Hina Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (East Fork Kawela Gulch) · 2 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Hina Falls

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area WPA · PVT
Photo Credits (4)
1.
Thomas James Caldwell CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr
2.
4.
washuugenius CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About Hina Falls

Hina Falls is a quietly scenic waterfall tucked into Hawaii’s tropical landscape, offering a peaceful alternative to the busier tourist spots. The setting is verdant and intimate — an ideal stop for hikers who enjoy lush vegetation and the sound of falling water. Because the falls lie within a Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area (WPA) managed by a private landowner (PVT), visits tend to feel more secluded than many public sites.

The Setting

Hina Falls sits at 3,412 feet within Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area, in the mountains of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at 2,756 feet, lies 4.8 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: ʻOloʻupena Falls (900 ft, 4.7 mi).

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Specific USFS trail surface, grade, and class data are not documented for this route; the trail is not listed with a USFS trail number. Hikers should plan for a natural trail experience, confirm access with the landowner when possible, and come prepared with basic navigation, footwear suited for uneven ground, and water.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil environment surrounded by lush greenery. The waterfall may vary in flow depending on recent rainfall, and the area may be slippery or muddy.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hina Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hina Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Hina Falls can typically be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is after moderate rainfall when the waterfall is flowing but trails are not overly muddy.

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 slippery or muddy, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid visiting during heavy rainfall or flash flood warnings.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Fork Kawela Gulch, 1.1 miles away, not on Hina Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

2 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Based on 29 years of record

2.95 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

USGS 16415000
1.1 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 0 sq mi
Altitude: 3,625 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EF Kawela Gulch nr Kamalo, Molokai, HI (2 km away).

High confidence
Strong right now
2 cfs
↓ Falling
97100100100100100100TodayTomorrowTueWedThuFriSat

Today

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

4 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

7 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

4 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1 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 November to late December, peaking in December.

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 395 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,384 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 148 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 296 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Hina Falls near Ualapue, Hawaii, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hina Falls near Ualapue, Hawaii, showing about 395 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation
3,384 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 304 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
South
Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Hina Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local guides or reliable GPS services for the most accurate route information.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability near Hina Falls is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options and consider carpooling if traveling in a group.

Elevation

3,412 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.100341° N, -156.889619° W

Land Management

Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area WPA

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and bring insect repellent. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make trails hazardous.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions may include other waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints in the surrounding area.

Wildlife

The area around Hina Falls may feature native Hawaiian flora and fauna, including birds and tropical plants.

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