Are there fees or permits required for Moʻoloa Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Moʻoloa Falls. Access may involve crossing private property, so visitors should verify if permits or permissions are required.

Is swimming allowed at Moʻoloa Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Moʻoloa Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Moʻoloa Falls near Ualapue, Hawaii, showing about 354 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 12 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Moʻoloa Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Moʻoloa Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Moʻoloa Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area WPA · PVT

About Moʻoloa Falls

Moʻoloa Falls is a secluded, lesser-known cascade on the island of Kauai, set amid dense tropical vegetation that gives the site a tranquil, picture‑perfect atmosphere. Its remote character and limited signage make it a favorite for visitors seeking a quieter waterfall experience away from the island's busiest viewpoints. The setting feels wild and private, with lush greenery framing the drop and seasonal flow that varies with rainfall. The waterfall and its immediate access corridor lie within a Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area (WPA) managed by a private landowner (PVT). Because the falls are on private land, information about formal access is limited; visitors should respect property boundaries and seek permission from the landowner before visiting. The typical approach is described as a moderate outing—good for hikers comfortable on lightly marked terrain who value solitude and natural beauty.

The Setting

Moʻoloa Falls sits at 3,219 feet within Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area, in the mountains of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at 2,756 feet, lies 4.9 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: ʻOloʻupena Falls (900 ft, 4.7 mi).

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls ʻOloʻupena Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail data recorded for the Moʻoloa Falls approach describes a moderate, 2.4-mile out-and-back route with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain. Specific USFS trail attributes such as surface type, grade, and trail class are not available for this route. The approach is not well-documented and may require navigating unmarked or informal paths across privately owned watershed land, so obtain permission from the landowner before attempting the hike and plan for basic backcountry navigation and footwear.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil and scenic waterfall surrounded by dense tropical foliage. The area is typically quiet due to its remote nature, but access challenges may deter some visitors.

Accessibility

The trail to Moʻoloa Falls is not officially maintained and may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Moʻoloa Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Moʻoloa Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The waterfall can be visited year-round, but conditions may vary depending on rainfall. Dry seasons may offer easier access, while rainy seasons can make trails slippery and water flow stronger.

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 potential encounters with wildlife. Always check weather conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

12 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 29 years of record

3.45 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

EF Kawela Gulch nr Kamalo, Molokai, HI

USGS 16415000

1.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 0 sq mi

Altitude: 3,625 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EF Kawela Gulch nr Kamalo, Molokai, HI (2 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

12 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

13 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

14 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

14 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

12 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

12 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

13 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

12 cfs

9/10

Best window: Mon — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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 Ualapue 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 measures about 354 feet of descent through Moʻoloa Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 3,254 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 183 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 468 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Moʻoloa Falls near Ualapue, 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: 3,254 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 354 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Access to Moʻoloa Falls typically requires navigating private property or less-defined trails. Visitors should research access routes carefully and respect local landowners' rights. It is recommended to consult with local guides or tour operators for the most accurate and legal access information.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking options are limited and may not be officially designated. Visitors should plan accordingly and avoid blocking private driveways or roads.

Elevation

3,219 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.097709° N, -156.885720° W

Land Management

Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area WPA

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Consider hiring a local guide to ensure safe and legal access. Bring sturdy footwear, as trails may be muddy or uneven. Respect the environment and pack out all trash.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions on Kauai include Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei Bay, and other waterfalls such as Wailua Falls and Opaekaʻa Falls.

Wildlife

The area around Moʻoloa Falls is home to various tropical birds, insects, and plant species. Visitors may also encounter frogs or small fish near the water.