Are there fees or permits required for Kaukiuki Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Kaukiuki Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Kaukiuki Falls.

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Kaukiuki Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Kaukiuki Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Kaukiuki Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area WPA · PVT

About Kaukiuki Falls

Kaukiuki Falls is a tucked-away waterfall in Hawai‘i reached by a moderate out-and-back hike through lush tropical vegetation. The route to the cascade covers about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rewarding hikers with a quiet, verdant setting where the sound of falling water slices through the forest canopy. It’s a lesser-known spot—ideal for those seeking a peaceful waterfall away from busier tourist sites. The falls and the access corridor lie within a Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area managed by PVT, so access may be subject to permission or seasonal restrictions. Visitors should verify access with the landowner or local contacts before heading out, and come prepared with sturdy shoes, water, and a leave-no-trace mindset to help protect this sensitive watershed area.

The Setting

Kaukiuki Falls sits at 1,230 feet within Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Manawaiopuna Falls (400 ft) lies 2.5 miles to the north.

Manawaiopuna Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back; length: 2.4 miles; elevation gain: ~350 feet; difficulty: moderate. USFS trail name/number and detailed USFS surface/grade/class data are not available for this route. The trail follows a short, moderate climb through tropical terrain within a Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area managed by PVT; because it is on private protected land, trail maintenance and signage may be limited. Hikers should confirm access before starting, be prepared for natural tread (roots, rocks, uneven footing), and carry essentials for a short backcountry outing.

What to Expect

Expect a tranquil and scenic waterfall surrounded by dense tropical foliage. The area may be remote and less frequented by tourists.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kaukiuki Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Kaukiuki Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The waterfall 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

Trails in Hawaii can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Flash flooding is a potential hazard near waterfalls. Always check weather conditions and exercise caution.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 20 minutes ago

1.62 ft

Water depth at gauge

About This Gauge

Hanapepe Riv blw Manuahi Str nr Eleele, Kauai, HI

USGS 16049000

1.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 18 sq mi

Altitude: 222 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Hanapepe Riv blw Manuahi Str nr Eleele, Kauai, HI (2 km away).

High confidence

Strong right now

148 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

160 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

172 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

166 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

154 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

166 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

149 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

149 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, isolated rain showers then mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to late January, 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 Kalaheo 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 measures about 199 feet of descent through Kaukiuki Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,254 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 134 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 52 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Kaukiuki Falls near Kalaheo, 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: 1,254 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 199 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening 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 Kaukiuki Falls are not widely documented. Visitors may need to consult local guides or resources for directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should plan ahead and check for nearby parking options or inquire locally.

Elevation

1,230 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.952845° N, -159.534531° W

Land Management

Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area WPA

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy footwear, as trails in Hawaii can be muddy and slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rains can make trails hazardous.