Is swimming allowed at Kahiwa Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Kahiwa Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Kahiwa Falls near Ualapue, Hawaii, showing about 535 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Halawa Stream) · 13 ft³/s · About average

Kahiwa Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Kahiwa Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Kahiwa Falls.

Hawaii • 1749 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Kahiwa Falls

Kahiwa Falls plunges down the northern shore of Molokai in a dramatic, tiered cascade between Wailau and Papalaua valleys. The waterfall is among Hawaii’s tallest — measured at about 2,165 feet (660 m) in total height, though many references count 1,749 feet (533 m) as the main drop — and is made up of six tiers, the largest single drop reaching roughly 600 feet (183 m). The falls tumble directly toward the ocean, creating a remote, photogenic spectacle best seen from above or offshore. Because of its rugged coastal location, Kahiwa Falls is reliably observed only from the air or from a boat; scenic helicopter tours and marine excursions are the usual ways visitors take in the full scale of the tiers and ocean backdrop. There is no maintained, official trail providing access to the base of the falls, so sightseeing is typically arranged through guided aerial or sea operators rather than by hiking in from island roads.

The Setting

Kahiwa Falls sits at 2,208 feet in the hills of Hawaii. At 1,749 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Hawaii.

Height: 1749 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at 2,756 feet, lies 2.9 miles to the west. Also nearby: Pāpalaua Falls (1200 ft, 0.7 mi) and ʻOloʻupena Falls (900 ft, 3.2 mi).

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls Pāpalaua Falls ʻOloʻupena Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

No maintained trail leads to Kahiwa Falls and the waterfall is generally viewed from the sea or air. For most visitors the practical access is by boat or helicopter rather than an established hiking trail.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 1749 feet.

Accessibility

The waterfall is not accessible by land. Helicopter tours may have weight or mobility restrictions, and boat tours may require boarding from docks or small vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kahiwa Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Kahiwa Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Kahiwa Falls flows year-round, but it is most impressive after heavy rains, typically during the winter months. However, helicopter and boat tours operate year-round, weather permitting.

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

Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially on the northern coast of Molokai. Always follow the guidance of your tour operator. Helicopter tours may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights or motion sickness.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 7 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Halawa Stream, 3.1 miles away, not on Kahiwa Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

13 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5 7 25 80

Based on 103 years of record

2.10 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

Halawa Stream near Halawa, Molokai, HI

USGS 16400000

3.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 5 sq mi

Altitude: 210 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Halawa Stream near Halawa, Molokai, HI (5 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

13 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

14 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

15 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

18 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

15 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

17 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

15 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

18 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid November to late November, 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.

1-meter lidar shows Kahiwa Falls dropping about 535 feet in a single sheer step. The falls are listed at 1,749 feet; that total covers more ground than this one lidar line does, which sees about 2,381 feet of descent end to end. The brink sits at about 2,253 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 116 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 779 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Kahiwa Falls near Ualapue, 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: 2,253 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 535 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; 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 north).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Kahiwa Falls is not accessible by road or hiking trail. It is typically viewed via helicopter tours or boat excursions along the northern coast of Molokai.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

No parking is available as the waterfall is not accessible by land.

Elevation

2,208 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.169050° N, -156.807902° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Book a helicopter or boat tour in advance to ensure availability. Morning tours may offer better lighting for photography. Be prepared for windy conditions if viewing from a helicopter.