Moeloa Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
About Moeloa Falls
Moeloa Falls is a lesser-known, serene cascade tucked into the verdant slopes of Hawaii’s Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve. Nestled within a State Conservation Area (SCA) managed by the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources (SDNR), the falls are a quiet reward for hikers who seek a more off-the-beaten-path experience. The waterfall’s exact height isn’t well-documented, which adds to its tucked-away, exploratory appeal among local nature lovers. Reaching the falls involves a pleasant hike through lush tropical vegetation and shaded forest corridors that showcase the reserve’s natural character. Visitors should plan for a moderate outing and respect that this is a managed reserve (SDNR) rather than a developed day-use site—pack water, wear good footwear, and enjoy the stillness and greenery that make Moeloa Falls a memorable, low-key destination.
The Setting
Moeloa Falls sits at 2,434 feet within Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve, fed by the Kawaikoi Stream, in the hills of Hawaii.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail: 2.4-mile out-and-back in Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve (State Conservation Area), managed by SDNR. Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The distance and gain make for a steady, moderately paced hike suitable for hikers comfortable with uneven natural terrain. Note: No USFS trail name/number or detailed USFS surface/grade/class data is available for this route in the provided records, and additional trail-condition details are limited. Hikers should prepare for typical undeveloped forest paths and check with SDNR for current access information before heading out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil and scenic environment with tropical flora. The falls may be seasonal, depending on rainfall.
Accessibility
Accessibility details are not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Moeloa Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Moeloa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls are likely best visited after recent rainfall, but visitors should avoid heavy rain periods due to potential flash flooding.
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 in Hawaii can be slippery and prone to flash flooding. Always check weather conditions and exercise caution.
Current Water Conditions
27 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 112 years of record
2.67 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Kawaikoi Stream nr Waimea, Kauai, HI (2 km away).
Today
Moderate
30 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
26 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
24 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
23 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
25 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
25 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
22 cfs
8/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late April, peaking in March.
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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 353 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 2,557 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 335 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 506 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.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,557 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 353 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.
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
The exact location and access details for Moeloa Falls are not widely documented. Visitors may need to consult local guides or resources for directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. It is recommended to check with local resources or nearby landmarks for parking options.
Elevation
2,434 feet above sea level
Coordinates
22.121512° N, -159.629174° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy footwear, as trails in Hawaii can be muddy and slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting.
Where to Stay
Hanalei Bay Resort
Makai Club Resort
Kauai Shores Hotel
Poipu Plantation Vacation Rentals
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
Hawaii offers numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks nearby.
Wildlife
The area may feature native Hawaiian birds, insects, and tropical plants.
Cities near Moeloa Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
LiDAR
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