Are there fees or permits required for Pūwainui Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Pūwainui Falls. Access may require permission from private landowners or a guided tour. Confirm requirements before planning your visit.

Is swimming allowed at Pūwainui Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Pūwainui Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Pūwainui Falls near Wainiha, Hawaii, showing about 91 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 98 ft³/s · About average

Pūwainui Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Pūwainui Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Pūwainui Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Halele'a Forest Reserve PCON · PVT

About Pūwainui Falls

Pūwainui Falls is a secluded, picture-postcard cascade tucked into the Halele'a Forest Reserve on the island of Hawaiʻi. Surrounded by lush native vegetation, the falls reward visitors who make the effort with a tranquil setting and the sense of getting off the beaten path. The parcel is designated PCON and is privately owned and managed (PVT), so visitors should be mindful that access is more restricted than at public parks and confirm permission before planning a visit. The approach to the falls follows a moderately rated out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, making it a satisfying half-day outing for hikers comfortable with uneven, less-maintained trails. Because the land is privately managed, consider contacting local stewards, guides, or tour operators for the most current access information and route guidance before heading out.

The Setting

Pūwainui Falls sits at 984 feet within Halele'a Forest Reserve, fed by the Wainiha River, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hanakāpīʻai Falls (300 ft) lies 4.2 miles to the northwest.

Hanakāpīʻai Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back; length: 2.4 miles; elevation gain: ~350 feet; difficulty: moderate. Specific USFS trail surface, grade, and class data are not available for this route. Hikers can expect a less-developed path that may be uneven and lightly maintained, so sturdy footwear and basic navigation skills are recommended. Because the falls lie within a privately owned portion of the Halele'a Forest Reserve (designation PCON, manager PVT), verify access and any permission requirements in advance.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a serene and secluded waterfall surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. Due to its remote location, the falls are not heavily trafficked, offering a peaceful experience for those who make the journey.

Accessibility

The falls are not easily accessible and may require traversing rugged terrain or private property. Accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges is unlikely.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pūwainui Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Pūwainui Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but weather conditions may vary. Dry seasons typically offer safer hiking 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 such as slippery rocks, flash flooding, and challenging terrain. Always check weather conditions and consult with local experts before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 33 minutes ago Moderate

98 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

45 55 121 190

Based on 72 years of record

2.84 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

Wainiha River nr Hanalei, Kauai, HI

USGS 16108000

0 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 10 sq mi

Altitude: 960 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Wainiha River nr Hanalei, Kauai, HI (0 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

102 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

110 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

113 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

104 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

96 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

98 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

92 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

94 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, scattered rain showers then mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late April, 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 Wainiha 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 measures about 91 feet of descent through Pūwainui Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 984 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 166 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 88 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 984 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 91 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Access to Pūwainui Falls is challenging and typically requires a guided tour or permission to cross private land. The falls are located in a remote area, and visitors should plan accordingly.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, as access to the falls may involve private property or off-road travel. Visitors should confirm parking options with local guides or tour operators.

Elevation

984 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.135782° N, -159.557793° W

Land Management

Halele'a Forest Reserve PCON

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Plan ahead and confirm access requirements before visiting. Bring appropriate footwear, water, and supplies for a potentially challenging hike. Consider hiring a local guide for safe and legal access.