Are there fees or permits required for Hoʻopōuli Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Hoʻopōuli Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Hoʻopōuli Falls.

Live Conditions · 101 ft³/s · About average

Hoʻopōuli Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hoʻopōuli Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Hoʻopōuli Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Halele'a Forest Reserve PCON · PVT

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Hoʻopōuli Falls

Hoʻopōuli Falls is a quiet, lesser-known waterfall set within the lush tropical surroundings of Halele'a Forest Reserve on the island of Hawaii. Tucked away from heavy visitor traffic, the falls offer a serene spot for hikers who appreciate green, forested canyons and a sense of solitude. The site’s designation as PCON and its private ownership and management (PVT) mean it remains off the beaten path and relatively unadvertised, keeping the setting naturally intact. Because the waterfall sits on privately managed land, visitors should be mindful of access restrictions and posted signs; seeking permission before entering private property is recommended. The approach to the falls is rewarding for hikers who prefer quieter trails: the route is an out-and-back approximately 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate — a pleasant half-day outing for those prepared for uneven forest terrain.

The Setting

Hoʻopōuli Falls sits at 614 feet within Halele'a Forest Reserve, fed by the Hanalei River, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is an out-and-back route of roughly 2.4 miles with approximately 350 feet of cumulative elevation gain, rated moderate. No USFS trail name/number or official surface, grade, and trail class data are available for this route. The trail traverses forested reserve land managed privately (Halele'a Forest Reserve; owner/manager: PVT) and may include unmarked sections and variable footing. Hikers should come prepared with good navigation (map, GPS, or local guidance), sturdy shoes, and water. Because the land is privately managed and designated PCON, check for access permissions or posted closures before visiting and respect any boundary signage encountered along the route.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a secluded and tranquil environment with dense tropical foliage. The waterfall may be seasonal or dependent on recent rainfall.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hoʻopōuli Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hoʻopōuli Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The waterfall may be most impressive after recent rainfall, but visitors should exercise caution during wet conditions as trails may become slippery or hazardous.

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

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, flash flooding, and unmarked trails. Always check weather conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 33 minutes ago Barely Flowing

101 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

72 88 195 275

Based on 30 years of record

-0.43 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

Hanalei River nr Hanalei, Kauai, HI

USGS 16103000

2.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 19 sq mi

Altitude: 60 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Hanalei River nr Hanalei, Kauai, HI (4 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

101 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

101 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

129 cfs

3/10

Tue

Low

128 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

106 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

119 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

136 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

124 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late April, 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 Kalihiwai hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Hoʻopōuli Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local guides or reliable resources for access details.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking near the site.

Elevation

614 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.148963° N, -159.446870° W

Land Management

Halele'a Forest Reserve PCON

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

It is recommended to visit with a local guide or someone familiar with the area. Bring appropriate footwear, water, and supplies for a potentially rugged hike.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 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.