Are there fees or permits required for Lelekaae Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Lelekaae Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lelekaae Falls.

Aerial view of the ground around Lelekaae Falls near Wainaku, Hawaii

Aerial view · USGS

Nearby gauge (Wailuku River) · 168 ft³/s · About average

Lelekaae Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lelekaae Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Lelekaae Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

3D terrain

About Lelekaae Falls

Lelekaae Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Hawaii, offering a serene and picturesque setting. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter waterfall experience. Specific details about its height are not well-documented.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Kulaniapia Falls (120 ft) lies 0.7 miles to the southeast.

Kulaniapia Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Details about the trail leading to Lelekaae Falls are not well-documented. It may involve navigating unmarked paths or private property, so visitors should exercise caution and respect local guidelines.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense tropical foliage. The area may be remote and less frequented, offering a peaceful experience. However, access may be challenging or restricted.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lelekaae Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lelekaae Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Lelekaae Falls can typically be visited year-round, but weather conditions in Hawaii can vary. The dry season (spring and summer) may offer easier access.

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

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, flash flooding during heavy rains, and unclear or unmarked trails. Always check weather conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 22 minutes ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Wailuku River, 1.2 miles away, not on Lelekaae Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

168 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

15 42 286 1.4k

Based on 97 years of record

3.60 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

Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI

USGS 16704000

1.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 220 sq mi

Altitude: 1,090 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

168 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

181 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

177 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

186 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

203 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

218 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

213 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

175 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 4/10).

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

Is Lelekaae Falls Frozen?

Updated about 6 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Lelekaae Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 75°F to 64°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 180 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

The Terrain Around Lelekaae Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Lelekaae Falls is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Access may require navigating local roads and potentially private property, so visitors should confirm access routes and permissions before planning a visit.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should research ahead of time or consult local resources for guidance.

Elevation

1,112 feet above sea level

Coordinates

19.728794° N, -155.146223° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check with local authorities or guides for access information. Wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water. Be prepared for potentially unmarked trails or unclear access routes.