Are there fees or permits required for Uhauʻiole Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Uhauʻiole Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Uhauʻiole Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Uhauʻiole Falls.

Live Conditions · 53 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Uhauʻiole Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Uhauʻiole Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Uhauʻiole Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve SCA · SDNR

Photo Credits (2)

Don Loarie CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Elephantopus mollis 470284074.jpg CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

3.0 miles

About Uhauʻiole Falls

Uhauʻiole Falls tumbles through a sheltered Hawaiian valley, framed by steep, vegetated walls and dense tropical growth. The cascade is part of a close-knit network of streams and smaller falls that feed the surrounding watershed, offering a quietly remote spot for hikers seeking lush scenery and a sense of escape. Expect serene photo opportunities and the soft roar of constant water flow as you approach the base. The falls lie within the Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve, a protected SCA managed by the State Department of Natural Resources (SDNR). The reserve designation helps conserve the surrounding habitat and watershed, so visitors should follow Leave No Trace practices and respect any site-specific restrictions while enjoying the trail and falls.

The Setting

Uhauʻiole Falls sits at 823 feet within Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve, fed by the Eb Of Nf Wailua River, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate in difficulty. The approach involves a steep descent into the valley that can be slippery after rain; once you reach the valley floor, navigation may require following faint paths and crossing small streams. Expect muddy sections and the potential for sudden high water during heavy rain—flash floods are a real hazard—so wear sturdy, grippy footwear, plan around weather, and turn back if conditions worsen.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a remote and tranquil experience, with stunning views of the valley and surrounding cliffs. The falls themselves are surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. However, the journey to the falls can be physically demanding and requires preparation.

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 Uhauʻiole Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Uhauʻiole Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but the best time is typically during the dry season (spring and summer) to avoid heavy rains and muddy 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 flash floods, slippery terrain, and unmarked paths. It is essential to check weather conditions and avoid the area during heavy rains. Cell phone reception may be limited in the valley.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 22 minutes ago Moderate

53 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

15 19 37 59

Based on 113 years of record

0.29 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

EB of NF Wailua River nr Lihue, Kauai, HI

USGS 16068000

1.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 6 sq mi

Altitude: 500 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EB of NF Wailua River nr Lihue, Kauai, HI (3 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

53 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

57 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

57 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

55 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

59 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

57 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

61 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

59 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early 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 Wailua Homesteads 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 Uhauʻiole Falls dropping about 244 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 859 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 101 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 143 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Uhauʻiole Falls near Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Uhauʻiole Falls near Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii, showing about 244 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 859 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 244 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Uhauʻiole Falls is located within Waipiʻo Valley, which is accessible via a steep and challenging road. Visitors typically need a 4WD vehicle to descend into the valley, or they can hike down the road. The falls are not directly accessible by a marked trail and may require navigating through private property or unmarked paths.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, but spaces are limited. Visitors should arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

823 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.086149° N, -159.435527° W

Land Management

Lihu'e-koloa Forest Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions. Check the weather forecast, as heavy rains can cause flash floods in the valley. Respect private property and avoid trespassing.