Is swimming allowed at ʻOloʻupena Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at ʻOloʻupena Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s · About average

ʻOloʻupena Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at ʻOloʻupena Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at ʻOloʻupena Falls.

Hawaii • 900 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve SCA · SDNR

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About ʻOloʻupena Falls

Oloʻupena Falls plunges from the northeastern cliffs of Molokaʻi, dropping about 2,953 feet (900 m) and making it unofficially one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and the highest in the United States. The falls form where a short, seasonal stream spills over one of the planet’s tallest sea-side cliffs, carving a deep groove in the rock between the Pelekunu and Wailau valleys. The cascade’s dramatic height and remote coastal setting create a showpiece best appreciated from the water or the air, where the full tiered drop can be seen against the island’s rugged shoreline. The falls lie within the Oloku‘i Natural Area Reserve, owned and managed by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (SDNR) and designated SCA. Because the area is coastal, steep, and protected, there is no developed or maintained public approach to the base—viewing is typically done from boats or aircraft. Visitors should respect the reserve’s managed status and plan any sea- or air-based trips with licensed operators who are familiar with local regulations and conditions.

The Setting

ʻOloʻupena Falls sits at 1,289 feet within Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve, in the foothills of Hawaii. At 900 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Hawaii.

Height: 900 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at 2756 feet, lies 0.3 miles to the east. Also nearby: Kahiwa Falls (1749 ft, 3.2 mi) and Pāpalaua Falls (1200 ft, 3.3 mi).

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls Kahiwa Falls Pāpalaua 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

There is no maintained trail to Oloʻupena Falls; the falls descend sheer sea cliffs and are not accessible by a conventional hiking path. They can only be reliably viewed from the ocean or from the air. Some route information reported for approaches in the general area lists a 2.4-mile out-and-back distance with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and a “moderate” difficulty rating, but this reflects unmarked, rugged terrain rather than an official trail surface or USFS-maintained route. In short: no formal surface, no signed grade/class data, and any land-based approach would be off-trail, steep, and potentially hazardous—plan to view by boat or air and follow local management guidance from SDNR.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 900 feet.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at ʻOloʻupena Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at ʻOloʻupena Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but weather conditions are typically more favorable during the dry season (April to October).

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

Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially during the rainy season. Helicopter and boat tours may be canceled or delayed due to safety concerns. Always follow the instructions of your tour operator.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 28 years of record

2.39 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

EF Kawela Gulch nr Kamalo, Molokai, HI

USGS 16415000

4.6 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 0 sq mi

Altitude: 3,625 ft

Know when to go.

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Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

ʻOloʻupena Falls is located on the northeastern coast of Molokai, Hawaii. It is not accessible by road or hiking trails. Visitors typically view the falls via helicopter tours or boat excursions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is no parking available as the falls are not accessible by land.

Elevation

1289 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.160655° N, -156.856410° W

Land Management

Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Book a helicopter or boat tour in advance to ensure availability. Morning tours may offer better visibility due to calmer weather conditions. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.

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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.