Hakalaoa Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Hard
Elevation Gain
800 ft
About Hakalaoa Falls
Hakalaoa Falls is a picturesque waterfall located on the Big Island of Hawaii, within the lush Waipio Valley. It is one of the two prominent waterfalls in the valley, the other being Hiilawe Falls. Hakalaoa Falls is known for its serene beauty and remote location, making it a less-visited but stunning natural feature.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail into Waipio Valley is steep and challenging, with a paved but narrow road that descends approximately 800 feet in less than a mile. Once in the valley, visitors may need to navigate unmarked paths, streams, and potentially private property to get closer to Hakalaoa Falls. The terrain can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect breathtaking views of Waipio Valley, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls. Hakalaoa Falls is often viewed from a distance due to its remote location. The area is serene and offers a sense of untouched natural beauty.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hakalaoa Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hakalaoa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (spring and summer) when trail conditions are more manageable.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Heavy rains during wet season (November through March) bring higher flow but can make trails slippery.
Safety Information
The road into Waipio Valley is steep and narrow, requiring a 4WD vehicle or a strenuous hike. Flash floods can occur in the valley, especially after heavy rain. Visitors should check weather conditions and avoid crossing streams during high water levels. Respect private property and stay on public paths.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Alakahi Stream, 5.2 miles away, not on Hakalaoa Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
14 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 60 years of record
2.47 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Alakahi Stream near Kamuela, HI (8 km away).
Today
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
9 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
8 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
10 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
10 cfs
8/10Sat
Roaring
8 cfs
6/10Best window: Tue — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid June to late July, peaking in July.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Kukuihaele hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows Hakalaoa Falls dropping about 1,386 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 1,643 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 138 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 1,228 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,643 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 1,386 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Hakalaoa Falls is located in Waipio Valley, which is accessible via a steep and narrow road. Visitors typically need a 4WD vehicle to descend into the valley. Alternatively, some choose to hike into the valley, but the road is challenging and steep. Once in the valley, the falls are visible from certain vantage points, but reaching them directly may require crossing private property or navigating difficult terrain.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Waipio Valley Lookout, but it can be limited, especially during peak times. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,608 feet above sea level
Coordinates
20.094467° N, -155.595278° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and be prepared for steep and challenging terrain. If driving, ensure your vehicle is 4WD and in good condition. Respect private property and local guidelines when exploring the valley.
Where to Stay
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER
Palm Villas 2 Bed/2 Bath Loft #F22
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Nearby Attractions
Hiilawe Falls, Waipio Valley Lookout, black sand beach in Waipio Valley
Wildlife
The valley is home to native Hawaiian birds, wild horses, and other wildlife. Visitors should observe from a distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
Nearby Waterfalls
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LiDAR
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