Is swimming allowed at Ipuu Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ipuu Falls.

Nearby gauge (Alakahi Stream) · 14 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Ipuu Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ipuu Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Ipuu Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (1)

TerryDOtt CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

About Ipuu Falls

Ipuu Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the remote and scenic Waimea Canyon on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It is known for its dramatic drop and picturesque surroundings, often described as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific.' The falls are part of the Waimea Canyon State Park and are visible from certain viewpoints along the canyon rim.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hiʻilawe Falls (1450 ft) lies 0.5 miles to the southwest.

Hiʻilawe Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Ipuu Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

There is no direct trail to Ipuu Falls. Visitors can enjoy views of the falls from lookout points along Waimea Canyon Drive. Hiking trails in the area, such as the Waimea Canyon Trail, offer opportunities to explore the canyon but do not lead directly to the falls.

What to Expect

Expect breathtaking views of Waimea Canyon and Ipuu Falls from designated lookout points. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and steep canyon walls, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ipuu Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $10.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ipuu Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be viewed year-round, but visiting during the rainy season (winter months) may result in a more dramatic water flow. However, clear skies in the summer and fall offer better visibility of the canyon and falls.

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

Stay on designated paths and lookout points. The canyon has steep drop-offs, and venturing too close to the edge can be dangerous. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared for rain and slippery surfaces.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Alakahi Stream, 5.6 miles away, not on Ipuu 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

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 5 17

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.

Alakahi Stream near Kamuela, HI

USGS 16725000

5.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1 sq mi

Altitude: 3,900 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Alakahi Stream near Kamuela, HI (9 km away).

High confidence

Strong right now

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

7 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

7 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

9 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

8 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

10 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

10 cfs

8/10

Sat

Roaring

8 cfs

6/10

Best 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 660 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,392 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 264 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 339 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Ipuu Falls near Kukuihaele, Hawaii, showing about 660 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,392 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 660 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; 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 northwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Ipuu Falls can be viewed from designated lookout points along the Waimea Canyon Drive. Access to the falls themselves is limited, as they are located in a remote area of the canyon. Visitors typically enjoy the view from the canyon rim rather than hiking directly to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at various lookout points along Waimea Canyon Drive, including the popular Waimea Canyon Lookout. Spaces may be limited during peak times.

Elevation

1,499 feet above sea level

Coordinates

20.098233° N, -155.589570° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds at the lookout points. Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for a closer view of the falls. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area can experience sudden rain showers.