Are there fees or permits required for Waiʻalae Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Waiʻalae Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Waiʻalae Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Waiʻalae Falls near Pakala Village, Hawaii, showing about 426 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 10 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Waiʻalae Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waiʻalae Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waiʻalae Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve SCA · SDNR

About Waiʻalae Falls

Tucked into the lush, tropical slopes of Kauaʻi, Waiʻalae Falls is a quietly scenic cascade that rewards visitors seeking a more secluded waterfall experience. Surrounded by dense greenery and the dramatic ridgelines of the Na Pali-kona area, the falls sit within the Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve, a State Conservation Area managed by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (SDNR). That protected setting helps preserve the native vegetation and the peaceful atmosphere that draws hikers and photographers alike. The approach to Waiʻalae Falls tends to be less crowded than Kauaʻi’s better-known attractions, making it ideal for those who prefer a mellow outing in nature. Because the site lies inside an SCA under SDNR stewardship, visitors should plan ahead, follow local guidelines, and respect any posted access rules to help protect the reserve’s resources and cultural values.

The Setting

Waiʻalae Falls sits at 2,844 feet within Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve, in the hills of Hawaii.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The most commonly used approach to Waiʻalae Falls is an out-and-back route of approximately 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain; difficulty is generally rated moderate. The route is managed as part of the Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve (SDNR), so check current access conditions and any seasonal restrictions before you go. Specific trail surface, grade, and official trail class are not specified in public agency records for this route, so hikers should be prepared for uneven, natural terrain and bring appropriate footwear, navigation, and water.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The area may be slippery and overgrown, so proper footwear and caution are advised.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waiʻalae Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waiʻalae Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The waterfall can be visited year-round, but visiting during or after rainfall may enhance the water flow. However, heavy rains can also make access more difficult.

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

The terrain around the falls may be slippery and uneven. Visitors should exercise caution, especially after rain. Be aware of flash flood risks in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

10 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2 3 9 21

Based on 86 years of record

1.19 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

Waialae Str at alt 3,820 ft nr Waimea, Kauai, HI

USGS 16019000

2.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 3,820 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Waialae Str at alt 3,820 ft nr Waimea, Kauai, HI (4 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

10 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

11 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

10 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

9 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

9 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

10 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

9 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

8 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late April, 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 Pakala Village 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 426 feet of descent through Waiʻalae Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 2,955 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 254 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 104 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Waiʻalae Falls near Pakala Village, 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: 2,955 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 426 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

Waiʻalae Falls is located near the town of Lihue on Kauai. Access to the falls may require navigating unpaved roads or private property, so visitors should confirm access routes before planning their trip.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear and may depend on the access route. Visitors should research ahead of time or consult local guides.

Elevation

2,844 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.074555° N, -159.605768° W

Land Management

Na Pali-kona Forest Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check with local authorities or guides for the most accurate and up-to-date access information. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared for potentially muddy or uneven terrain.