Pāpalaua Falls
Hawaii • 1200 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
About Pāpalaua Falls
Pāpalaua Falls (Papalaua Falls) plunges from the northern shore of Molokaʻi into the steep-walled Papalaua Valley, fed by the Kawai Nui stream. The cascade totals about 501 m (1,644 ft) and breaks into five distinct drops; the dramatic middle drop of roughly 340 m (1,120 ft) is visible from the sea and makes the falls a favorite subject on aerial and boat tours. The stream flows year-round and the falls are at their most powerful during the rainy season (November–March), creating a spectacular, mist-shrouded sight against the island’s green cliffs. Because the valley is remote and steep, most visitors experience Pāpalaua Falls from the air or from boats offshore rather than by land. That said, route descriptions list a rugged out-and-back approach (see trail info below) for experienced hikers who can manage dense vegetation, uneven footing and exposed cliff edges. If you plan a visit, aim to go with a knowledgeable guide or a tour operator — from sea or air you’ll get the most reliable and dramatic views of the falls’ towering drops.
The Setting
Pāpalaua Falls sits at 2,024 feet in the hills of Hawaii. At 1,200 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Hawaii.
Height: 1200 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Puʻukaʻōkū Falls, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at 2,756 feet, lies 3.0 miles to the west. Also nearby: Kahiwa Falls (1749 ft, 0.7 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 2.4 miles. Difficulty: moderate. Note: the terrain in Papalaua (and nearby Halawa) is rugged, with steep cliffs, dense vegetation and uneven footing; many visitors still prefer aerial or boat access for the clearest views. Sources vary on the falls’ listed height (a local trail database lists ~1,200 ft while Wikipedia documents a total drop of about 1,644 ft over five drops), so plan conservatively and be prepared for route-finding and exposed sections if you attempt the land approach.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 1200 feet.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pāpalaua Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Pāpalaua Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Pāpalaua Falls can be visited year-round, but the best time to see the falls at their fullest is during the rainy season, typically in the winter months. However, helicopter tours operate year-round, weather permitting.
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 the rugged terrain and potential hazards if attempting to access the falls by land. Helicopter tours are generally safe but depend on weather conditions. Always follow the guidance of tour operators or local guides.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Halawa Stream, 2.8 miles away, not on Pāpalaua Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
13 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 103 years of record
2.10 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Halawa Stream near Halawa, Molokai, HI (4 km away).
Today
Moderate
14 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
15 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
18 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
15 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
17 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
15 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
18 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid November to late November, 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 Ualapue 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 302 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. The falls are listed at 1,200 feet; that total covers more ground than this one lidar line does, which sees about 969 feet of descent end to end. Elevation at the pin is about 1,991 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 359 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 253 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,991 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 302 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Pāpalaua Falls is located in the Halawa Valley on the eastern side of Molokai. The falls are most commonly viewed via helicopter tours departing from Molokai or neighboring islands. Access by land is extremely difficult and not recommended for most visitors due to the rugged terrain and lack of established trails.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is no designated parking area for Pāpalaua Falls as it is typically accessed via helicopter tours. Visitors attempting to reach the area by land should be aware that parking options in the Halawa Valley are limited and may require permission from local landowners.
Elevation
2,024 feet above sea level
Coordinates
21.159429° N, -156.804843° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
If viewing the falls via helicopter, book your tour in advance as availability may be limited. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. If attempting to access the area by land, consult local guides and be prepared for challenging conditions.
Where to Stay
High-End Resort Condo Nestled on Molokai Shoreline
Kahana Beach Vacation Club
Gardens at West Maui
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Halawa Valley, Moa'ula Falls, Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Wildlife
The area is home to native Hawaiian birds and lush tropical vegetation. Visitors may also see marine life along the coastline during helicopter tours.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
LiDAR
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