Are there fees or permits required for Hoʻopiʻi Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Hoʻopiʻi Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Hoʻopiʻi Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Hoʻopiʻi Falls.

Live Conditions · 2 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Hoʻopiʻi Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hoʻopiʻi Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Hoʻopiʻi Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

State Department of Land State Resource Management Area SRMA · SDOL

Photo Credits (1)

OKJaguar CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Hoʻopiʻi Falls

Hoʻopiʻi Falls is a series of scenic cascades on Kapaʻa Stream, tucked near the town of Kapaʻa on the east shore of Kauaʻi. The site features two main drops — a smaller, quieter upper fall and a more dramatic lower fall — set amid lush tropical vegetation that makes it a favorite for day hikers and photographers. The falls also have a bit of cinematic history: they were used as a filming location in Jurassic Park (1993) as the fictional “Mano de Dios Amber Mine.” The falls and the access route sit within a State Department of Land State Resource Management Area (SRMA) and are managed by SDOL. The hiking route to the falls is a moderate, out-and-back outing of about 2.0 miles with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain, making it a satisfying half-day adventure for most fit visitors. Expect dense greenery and a true Hawaiian streamside atmosphere as you approach the pools below the drops.

The Setting

Hoʻopiʻi Falls sits at 75 feet within State Department of Land State Resource Management Area, fed by the Left Branch Opaekaa Str, in the coastal lowlands of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls (151 ft) lies 4.2 miles to the south.

ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Hoʻopiʻi Falls is an out-and-back route of approximately 2.0 miles with about 200 feet of elevation gain; the overall difficulty is rated moderate. The path travels through dense tropical forest and is primarily a dirt track that can become muddy and slippery after rain, so good footwear is recommended. This route is on SDOL-managed SRMA land (not a USFS trail), so there is no USFS trail number to reference.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hoʻopiʻi Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hoʻopiʻi Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Morning hours are ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. The falls are typically flowing year-round, but water levels may vary depending on recent rainfall.

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 can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Exercise caution near the waterfalls as rocks can be slippery, and the water current may be strong. Avoid swimming during high water levels or after heavy rainfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Low

2 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 2 3

Based on 66 years of record

0.97 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

Left Branch Opaekaa Str nr Kapaa, Kauai, HI

USGS 16071500

4.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1 sq mi

Altitude: 458 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Left Branch Opaekaa Str nr Kapaa, Kauai, HI (7 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

2 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — low flow, isolated rain showers (trip score 4/10).

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 Kapaa 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 201 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 78 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 162 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 81 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hoʻopiʻi Falls near Kapaa, Hawaii, showing about 201 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 78 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 201 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; 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 northeast).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Hoʻopiʻi Falls is located near Kapaʻa on the eastern side of Kauai. Access is via a trailhead on private property, but the trail itself is open to the public. Visitors should park respectfully along the road near the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Limited roadside parking is available near the trailhead. Visitors should avoid blocking driveways or private property.

Elevation

75 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.105298° N, -159.339049° W

Land Management

State Department of Land State Resource Management Area SRMA

Managed by SDOL

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and heat. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes as the trail can be muddy and slippery. Bring insect repellent and water. Be respectful of private property near the trailhead.

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With 2.0 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.