Is swimming allowed at Hāloku Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Hāloku Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hāloku Falls near Ualapue, Hawaii, showing about 708 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Waikolu Str) · 9 ft³/s · About average

Hāloku Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hāloku Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Hāloku Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Hāloku Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $35.00. A permit is also required. A permit is required for hiking beyond Hanakapiai Beach and for camping in the Kalalau Valley. Permits can be obtained through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve SCA · SDNR

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

22.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

5 ft

About Hāloku Falls

Hāloku Falls tumbles into the lush, remote Kalalau Valley on Kauai’s famed Nā Pali Coast, framed by verdant cliffs and an atmosphere of wild solitude. The falls and surrounding tract sit within the Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve — a State-designated SCA owned and managed by SDNR — which helps preserve the valley’s native plants and scenic canyon walls. The view of the drop from the valley and the sense of isolation make Hāloku a memorable destination for experienced visitors who make the effort to reach it. Access is limited to rugged approaches, most commonly the Kalalau Trail or by boat into the valley. Reaching Hāloku rewards hikers with dramatic coastal panoramas and dense, tropical vegetation, but the final approach may require picking through unmarked paths inside the reserve. Plan for a serious day (or multi-day) outing: the approach is remote and the terrain is steep and variable, so pack accordingly and respect preserve rules managed by SDNR.

The Setting

Hāloku Falls sits at 1,378 feet within Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at 2,756 feet, lies 0.5 miles to the east. Also nearby: Kahiwa Falls (1749 ft, 3.4 mi) and Pāpalaua Falls (1200 ft, 3.5 mi).

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls Kahiwa Falls Pāpalaua Falls

Trail & Hike Details

22.0 mi distance 5 ft climbed

The Approach

The hard 22.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 5 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Kalalau Trail (approach to Kalalau Valley and Hāloku Falls) — 22.0 miles round-trip as commonly recorded for a full out-and-back route; classified as hard difficulty with an elevation gain figure listed at 5 feet in available route data. The route is iconic and challenging: steep climbs, narrow coastal paths, frequent stream crossings, and stretches of exposed, rugged terrain. The final descent into Kalalau Valley requires careful route-finding and may involve unmarked, primitive paths within the Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve (managed by SDNR). Conditions are variable and can be muddy or slippery; this is a remote, backcountry trail suited to experienced hikers prepared for limited services.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a remote and rugged experience with breathtaking views of the Nā Pali Coast and the towering Hāloku Falls. The area is known for its natural beauty, but the trail is physically demanding and requires preparation. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and stream crossings may be hazardous after heavy rains.

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 Hāloku Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A permit is required for hiking beyond Hanakapiai Beach and for camping in the Kalalau Valley. Permits can be obtained through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hāloku Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit is during the dry season, typically from May to September, to avoid heavy rains and hazardous trail conditions.

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 trail is strenuous and includes narrow paths with steep drop-offs. Stream crossings can be dangerous, especially after rain. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry sufficient supplies. Cell phone service is unreliable in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Waikolu Str, 4.5 miles away, not on Hāloku Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

9 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5 7 12 29

Based on 72 years of record

1.34 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

Waikolu Str blw pipe nr Kalaupapa, Molokai, HI

USGS 16408000

4.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 4 sq mi

Altitude: 250 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Waikolu Str blw pipe nr Kalaupapa, Molokai, HI (7 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

9 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

10 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

10 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

10 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

10 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

9 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

10 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

10 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late May, peaking in April.

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 Ualapue 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 708 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,457 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 613 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 1,081 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Hāloku Falls near Ualapue, Hawaii, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,457 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 708 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Hāloku Falls is located deep within the Kalalau Valley on the Nā Pali Coast. Access typically requires hiking the Kalalau Trail, a strenuous 11-mile (one-way) trek starting at Ke'e Beach. Alternatively, the falls may be viewed from a boat or helicopter tour, though these options do not allow for close access.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead at Ke'e Beach, but it is limited and requires advanced reservations due to high demand.

Elevation

1,378 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.160713° N, -156.859289° W

Land Management

Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Plan ahead and secure permits well in advance. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack light but essential supplies. Be prepared for changing weather and challenging terrain. Consider hiring a guide if unfamiliar with the trail.

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This challenging 22.0 miles trail gains 5 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.