping scene, and that’s just fine. Because while not many visitors make their way to Oahu’s east coast for this jump, this is probably one of the most fun cliff-jumping spots in Hawaii. It gets a lot of traffic on the weekends from the locals, so the best time to come is during the weekday when it’s a little less crowded. That will allow you to enjoy more of this secluded beach to yourself.
What makes the Alan Davis plank jump stand out is in the name. With several wooden boards wedged between the rocks and sticking out over the water, divers can pick their plank for jumping, spinning, and falling with style into the clear waters below. The jumps are relatively short, only a few feet tall, and thanks to the calm swimming conditions at Alan Davis Beach, they’re one of the safest jumps on the island.
7. China Walls
Cliff jumping in Oahu offers some pretty extraordinary experiences, and China Walls is one of them. These lava rock cliffs are a legendary spot, though the reason depends on who you’re asking. With its west coast views, there are few better places to catch the sunset over the horizon. But it’s also a wonderful whale-watching spot when the winter season rolls around. And, of course, their elevated outlook over the water makes for a pretty spectacular hangout spot to watch epic surf action and thrill-seeking cliff jumpers.
Rough winter waves make the China Walls cliff jump a better summer spot, as the jump height can change with the current. Not to mention that surging waves can make climbing out of the water and back up the lava edges more difficult. But whatever you do, this spot is one you won’t regret making time for.
8. Waimano Falls
Waimano Falls is a little-known but beautiful cliff-jumping spot—when the weather is right. During periods of little rain, the waterfall can dry up, leaving the basin shallow and still. After a strenuous 3-mile hike through Hawaii’s—admittedly beautiful—jungles, that is the last thing you want to find at the end of your journey. But if you go at the right time, Waimano Falls becomes the perfect playground.
Brave souls looking for an adrenaline rush leap backward off the rocks, taking the ordinarily 13-foot jump from the waterfall to new heights. The less adventurous can still have fun doing their best Tarzan impression from the rope swing that dangles over the basin.
The carefree fun and magical enchantment of Waimano Falls undoubtedly make up for the work it takes to get here.
9. Waimea Falls
One of the best waterfalls in Oahu is also one of the best cliff-jumping spots in Hawaii. Waimea Falls is a scenic, 45-foot waterfall that’s part of a park and botanical garden. But before that, it was an entertainment theme park where cliff divers would put on a show for guests, leaping off the rocks and into the waters below. So, it’s no surprise that, years later, many cliff diving enthusiasts want to follow in the footsteps of those experienced jumpers.
But eager cliff jumpers, beware. Just because you won’t have to contend with the tossing waves of the open ocean, don’t mistake this for a chill cliff jump. The waters can hide large rocks that have caught jumpers unaware before. So always scope out your cliff jumping area before you head up to make your heart-pounding leap.
10. Kapena Falls
Nature lovers and adrenaline seekers will find something to love about Kapena Falls. A short, scenic stroll through lush jungle and towering banyan trees ranks as one of the easiest waterfall hikes on Oahu. And for eager jumpers, the trail opens up right on a giant basin and the 40-foot Kapena Falls. The biggest downfall of this jump is that the water can get pretty murky, especially after a hard rain. But as long as you survey your cliff-jumping location in advance, you should be fine.
11. West Side Cliff Jumping
The islands of Hawaii are well-visited, but that doesn’t mean every square inch is accounted for. Much of Oahu’s west side remains unexplored by most visitors, leaving intrepid explorers a place to escape from the crowds. Beginner cliff jumpers looking for accessible spots for a medium-risk jump will find Oahu’s west side a good fit. Just before Yokohama Beach lie several spots for novices searching for that rush without the dangers present at some of the more serious cliff jumps in Hawaii.
12. South Point
Hawaii is full of iconic cliff jumps, but tackling the South Point cliff jump may prove memorable for one particular reason. As the southernmost point of the country, there’s no other place like it in the United States.
Of course, leaping off the southernmost point of the US couldn’t be an easy jump. So before you take that leap, go ahead and pump those breaks. South Point is littered with rocks and has no clear way to climb back up except at the designated South Point cliff jump.
Marked by a wooden stand, the jump is over 40 feet high, with an unmoored ladder for jumpers to climb back up. So, not only do you have to have some massive coconuts to complete this jump, you’ll need to be a strong swimmer and climber to make your way back to the South Point cliff. Due to the dangers, jumping can prove risky. But if you’re ready for it, South Point is one of the coolest places to cliff jump in all of Hawaii.
