Kopiliula Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Kopiliula Falls
Kopiliula Falls is a picturesque waterfall on Maui tucked into the lush rainforest of the Road to Hana corridor. Framed by dense tropical vegetation, the falls provide a peaceful, secluded stop for photographers and hikers exploring East Maui’s verdant gulches. The setting feels remote despite being reachable from the island’s well‑traveled coastal route. The waterfall and access route lie within the Ko'olau Forest Reserve, a State Conservation Area (SCA) owned and managed by the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources (SDNR). Visiting Kopiliula is best planned as a short, moderately paced hike; the approach rewards you with classic Hana‑area scenery but requires care on wet, slippery ground and at stream crossings.
The Setting
Kopiliula Falls sits at 1,362 feet within Ko'olau Forest Reserve, in the foothills of Hawaii.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The tread is informal dirt through dense vegetation, and you should expect one or more stream crossings and slippery sections after rain. This is not a maintained USFS trail; the area is managed by SDNR within the Ko'olau Forest Reserve (SCA). Good footwear, caution on wet rock, and basic navigation skills are recommended.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a secluded waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The area is peaceful and offers a great spot for photography or simply enjoying nature. However, the trail may be muddy and challenging to navigate.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kopiliula Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kopiliula Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Morning hours are ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. The falls may have more water flow after recent rains, but the trail may also be more slippery.
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
The trail can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Stream crossings may be required, and flash flooding is a potential hazard. Always check weather conditions before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West Wailuaiki Stream, 0.6 miles away, not on Kopiliula Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
127 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 107 years of record
3.10 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge West Wailuaiki Stream near Keanae, Maui, HI (1 km away).
Today
Roaring
137 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
167 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
161 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
161 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
159 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
142 cfs
8/10Sat
Roaring
174 cfs
6/10Best window: Fri — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).
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 Olinda hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Kopiliula Falls is located along the Hana Highway (Highway 360) on Maui. The exact location is near mile marker 21. Visitors typically park along the roadside and follow a short, unmarked trail to reach the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Roadside parking is available near mile marker 21, but it may be limited. Exercise caution when parking and walking along the highway.
Elevation
1,362 feet above sea level
Coordinates
20.814652° N, -156.133851° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike. Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and bring insect repellent. Be cautious of slippery rocks and stream crossings.
Where to Stay
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Leinaala Oceanfront #303 Panoramic Ocean Front View, A/C Great Location, Pool
Lovely Oceanfront 3 Bedroom, First Floor Corner Unit
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
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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Nearby Campground
Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits)
7.5 miles away · 3 sites
Overview Located on the island of Maui, Haleakalā National Park maintains three wilderness cabins for visitor use-- Hōlua, Palikū, and Kapalaoa. All cabins are accessible only by trail from the summit area and require you to hike a minimum of 3.7 mi (5.9 km). Backcountry users must plan to enter the park entrance for their stay no earlier than 7 am unless they have also obtained a sunrise reservation granting access to the park between 3 and 7 am. Sunrise reservations can be made on recreation.go
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls along the Hana Highway, such as Twin Falls and Wailua Falls. The town of Hana and Waiʻānapanapa State Park are also nearby.
Wildlife
The area is home to native birds and insects. Be mindful of mosquitoes.
Nearby Waterfalls
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