Are there fees or permits required for Poakana Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Poakana Falls. It is unclear if a permit is required to visit Poakana Falls. Visitors should check with local authorities or landowners for access permissions.

Is swimming allowed at Poakana Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Poakana Falls.

Aerial view · USGS

Poakana Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Poakana Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Poakana Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

3D terrain

Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve SCA · SDNR

Before you go

No trail or public trailhead to Poakana Falls is documented, and federal land data list this part of the Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve as restricted access. Check with the Hawaiʻi DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife before entering.

About Poakana Falls

Poakana Falls is a waterfall on the Wailuku River in the Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve, state land in the rainforest about 7 miles west of downtown Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island. USGS uses the falls as a reference point for stream-monitoring sites on the river. No established trail or public trailhead to it is documented.

The Setting

Poakana Falls sits at 2,041 feet within Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve, in the hills of Hawaii.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

No established trail to Poakana Falls is documented, and no reliable length or elevation figures exist.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Poakana Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Poakana Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Poakana Falls can typically be visited year-round, but the best time to visit may be after recent rainfall when the waterfall's flow is stronger. However, heavy rains can make trails slippery or hazardous.

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 cautious of slippery rocks, sudden changes in water flow, and potential flash flooding during heavy rains. Always check weather conditions before visiting.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI (4 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

1 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

1 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

2 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

2 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

2 cfs

4/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

4/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

3/10

Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, chance rain showers then mostly cloudy (trip score 4/10).

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

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

Weather Forecast

The Terrain Around Poakana 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

Poakana Falls is on the upper Wailuku River in the Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve, well upstream of Rainbow Falls. No public trailhead or route is documented.

Get Directions on Google Maps