Are there fees or permits required for Mōhihi Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Mōhihi Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mōhihi Falls.

Aerial view of the ground around Mōhihi Falls near Wainiha, Hawaii

Aerial view · USGS

Nearby gauge (Kawaikoi Stream) · 38 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Mōhihi Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mōhihi Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Mōhihi Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

3D terrain

Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve SCA · SDNR

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Mōhihi Falls

Mōhihi Falls is a tucked-away cascade on the island of Kauai that rewards hikers with a quiet, jungle-shrouded destination far from the busier tourist trails. Nestled within the Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve and managed by SDNR, the falls sit in a densely vegetated stretch of protected forest (designation: SCA), so visitors should expect a true backcountry feel and respect for the fragile surroundings. The hike to the falls is a moderate, out-and-back route of about 4.0 miles round trip with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain, making it a satisfying half-day excursion for fit day-hikers. Because Mōhihi Falls sees relatively few visitors, the setting is exceptionally serene — mossy rocks, thick understory, and the steady soundtrack of tropical birds and falling water. The remote nature of the site means trailfinding and leave-no-trace practices matter: bring sturdy footwear, ample water, and the expectation of narrow, sometimes indistinct tread through the forest. This is a great pick for hikers seeking solitude and a verdant Kauai waterfall experience under SDNR stewardship.

The Setting

Mōhihi Falls sits at 2,349 feet within Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve, in the hills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Waipoʻo Falls (800 ft) lies 2.7 miles to the west.

Waipoʻo Falls

Trail & Hike Details

4.0 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 4.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail length: 4.0 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~500 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The route to Mōhihi Falls winds through dense tropical forest inside the Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve (managed by SDNR). Expect natural tread that can become muddy and slippery after rain, with sections that are narrow and not always well-marked — a map or GPS and basic route-finding skills are recommended. The final approach may require negotiating uneven terrain and crossing small streams, so waterproof boots or quick-drying footwear and caution near wet rock are wise. No formal trail surface or numbered agency trail designation is posted; plan for a true backcountry hike and allow extra time for slower footing and navigation.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and secluded waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The area is rich in natural beauty, with the sound of cascading water and the possibility of spotting native birds and plants.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mōhihi Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mōhihi Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The waterfall is typically accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the drier months (May to September) to avoid muddy trail conditions.

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

The trail can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Stream crossings may be required, and flash flooding is a potential hazard during heavy rain. Visitors should check weather conditions and avoid hiking alone.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Kawaikoi Stream, 1.2 miles away, not on Mōhihi Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

38 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

3 5 32 78

Based on 112 years of record

2.84 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

Kawaikoi Stream nr Waimea, Kauai, HI

USGS 16010000

1.2 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

Low right now

38 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

41 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

43 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

38 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

41 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

48 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

55 cfs

5/10

Fri

Low

50 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

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.

Is Mōhihi Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Mōhihi Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 72°F to 62°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 46 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 Around Mōhihi Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Mōhihi Falls is located in the Kōkeʻe State Park area on the island of Kauai. Access typically involves navigating unpaved roads and hiking through forested trails. A 4WD vehicle may be required to reach the trailhead, especially during wet conditions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should check local conditions and park regulations before arriving.

Elevation

2,349 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.114889° N, -159.621650° W

Land Management

Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be muddy and slippery. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and insect repellent. Check weather conditions before heading out, as heavy rain can make the trail hazardous.

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With 4.0 miles and 500 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.