Uhauʻiole Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
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, in the foothills of Hawaii.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
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
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
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Eb Of North Fork Wailua River, 1.8 miles away, not on Uhauʻiole Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
54 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 112 years of record
0.40 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 EB of NF Wailua River nr Lihue, Kauai, HI (3 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
58 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
59 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
55 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
57 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
57 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
62 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
62 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 4/10).
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.
Is Uhauʻiole Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Uhauʻiole Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 77°F to 67°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 56 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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.
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.
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 MapsParking
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
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.
Where to Stay
One Bedroom Condo in Pono Kai Resort
Kauai Shores Hotel
THE ISO HOTEL, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hanalei Bay 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
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, Hiʻilawe Falls, and the black sand beach at the valley floor.
Wildlife
The valley is home to native Hawaiian birds, wild horses, and various tropical plants.
Cities near Uhauʻiole Falls
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