Is swimming allowed at Waiʻilikahi Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Waiʻilikahi Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Waiʻilikahi Falls near Kukuihaele, Hawaii, showing about 843 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Kawainui Stream) · 52 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Waiʻilikahi Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waiʻilikahi Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waiʻilikahi Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Waiʻilikahi Falls?

Yes, fees are required. A permit is also required. A camping permit is required to stay overnight in Waimanu Valley. Permits can be obtained through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve SCA · SPR

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Waiʻilikahi Falls

Waiʻilikahi Falls sits deep in the remote Waimanu Valley on the northeast coast of Hawaiʻi island, a spot long prized for its seclusion and dramatic scenery. The cascade plunges through a lush amphitheater of tropical vegetation, offering a rewarding payoff after the valley’s rugged approach. The falls and surrounding shoreline are part of the Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve — designated as an SCA and managed by SPR — so visitors should treat the area with extra care to preserve its pristine character. Waimanu Valley itself is one of the island’s most remote valleys and, besides the main Waimanu Stream, contains other noteworthy features such as Waihīlau Falls on a nearby tributary (Wikipedia).

The Setting

Waiʻilikahi Falls sits at 89 feet within Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve, in the coastal lowlands of Hawaii.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Access to Waiʻilikahi Falls is most commonly via the Muliwai Trail into Waimanu Valley. The hike begins with a steep climb out of Waipiʻo Valley, then traverses rugged terrain and dense forest with multiple stream crossings before descending into the floor of Waimanu Valley. From the valley floor you’ll need to navigate through thick vegetation to reach the base of the falls. Specific USFS trail surface, grade, or class data are not provided here, so expect an unmarked, natural tread and variable footing; good footwear, river-crossing awareness, and preparation for backcountry conditions are recommended.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted.

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 Waiʻilikahi Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fees are required
Permit required
A camping permit is required to stay overnight in Waimanu Valley. Permits can be obtained through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waiʻilikahi Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) when trail conditions are more favorable and river crossings are safer.

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 trail is challenging and includes steep sections, river crossings, and potentially slippery terrain. Flash floods can occur in the valley, especially during heavy rains. Visitors should check weather conditions and be prepared for emergencies.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 25 minutes ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Kawainui Stream, 4 miles away, not on Waiʻilikahi Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

52 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 8 26

Based on 62 years of record

2.46 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

Kawainui Stream nr Kamuela, HI

USGS 16720000

4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 4,060 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Kawainui Stream nr Kamuela, HI (6 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

52 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

56 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

63 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

85 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

65 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

80 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

69 cfs

8/10

Sat

Roaring

72 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid June to late July, peaking in July.

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 Kukuihaele 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.

The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 843 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 369 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 964 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 247 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Waiʻilikahi Falls near Kukuihaele, 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: 369 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 843 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Waiʻilikahi Falls is located in the Waimanu Valley, which can be accessed by hiking the challenging Muliwai Trail from Waipiʻo Valley. The trail is approximately 9 miles one way and includes steep switchbacks and river crossings. Alternatively, the valley can be reached by boat or kayak, though this requires careful planning and favorable ocean conditions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

89 feet above sea level

Coordinates

20.132777° N, -155.646861° W

Land Management

Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve SCA

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Plan for a multi-day trip if hiking, as the trail is long and strenuous. Bring plenty of water, food, and camping gear if staying overnight in Waimanu Valley. Check weather conditions before your trip, as heavy rains can make the trail dangerous and river crossings impassable.