Are there fees or permits required for Waiale Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Waiale Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Waiale Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,560 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Waiale Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waiale Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waiale Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Homuula-Upper Piihonua Hawaiian Home Land TRIBL · DESG

Photo Credits (5)

Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

eggrole CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Waiale Falls

Waiale Falls is a lush, picturesque waterfall in Hawaii known for its tranquil setting and verdant surroundings. Visitors come for the scenery and the sense of escape; the site sits within the Homuula–Upper Piihonua Hawaiian Home Land and is overseen by the tribal manager (TRIB) with land ownership listed under DESG and a TRIB designation. That stewardship gives the area a local, community-managed character—visitors should be mindful and respectful of the land and any posted access guidance. Accessing the falls involves a short but rewarding hike rather than a roadside viewpoint. The approach is an out-and-back route covering 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate; the walk weaves through native vegetation and offers multiple vantage points before you reach the main viewing area. Because this is tribal land, check local guidance before visiting and leave no trace to help preserve the setting for the community that manages it.

The Setting

Waiale Falls sits at 955 feet within Homuula-Upper Piihonua Hawaiian Home Land, fed by the Wailuku River, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Kulaniapia Falls (120 ft) lies 0.6 miles to the northeast.

Kulaniapia Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Waiale Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: 2.4 miles round trip with approximately 350 ft of total elevation gain. Difficulty: moderate. No U.S. Forest Service trail number or detailed USFS surface/grade/class data is listed for this route; trail users should expect a natural footpath of varying tread and use appropriate footwear and water. Follow posted signage and respect any access rules set by the Homuula–Upper Piihonua Hawaiian Home Land manager (TRIB).

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic view of Waiale Falls surrounded by lush greenery. The falls are part of the Wailuku River, and the area is often quiet, making it a great spot for photography or relaxation.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waiale Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waiale Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but mornings are typically less crowded, and the lighting is ideal for photography.

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

Exercise caution near the river, as the Wailuku River is known for strong currents and sudden flash floods. Stay on designated paths and avoid entering the water.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 4 days ago Strong

1,560 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

10 26 116 403

Based on 96 years of record

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

Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI

USGS 16704000

0.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 220 sq mi

Altitude: 1,090 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI (1 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

3540 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

3823 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

4443 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

4648 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

4238 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

3760 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

3418 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

4033 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, chance rain showers (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Wainaku 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 88 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 952 feet.

The ground changes about 40 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 36 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Waiale Falls near Wainaku, Hawaii, showing about 88 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 952 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 88 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

Waiale Falls is located along Waianuenue Avenue, just a short drive from downtown Hilo. The falls are part of the Wailuku River State Park, and visitors can access the viewing area from the roadside.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited roadside parking available near the falls. Visitors should exercise caution when parking and walking along the road.

Elevation

955 feet above sea level

Coordinates

19.715365° N, -155.140406° W

Land Management

Homuula-Upper Piihonua Hawaiian Home Land TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, as roadside spots are limited. Be cautious of traffic when parking and walking along the road. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.