Is swimming allowed at Limahuli Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Limahuli Falls.

Live Conditions · 98 ft³/s · About average

Limahuli Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Limahuli Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Limahuli Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Limahuli Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $25.00. A permit is also 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.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

Kyle Norman Horner CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

solsken CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Kyle Norman Horner CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

solsken CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Kyle Norman Horner CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

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.

The Setting

Limahuli Falls sits at 1,562 feet along the Wainiha River, in the hills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hanakāpīʻai Falls (300 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the southwest.

Hanakāpīʻai Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to the Limahuli Falls viewpoint is an out-and-back route of roughly 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. 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

spring summer fall winter

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

Updated 29 minutes ago Moderate

98 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

45 55 121 190

Based on 72 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

Wainiha River nr Hanalei, Kauai, HI

USGS 16108000

4.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 10 sq mi

Altitude: 960 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Wainiha River nr Hanalei, Kauai, HI (8 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

102 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

110 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

113 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

104 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

96 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

98 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

92 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

94 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, scattered rain showers then mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).

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.

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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Limahuli Falls near Wainiha, Hawaii, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Limahuli Falls near Wainiha, Hawaii, showing about 749 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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.

Ground profile through the falls

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 Maps

Parking

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.