LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Hāliʻi Falls
Hāliʻi Falls is a verdant, postcard-ready cascade tucked into the Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve on the island of Kauaʻi. The falls sit on privately managed land (designation: PCON) and offer a peaceful nook of emerald vegetation and cool spray that contrasts with the island’s coastal vistas. Kauaʻi itself is the fourth-largest of the main Hawaiian Islands at 562.3 square miles (1,456.4 km2) and had a population of about 73,298 in 2020; Hāliʻi Falls makes a compact, nature-filled stop amid that island’s broader wild landscape. Visitors can enjoy the setting without committing to a long trek — the approach is short and accessible, making Hāliʻi Falls a great option for a relaxed half-day outing while exploring Kauaʻi. Because the waterfall lies on private land, trail access and conditions can change, so please respect signage and any local access requests from land managers.
The Setting
Hāliʻi Falls sits at 682 feet within Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve, in the foothills of Hawaii.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Manawaiopuna Falls (400 ft) lies 4.7 miles to the west. Also nearby: Wailua Falls (80 ft, 5.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Hāliʻi Falls is a short out-and-back route of approximately 0.4 miles round trip with about 50 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy. Specific USFS trail names/numbers, surface type, grade, and formal trail class are not provided for this route. Hikers should plan for a brief, low-effort walk but check current access rules and posted conditions before visiting, as the falls are on privately managed land within the Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with lush vegetation typical of Hawaii. However, specific details about the waterfall's flow, accessibility, or surrounding features are not well-documented.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hāliʻi Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hāliʻi Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Hāliʻi Falls can typically be visited year-round, but the best time may depend on recent rainfall to ensure the waterfall is flowing.
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
Trails may be unmarked or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid visiting during heavy rainfall or flash flood warnings.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Waiahi Str US Upper Powerhouse, Kauai, HI (2 km away).
Today
Roaring
883 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
916 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
916 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
916 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
916 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
916 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
916 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 6/10).
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 Puhi 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 measures about 132 feet of descent through Hāliʻi Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 718 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 39 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 82 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 718 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 132 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The exact location and access details for Hāliʻi Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local guides or official resources for directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking and consider carpooling or using public transportation if possible.
Elevation
682 feet above sea level
Coordinates
22.005862° N, -159.454456° W
Land Management
Managed by PVT
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring adequate water, wear sturdy footwear, and prepare for potentially uneven or unmarked trails. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make trails slippery.
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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Kauai Shores Hotel
Poipu Plantation Vacation Rentals
Banyan Harbor Resort
Hanalei Bay Resort
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Hawaiian forests, other waterfalls, and local cultural sites may be nearby, but specific attractions are not documented.
Wildlife
The area may feature native Hawaiian flora and fauna, including birds and tropical plants.
Cities near Hāliʻi Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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