Are there fees or permits required for Kapaka Nui Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Kapaka Nui Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Kapaka Nui Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Kapaka Nui Falls.

Aerial view of the ground around Kapaka Nui Falls near Kapaa, Hawaii

Aerial view · USGS

Nearby gauge (Eb Of North Fork Wailua River) · 54 ft³/s · About average

Kapaka Nui Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Kapaka Nui Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Kapaka Nui Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

3D terrain

Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve SCA · SDNR

About Kapaka Nui Falls

Kapaka Nui Falls is a tucked-away cascade set within the Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve and managed by SDNR. This lesser-known waterfall is surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and offers a quiet, restorative experience for hikers who seek solitude and natural scenery. Because the site lies in an SCA-designated area and is not heavily developed for tourism, visits feel intimate and uncommercialized. Access to the falls follows a moderately rated route that rewards effort with a peaceful, forested waterfall setting rather than built amenities. Visitors should plan for a backcountry-style outing, follow posted guidance from SDNR, and carry water and basic navigation gear—there are limited facilities on-site, and the reserve setting emphasizes conservation over recreation.

The Setting

Kapaka Nui Falls sits at 1,293 feet within Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Official USFS trail name/number and detailed trail specifications (surface, grade, class) are not documented for this route; the trail lies on SDNR-managed land in the Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve (SCA designation). Hikers should be prepared for a natural forest track with variable footing, bring adequate water and footwear, and consult SDNR notices before visiting.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a secluded and tranquil waterfall surrounded by tropical greenery. However, due to the lack of detailed information, the journey may involve some uncertainty and potential challenges.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kapaka Nui Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Kapaka Nui Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls may be accessible year-round, but visiting during the dry season (typically summer) may provide safer trail conditions.

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 prepared for potentially rugged and unmarked trails. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make trails slippery and dangerous. Always inform someone of your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Eb Of North Fork Wailua River, 2.8 miles away, not on Kapaka Nui Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

54 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

19 23 57 103

Based on 112 years of record

0.40 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

EB of NF Wailua River nr Lihue, Kauai, HI

USGS 16068000

2.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 6 sq mi

Altitude: 500 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EB of NF Wailua River nr Lihue, Kauai, HI (4 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

54 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

58 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

59 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

55 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

57 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

57 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

62 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

62 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 4/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early 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 Kapaa hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Kapaka Nui Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Kapaka Nui Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 75°F to 66°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 56 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain Around Kapaka Nui Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

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

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Kapaka Nui Falls is located in Hawaii, but specific directions to the falls are not well-documented. Visitors may need to consult local guides or hiking resources for access information.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

1,293 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.102583° N, -159.438188° W

Land Management

Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Consult local guides or experienced hikers for the most accurate and up-to-date information about accessing Kapaka Nui Falls. Bring appropriate footwear and supplies for hiking in potentially rugged terrain.