Are there fees or permits required for Lahomene Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Lahomene Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lahomene Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Lahomene Falls near Kukuihaele, Hawaii, showing about 896 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing east

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Kawainui Stream) · 23 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Lahomene Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lahomene Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Lahomene Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve SCA · SPR

About Lahomene Falls

Tucked into the remote Waimanu Valley on the northeast coast of Hawaiʻi island, Lahomene Falls is a quietly scenic, lesser-known cascade set among dense tropical vegetation. The falls and surrounding watershed lie within the Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve (designation: SCA), managed by SPR, which helps protect the valley’s fragile ecosystems. The valley’s remoteness is notable — Wikipedia notes that Waimanu Valley is a secluded coastal valley that also includes nearby Waihīlau Falls on a tributary — making Lahomene Falls feel like a true hidden gem for hikers who make the journey. Reaching Lahomene Falls requires a deliberate outing rather than a roadside visit: the most common approach is a moderate out-and-back hike. Because the falls are inside the research reserve and in a remote landscape, check with SPR/Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve for any access guidance or seasonal advisories before you go. With its lush foliage and quiet setting, Lahomene is best enjoyed by visitors prepared for a backcountry-style experience and who will practice Leave No Trace.

The Setting

Lahomene Falls sits at 1,811 feet within Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve, in the hills of Hawaii.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back. There is no USFS trail number or formal USFS surface/grade/class data available for the route to Lahomene Falls in the provided records. Conditions in the reserve can vary, so hikers should consult recent trip reports and contact SPR or the Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve for current access information and any recommended precautions before setting out.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense tropical foliage. The area may be remote and less crowded, offering a peaceful experience.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lahomene Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lahomene 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 may be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid visiting during heavy rainfall or flash flood warnings.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Kawainui Stream, 3.1 miles away, not on Lahomene Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

23 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 8 26

Based on 62 years of record

1.98 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

Kawainui Stream nr Kamuela, HI

USGS 16720000

3.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 4,060 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Kawainui Stream nr Kamuela, HI (5 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

23 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

24 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

27 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

40 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

30 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

35 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

30 cfs

8/10

Sat

Roaring

32 cfs

6/10

Best window: Fri — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).

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 Kukuihaele 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 896 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,982 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 345 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 1,118 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Lahomene Falls near Kukuihaele, 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: 1,982 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 896 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Lahomene Falls are not widely documented. Visitors may need to consult local guides or hiking resources for accurate access information.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking near the trailhead.

Elevation

1,811 feet above sea level

Coordinates

20.122299° N, -155.653750° W

Land Management

Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve SCA

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and be prepared for potentially muddy or uneven terrain. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make trails slippery and hazardous.