Are there fees or permits required for ʻOʻopulele Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at ʻOʻopulele Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at ʻOʻopulele Falls.

Live Conditions · 10 ft³/s · Higher than usual

ʻOʻopulele Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at ʻOʻopulele Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at ʻOʻopulele Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

Photo Credits (1)

NOAA Office for Coastal Management / The USDA-FSA Aerial Photography Field office (crediting while reuse is desired as Courtesy Attribution) Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

About ʻOʻopulele Falls

ʻOʻopulele Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located on the island of Maui, Hawaii. It is part of the lush and remote landscapes of the island, offering visitors a serene and picturesque experience. The waterfall is surrounded by dense vegetation and is often visited by those seeking a more secluded natural attraction.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Waiānuenue Falls (80 ft) lies 2.5 miles to the east.

Waiānuenue Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to ʻOʻopulele Falls is not well-documented and may involve navigating through unmarked paths or private property. Visitors should exercise caution and ensure they have permission to access the area.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a secluded and tranquil waterfall surrounded by lush Hawaiian vegetation. The area may be challenging to access and is best suited for experienced hikers or those familiar with Maui's terrain.

Accessibility

The falls are not easily accessible and may require navigating unpaved roads and unmarked trails. It is not suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at ʻOʻopulele Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at ʻOʻopulele Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

ʻOʻopulele Falls can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is typically during the dry season (spring and summer) to avoid heavy rains and muddy 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

Visitors should be aware of potential hazards, including slippery rocks, flash flooding during heavy rains, and unmarked trails. Always check weather conditions before visiting and exercise caution.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

10 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2 3 9 21

Based on 86 years of record

1.19 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

Waialae Str at alt 3,820 ft nr Waimea, Kauai, HI

USGS 16019000

3.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 3,820 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Waialae Str at alt 3,820 ft nr Waimea, Kauai, HI (6 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

10 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

11 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

10 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

9 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

9 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

10 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

9 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

9 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late April, peaking in December.

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 Hanapepe hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

ʻOʻopulele Falls is located in a remote area of Maui. Access typically requires navigating unpaved roads and potentially hiking through dense vegetation. Visitors should research the exact location and access routes before attempting to visit.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear and may be limited. Visitors should plan accordingly and be prepared for roadside parking or parking at a distance.

Elevation

1,841 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.037789° N, -159.590368° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and a map or GPS device. Be prepared for potentially muddy or slippery conditions. Research access routes thoroughly before visiting.

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 may include other waterfalls and natural landmarks on Maui, such as the Hana Highway and Haleakalā National Park.

Wildlife

The area around ʻOʻopulele Falls is home to native Hawaiian flora and fauna. Visitors may encounter birds, insects, and other wildlife typical of Maui's ecosystems.