Are there fees or permits required for Kaluahine Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Kaluahine Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Kaluahine Falls.

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

Kaluahine Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Kaluahine Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Kaluahine Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

DavidnKeng CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Waifer X CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

dpup CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Kaluahine Falls

Kaluahine Falls is a seasonal waterfall located on the Big Island of Hawaii, near the town of Hilo. It is known for its ephemeral nature, typically flowing only after heavy rains. The falls cascade directly into the ocean, creating a unique and dramatic sight when active.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hiʻilawe Falls (1450 ft) lies 1.8 miles to the southwest.

Hiʻilawe Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Kaluahine Falls is short but can be challenging due to uneven and rocky terrain. It is not well-marked, and visitors should exercise caution, especially after rain, as the rocks may be slippery. The trail leads to a coastal area where the falls can be seen cascading into the ocean when active.

What to Expect

Kaluahine Falls is a seasonal waterfall, so it may not be flowing during dry periods. When active, the falls offer a stunning view as they drop directly into the ocean. The area is rugged and natural, with no facilities or amenities nearby.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kaluahine Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Kaluahine Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit is after heavy rains, as the falls are seasonal and may not flow during dry periods.

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 exercise caution on the rocky trail, especially after rain. The coastline near the falls can have strong currents and waves, so swimming is not advised. Be aware of slippery rocks and avoid venturing too close to the edge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Alakahi Stream, 6.4 miles away, not on Kaluahine 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

6.4 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 (10 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

14 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

15 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

15 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

19 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

17 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

21 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

22 cfs

8/10

Sat

Roaring

17 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 519 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 658 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 241 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 645 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Kaluahine Falls near Kukuihaele, Hawaii, showing about 519 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: 658 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 519 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

Kaluahine Falls is located near Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. It can be accessed via a short walk from the end of Waianuenue Avenue, near the Wailuku River State Park. The trailhead is unmarked, and visitors may need to navigate rocky terrain to reach the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Limited parking is available near the end of Waianuenue Avenue. Visitors should be cautious of private property and park only in designated areas.

Elevation

669 feet above sea level

Coordinates

20.118185° N, -155.585100° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit after recent rainfall to increase the chances of seeing the falls flowing. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the trail can be slippery and uneven. Bring water and sunscreen, as there is little shade along the way.