The Magic of Waterfall Art

Waterfall art study

From the lush rainforests to the stunning beaches, Hawaii is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. And tucked away in these natural wonders are breathtaking hidden waterfalls that have inspired artists for generations. In this article, we will explore waterfall art, the history and significance behind these pieces, and how to add waterfall art to your Hawaii art collection. So come along with us as we discover the hidden gems of Hawaii's waterfall art scene!

Waterfall art history

Waterfalls have been appearing in art for generations and their majestic beauty continues to inspire artists around the world. There are several famous artists who were known for their waterfall art throughout history.


The Hudson River School painters of the 19th century, such as Frederic Edwin Church and Thomas Cole, were known for their romanticized depictions of the American landscape, including waterfalls.

South American waterfall art painting
'South American Landscape'​​ by Frederic Edwin Church

American painter Georgia O'Keeffe was known for her modernist waterfall art paintings, often featuring bold colors and abstract compositions. Japanese artist Hokusai, famous for his woodblock prints, produced a series of prints featuring waterfalls and rivers, known as "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji." 


British painter J.M.W. Turner was known for his dramatic depictions of nature, including his waterfall art. American painter John Singer Sargent was known for his impressionist-style waterfall art and other natural landscapes. Other well-known artists that were known for their waterfall paintings include the Canadian artist Lawren Harris and the British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner.

Japanese waterfall art
'Ono Waterfall on the Kisokaido' by Hokusai​​

Waterfalls in Hawaii

Hawaii is truly filled with majestic waterfalls. Some are tucked away in secluded tropical forests, while others cascade down the steep mountains and can be seen from miles away. 


Hawaii is home to many beautiful waterfalls because of its unique geography and climate. The islands receive a lot of rainfall, especially on the windward side where the mountains are located. This rainfall collects in the mountains and flows down to the coast, creating stunning cascades and waterfalls. 


Additionally, the volcanic activity on the islands has created deep valleys and canyons that also contribute to the formation of waterfalls. The combination of rainfall and volcanic terrain makes Hawaii the perfect place for waterfalls to thrive.

Waterfall art photography on Kauai

One of the most well-known waterfalls is the Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as "Jurassic Park falls," as it was featured in the iconic film. Located on the island of Kauai, this waterfall is only accessible by helicopter and offers stunning views of the dramatic water and lush greenery surrounding it.


Another popular waterfall is the Wailua Falls, also on Kauai. This 80-foot waterfall is easily accessible and offers a great spot for swimming and picnicking. 

Waterfall art photography on Kauai
Wailua Falls on Kauai​​

Another must-see waterfall is Akaka Falls - the tallest waterfall in Hawaii! This majestic waterfall is located on the island of Hawaii. It has a total height of 442 feet (135 meters) and is situated in the Akaka Falls State Park. 


The waterfall is fed by the Kolekole Stream and tumbles down a steep gorge, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Visitors can take a short hike to the viewpoint to see the falls, which is a popular tourist spot. 


This waterfall is one of the most popular natural attractions in Hawaii and is known for its breathtaking beauty and powerful flow.

Akaka Falls Hawaii waterfall art photography
Akaka Falls on the Big Island​​

Given the abundance of awe-inspiring waterfalls throughout the islands, it’s no surprise that Hawaii art often features waterfalls. These pieces can take many forms, from fine art photography and paintings to sculptures and installations. 


Waterfall art often highlights the movement and flow of water, as well as the dramatic landscapes in which waterfalls are found in Hawaii. Many artists are inspired by the way water shapes and interacts with its environment and use this as a source of inspiration for their work. 


Hawaii waterfall art also holds cultural and spiritual significance, as water is often seen as a symbol of life, purity, and healing in Hawaiian culture. Whether it is a realistic representation or a more abstract interpretation, Hawaii waterfall art is a powerful and beautiful way to appreciate the natural wonder of cascading water in the islands.

How To Style Waterfall Art in your home

Waterfall canvas art print hanging in coastal modern living room
'Aquatic Symphony' by Patrick Parker​​

Waterfall art can pair well with a variety of interior decor styles and is easy to display alongside other popular Hawaii art styles such as seascape paintings, surf art, and ocean art.


One popular style is a rustic or cabin-inspired decor, where waterfall paintings can add a natural, outdoor feel to the space. 


Another style that works well with waterfall art is a modern or minimalist aesthetic. The clean lines and abstract compositions of many waterfall paintings can complement the simplicity and elegance of a modern decor. 


Waterfall art can also be incorporated into a traditional or classic decor, adding a touch of natural beauty and serenity. In a traditional decor, a waterfall painting can be used as a focal point in a room, paired with ornate frames and traditional furniture. 


Additionally, waterfall art can be incorporated into a nature-inspired decor, with botanical or floral prints, natural materials, and neutral colors. In this case, the waterfall painting will be a perfect addition to the overall theme and design.


Something to consider when shopping for waterfall art is the size and orientation of the piece. Due to the natural shape of waterfalls, many waterfall paintings are tall and vertical pieces - making them a great fit for filling tall empty walls or adding dimension to a gallery wall display. 

where to buy waterfall art

Many of the places where you can find Hawaii art will also have a selection of waterfall art. If you prefer to shop in person, check out our Hawaii Art Destinations page to learn about popular Hawaii art galleries, museums, and boutiques. 


If you can't make to Hawaii but would like to support local Hawaii artists and add waterfall art to your home, you've come to the right place! At 808Arts.com we are proud to represent a variety of independent artists throughout the Hawaiian Islands who create beautiful waterfall art. 


Explore our entire waterfall art collection, or check out some of our favorite pieces below!