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.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hoʻopōuli Falls near Kalihiwai, Hawaii, showing about 210 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 201 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Hoʻopōuli Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hoʻopōuli Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Hoʻopōuli Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Halele'a Forest Reserve PCON · PVT

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

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

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

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 about 2 hours ago Moderate

201 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

72 90 183 323

Based on 29 years of record

0.08 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

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

Moderate right now

201 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

217 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

183 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

192 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

199 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

207 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

269 cfs

5/10

Sun

Moderate

214 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, scattered rain showers (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

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.

1-meter lidar measures about 210 feet of descent through Hoʻopōuli Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 572 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 363 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 188 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Hoʻopōuli Falls near Kalihiwai, 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: 572 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 210 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; 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 southwest).

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

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.