Keanapakulua Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
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About Keanapakulua Falls
Keanapakulua Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located along the Hana Highway on the island of Maui, Hawaii. It is a picturesque cascade surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, offering a serene and tranquil setting. The falls are often admired from the roadside, making them a convenient stop for travelers exploring the scenic highway.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Keanapakulua Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
No hiking is required to view Keanapakulua Falls, as it is visible from the roadside. Visitors can stop briefly to admire the falls and take photos.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a small but beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The falls may have varying water flow depending on recent rainfall, with heavier flows during the rainy season.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Keanapakulua Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Keanapakulua Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls can be visited year-round, but water flow is typically stronger after rainfall. Morning visits are recommended for better lighting and fewer crowds.
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
Exercise caution when parking and walking along the Hana Highway, as the road is narrow and has sharp curves. Avoid stopping in unsafe areas or blocking traffic.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Kawainui Stream, 10.6 miles away, not on Keanapakulua Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
2 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 62 years of record
1.25 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
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Kawainui Stream nr Kamuela, HI (17 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
3 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
3 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
2 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
2 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Hawi 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 the creek losing roughly 74 feet through Keanapakulua Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 882 feet.
The ground changes about 68 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 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.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 882 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 74 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.
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
Keanapakulua Falls is located along the Hana Highway (Highway 360) on Maui. The falls are visible from the road, making them easily accessible for travelers. Look for a small pullout area near mile marker 16.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited and consists of small roadside pullouts. Visitors should exercise caution when parking and exiting their vehicles due to the narrow and winding nature of the Hana Highway.
Elevation
902 feet above sea level
Coordinates
20.094792° N, -155.843630° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure a safe parking spot. Be cautious of traffic when stopping along the Hana Highway. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Mauna Lani Golf Villas Beach Access & Quiet Comfort
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Palm Villas 2 Bed/2 Bath Loft #F22
Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls along the Hana Highway, such as Twin Falls and Wailua Falls, as well as the town of Hana and the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park.
Wildlife
Visitors may spot native birds and insects in the surrounding vegetation.
Nearby Waterfalls
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