Is swimming allowed at Puʻukaʻōkū Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Puʻukaʻōkū Falls.

Nearby gauge (East Fork Kawela Gulch) · 2 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Puʻukaʻōkū Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Puʻukaʻōkū Falls.

Hawaii • 2756 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve SCA · SDNR

Photo Credits (2)

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

Eric Tessmer, Honolulu Hawaii CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

About Puʻukaʻōkū Falls

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls plunges an astonishing 2,756 feet (840 m) down the north side of Molokai, making it one of the tallest waterfalls on Earth and ranked as the 8th tallest in the world. The falls sit within the Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve, a State Conservation Area (SCA) managed by the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources (SDNR), and are a dramatic natural landmark of Molokai’s north shore. Visitors and hikers drawn to Puʻukaʻōkū should respect that the falls are situated in a protected reserve managed by SDNR. The setting is memorable for its scale and remoteness; those seeking an approach on foot can plan for a moderate out-and-back route to experience the valley and viewpoints while observing reserve regulations and Leave No Trace practices.

The Setting

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls sits at 1,457 feet within Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve, in the foothills of Hawaii. At 2,756 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Hawaii.

Height: 2756 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Kahiwa Falls (1749 ft) lies 2.9 miles to the east. Also nearby: Pāpalaua Falls (1200 ft, 3.0 mi) and ʻOloʻupena Falls (900 ft, 0.3 mi).

Kahiwa Falls Pāpalaua Falls ʻOloʻupena Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Specifics on surface type, grade, and USFS trail class/number are not provided in the available data. Hikers should prepare for uneven terrain and check with SDNR or local management for current access conditions and any restrictions within the Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 2756 feet.

Accessibility

The falls are only accessible via helicopter or boat tours, which may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Puʻukaʻōkū Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Puʻukaʻōkū Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is typically after heavy rains when the water flow is at its peak. However, weather conditions can vary, so check with local tour operators for the best viewing times.

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, affecting visibility and tour schedules. Always follow the guidance of your tour operator. Helicopter and boat tours may have specific safety requirements.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Fork Kawela Gulch, 4.9 miles away, not on Puʻukaʻōkū Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

2 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 29 years of record

2.95 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

EF Kawela Gulch nr Kamalo, Molokai, HI

USGS 16415000

4.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 0 sq mi

Altitude: 3,625 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EF Kawela Gulch nr Kamalo, Molokai, HI (8 km away).

High confidence

Strong right now

2 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

4 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

7 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

4 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to late December, 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.

1-meter lidar shows Puʻukaʻōkū Falls dropping about 769 feet in a single sheer step. The full 2,756 feet the falls are listed at is spread over a longer run than this window: along the whole mile-long profile the ground drops about 2,898 feet. The brink sits at about 1,606 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 658 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 817 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Puʻukaʻōkū Falls near Ualapue, Hawaii, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Puʻukaʻōkū Falls near Ualapue, Hawaii, showing about 769 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,606 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 769 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls is located in a remote area of Molokai and is not directly accessible by road or hiking trails. The falls are typically viewed from the air via helicopter tours or from the ocean by boat tours.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is no direct parking available for Puʻukaʻōkū Falls as it is not accessible by road. Visitors will need to arrange for a helicopter or boat tour to view the falls.

Elevation

1,457 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.160602° N, -156.851551° W

Land Management

Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Book helicopter or boat tours in advance, as they can fill up quickly. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views, and wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather. Be prepared for potential cancellations due to weather conditions.