Hiʻilawe Falls
Hawaii • 1450 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Hard
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
900 ft
About Hiʻilawe Falls
Hiʻilawe Waterfall on Hawaiʻi Island is one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in the state, dropping about 1,450 feet (440 m) with a primary free-fall of roughly 1,201 feet (366 m) into the lush Waipiʻo Valley along Lalakea Stream. The ribbon-like cascade framed by steep, tropical valley walls is a dramatic sight when water is flowing, and its scale makes it a must-see landmark for visitors to the northern coast of the Big Island. Visitors should know that Lalakea Stream above the falls has been diverted for irrigation, so Hiʻilawe can be intermittent and may run dry even during normally wet months such as March. Approaching the base of the falls requires navigating steep, challenging terrain and sections of private property, so plan accordingly and respect any landowner restrictions and local guidance.
The Setting
Hiʻilawe Falls sits at 1,358 feet in the foothills of Hawaii. At 1,450 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Hawaii.
Height: 1450 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 4.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 900 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail stats: 4.0 miles (out-and-back), ~900 feet elevation gain, rated hard. The route involves a steep descent into Waipiʻo Valley and then travel across streams and private parcels to get closer to the falls. Expect muddy, slippery sections and uneven footing; the trail is physically demanding and requires good footwear and experience with rough terrain. Note also that the falls’ flow is seasonally and operationally variable—Lalakea Stream has been diverted for irrigation—so the falls may have little or no water. Access to the immediate base of Hiʻilawe may be restricted due to private land ownership; check local access rules before attempting the approach.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 1450 feet.
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 Hiʻilawe Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
Permit required
Access to certain areas of the Waipiʻo Valley, including the base of Hiʻilawe Falls, may require permission from private landowners. Visitors should check local regulations and consider guided tours for easier access.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hiʻilawe Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Hiʻilawe Falls flows year-round, but the best time to visit is after recent rainfall when the waterfall is at its fullest. However, heavy rains can make the trail more dangerous, so plan accordingly.
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 Waipiʻo Valley is steep and narrow, requiring a 4WD vehicle. The trail can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Visitors should be cautious of flash floods and respect private property boundaries.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Alakahi Stream, 5.1 miles away, not on Hiʻilawe 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 1,565 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. It lines up with the 1,450 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 1,312 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 421 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 904 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, 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
- 1,312 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 1,565 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- 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 northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Hiʻilawe Falls is located in the remote Waipiʻo Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. Access to the valley is challenging, as it requires navigating a steep and narrow road that is only accessible by 4WD vehicles or on foot. Visitors can also join guided tours to explore the valley and view the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, but spaces are limited. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,358 feet above sea level
Coordinates
20.094791° N, -155.596374° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Be respectful of private property and follow all posted signs. Consider joining a guided tour for easier access and to learn more about the cultural significance of the area.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This challenging 4.0 miles trail gains 900 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. 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.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
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
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, black sand beach in Waipiʻo Valley, and other waterfalls in the area.
Wildlife
The area is home to native Hawaiian birds and other wildlife. Visitors may also see taro fields and other agricultural features.
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