Are there fees or permits required for Moeloa Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Moeloa Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Moeloa Falls.

Live Conditions · 7 ft³/s · About average

Moeloa Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Moeloa Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Moeloa Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve SCA · SDNR

Photo Credits (2)

Christoph Strässler from Oberdorf BL, Schweiz CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Upper End of Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii (40951560410).jpg CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Waipoʻo Falls (800 ft) lies 2.4 miles to the southwest.

Waipoʻo Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

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

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

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

spring summer fall winter

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

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

7 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

4 5 21 37

Based on 111 years of record

2.12 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

Kawaikoi Stream nr Waimea, Kauai, HI

USGS 16010000

1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 4 sq mi

Altitude: 3,420 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Kawaikoi Stream nr Waimea, Kauai, HI (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

7 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

7 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

8 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

7 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

8 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

8 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

10 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

8 cfs

4/10

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

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

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 Maps

Parking

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

Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy footwear, as trails in Hawaii can be muddy and slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.