Are there fees or permits required for Kemole Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Kemole Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Kemole Falls.

Nearby gauge (Kohakohau Stream) · 6 ft³/s · About average

Kemole Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Kemole Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Kemole Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

Photo Credits (2)

NOAA Office for Coastal Management / The USDA-FSA Aerial Photography Field office (crediting while reuse is desired as Courtesy Attribution) Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Famartin CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

About Kemole Falls

Kemole Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Hawaii, offering a serene and picturesque setting. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and may require some effort to access, making it a hidden gem for adventurous visitors.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Kemole Falls is not well-documented and may involve navigating unmarked paths or dense vegetation. It is recommended for experienced hikers familiar with the area.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a secluded waterfall surrounded by tropical flora. The area may be slippery and overgrown, so caution is advised.

Accessibility

The trail to Kemole Falls is likely not accessible for individuals with mobility challenges due to its remote and potentially rugged nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kemole Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Kemole Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Kemole Falls can be visited year-round, but conditions may vary depending on rainfall. Dry seasons typically offer safer and more accessible trails.

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 may be slippery, overgrown, or unmarked. Flash floods are a potential hazard in Hawaii, especially after heavy rains. Always check weather conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Kohakohau Stream, 6.6 miles away, not on Kemole Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

6 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 0 9 25

Based on 14 years of record

2.01 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.

Kohakohau Stream above intake, nr Kamuela, HI

USGS 16756100

6.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 3,470 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Kohakohau Stream above intake, nr Kamuela, HI (11 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

6 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

6 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

5 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

3 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

3 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

5 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

8 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

5 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early July to late July, peaking in June.

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 Waikoloa Village hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Kemole Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Kemole Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 80°F to 69°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 8 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

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Kemole Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local guides or hiking resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Get Directions on Google Maps