Limahuli Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Limahuli Falls
Limahuli Falls sits tucked into the dramatic valley of the Limahuli Garden and Preserve on the north shore of Kauaʻi. The preserve itself includes a 17-acre botanical garden and a 985-acre nature preserve, and is one of five gardens operated by the non-profit National Tropical Botanical Garden. Walking the garden’s trails rewards you with lush, tropical scenery and a sense of the cultural landscape that has shaped this part of the island. The falls are best experienced as part of a visit to the Limahuli Garden and Preserve, where interpretive signage and curated plantings highlight native species and traditional Hawaiian agricultural practices. Managed by the National Tropical Botanical Garden, the site combines conservation, education, and easy access to a memorable waterfall viewpoint—perfect for photographers and anyone wanting a relatively short but immersive Kauaʻi outing.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Hanakāpīʻai Falls (300 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the southwest.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trails through the Limahuli Garden are well-maintained garden paths with moderate grades that wind past botanical displays and cultural sites; expect uneven natural surfaces in places. The route is suitable for most hikers who are comfortable with steady uphill sections and want a compact hike that combines scenery, plants, and a waterfall lookout.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene and educational experience, as the Limahuli Garden and Preserve focuses on conservation and the preservation of native Hawaiian flora and cultural heritage. The falls themselves are a beautiful feature of the landscape, though swimming is not permitted.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Limahuli Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $25.00
Permit required
Reservations are required to enter the Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Permits for Haena State Park are separate and must be obtained if visiting nearby areas.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Limahuli Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls can be visited year-round, but mornings are typically less crowded, and the lighting is better for photography.
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
Stay on designated paths to protect the fragile ecosystem and avoid hazards. Be cautious of slippery surfaces, especially after rain.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Wainiha River, 4.8 miles away, not on Limahuli Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
104 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 73 years of record
2.84 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 Wainiha River nr Hanalei, Kauai, HI (8 km away).
Today
Low
112 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
123 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
115 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
104 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
111 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
141 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
126 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — low flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 4/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late April, 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 Wainiha hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Limahuli Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Limahuli Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 75°F to 68°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 117 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, 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 Limahuli Falls dropping about 749 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 1,513 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 174 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 568 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,513 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 749 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Limahuli Falls is located within the Limahuli Garden and Preserve, which is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. The preserve is situated near the end of Kuhio Highway (Highway 560) in Haena, Kauai. Visitors must enter through the garden to access views of the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Limahuli Garden and Preserve, but spaces are limited. Reservations are required to ensure access.
Elevation
1,562 feet above sea level
Coordinates
22.201096° N, -159.582120° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Make reservations in advance, as access to the garden is limited. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Photography is allowed, but drones are prohibited.
Where to Stay
Makai Club Resort
Hanalei Bay Resort
Hanalei Colony Resort
Hanalei Bay Beach Retreat with Waterfall Views
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 Haena State Park, Ke'e Beach, and the Kalalau Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to native Hawaiian birds and other wildlife. Visitors may also see a variety of native plants and flowers.
Cities near Limahuli Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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