Kīlauea Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Kīlauea Falls
Kīlauea Falls is a picturesque waterfall located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is known for its serene and secluded setting. The waterfall is situated on private property, which limits public access.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no publicly accessible trail to Kīlauea Falls as it is located on private property. Visitors must obtain permission or join a guided tour to view the falls.
What to Expect
Visitors who gain access to Kīlauea Falls can expect a tranquil and scenic waterfall surrounded by dense tropical foliage. The area is typically quiet and offers a sense of seclusion.
Accessibility
The falls are not publicly accessible and may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges due to the lack of established public trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kīlauea Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
Permission from the landowner or a guided tour is required to visit the falls.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kīlauea Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (spring and summer) for easier access and clearer weather.
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
Do not attempt to access the falls without permission, as trespassing is illegal and potentially dangerous. Be cautious of slippery terrain and flash flooding during heavy rains.
Current Water Conditions
8 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 67 years of record
1.05 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Halaulani Str at alt 400 ft nr Kilauea, Kauai, HI (4 km away).
Today
Low
8 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Moderate
9 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
8 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
7 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
8 cfs
4/10Wed
Moderate
9 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
9 cfs
5/10Best window: Sun — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Kilauea 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 Kīlauea Falls dropping about 187 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 113 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 155 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 72 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 113 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 187 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
Kīlauea Falls is located near the town of Kīlauea on the north shore of Kauai. However, the falls are on private property, and access is restricted unless granted by the landowner or through a guided tour.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is no public parking available directly at the falls due to its location on private property.
Elevation
102 feet above sea level
Coordinates
22.207988° N, -159.400334° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
If you wish to visit Kīlauea Falls, research guided tours or contact local tour operators who may have arrangements with the landowner. Respect private property and do not attempt to trespass.
Where to Stay
Makai Club Resort
Hanalei Bay Resort
Kauai Shores Hotel
The Cliffs at Princeville
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Kīlauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge, as well as other scenic spots on Kauai's north shore.
Wildlife
The area around Kīlauea Falls is home to various tropical birds and other native Hawaiian wildlife.
Cities near Kīlauea Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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