Are there fees or permits required for Kaimukanaka Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Kaimukanaka Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Kaimukanaka Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,560 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Kaimukanaka Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Kaimukanaka Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Kaimukanaka Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Kaimukanaka Falls

Kaimukanaka Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Hawaii. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers a serene and picturesque setting. Due to its remote nature, detailed information about its height and flow is not widely documented.

The Setting

Kaimukanaka Falls sits at 541 feet along the Wailuku River, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Kulaniapia Falls (120 ft) lies 1.2 miles to the west. Also nearby: Rainbow Falls (80 ft, 0.6 mi).

Kulaniapia Falls Rainbow Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

There is limited information available about the trail leading to Kaimukanaka Falls. It may involve navigating through dense vegetation or unmarked paths.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a secluded and natural environment with potential challenges in accessing the falls. The area may be slippery and overgrown, requiring caution.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kaimukanaka Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Kaimukanaka Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls may be accessible year-round, but conditions can vary depending on rainfall and local weather.

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 and surrounding area may be slippery, overgrown, or difficult to navigate. Visitors should exercise caution and be prepared for potential hazards such as flash flooding during heavy rains.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 4 days ago Strong

1,560 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

10 26 116 403

Based on 96 years of record

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI

USGS 16704000

2.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 220 sq mi

Altitude: 1,090 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI (3 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

3540 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

3823 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

4443 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

4648 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

4238 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

3760 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

3418 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

4033 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid May, peaking in April.

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 Wainaku 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 128 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 534 feet.

The ground changes about 45 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 41 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Kaimukanaka Falls near Wainaku, Hawaii, showing about 128 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 534 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 128 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

The exact location and access details for Kaimukanaka Falls are not well-documented. Visitors may need to consult local guides or resources for directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

541 feet above sea level

Coordinates

19.720760° N, -155.118833° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check with local authorities or guides for the most accurate and up-to-date information before planning a visit. Wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water.