Are there fees or permits required for Waiamoa Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Waiamoa Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Waiamoa Falls.

Nearby gauge (Alakahi Stream) · 30 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Waiamoa Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waiamoa Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waiamoa Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Kohala Forest Reserve SCA · SDNR

Photo Credits (5)

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

This image was created by user jeff (theoneje) at Mushroom Observer, a source for mycological images.You can contact this user here. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

mail_collector CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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

About Waiamoa Falls

Waiamoa Falls is a tucked-away cascade set amid lush tropical vegetation inside the Kohala Forest Reserve. Managed by SDNR and designated as an SCA, the fall offers a peaceful, less-crowded alternative for hikers seeking a quiet nature stop; specific measurements for the waterfall’s height are not well-documented. The reserve setting means the approach feels wild and forested, with plenty of green canopy and native understory framing the pool below. Getting here requires a deliberate hike rather than a roadside turnoff. The route into the falls lies within SDNR-managed lands, so plan ahead and check with the agency for any access notices.

The Setting

Waiamoa Falls sits at 758 feet within Kohala Forest Reserve, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hiʻilawe Falls (1450 ft) lies 1.8 miles to the south.

Hiʻilawe Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Official surface, grade, and trail class details are not published; visitors should expect an unpaved, natural forest tread with uneven footing typical of reserve trails. There is no USFS trail number associated with this route—management and any permitting questions fall to SDNR as the land manager for the Kohala Forest Reserve. Pack water, wear sturdy shoes, and check current access conditions with SDNR before you go.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by tropical flora. The area may be remote and less frequented, offering a peaceful experience.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waiamoa Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waiamoa Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The waterfall can typically be visited year-round, but conditions may vary depending on rainfall. Check weather reports before planning your trip.

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 may be unmarked and slippery, especially after rain. Always hike with caution and inform someone of your plans. Cell service may be limited.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Alakahi Stream, 5.5 miles away, not on Waiamoa Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

30 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 5 17

Based on 60 years of record

2.94 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

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

Alakahi Stream near Kamuela, HI

USGS 16725000

5.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1 sq mi

Altitude: 3,900 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Alakahi Stream near Kamuela, HI (9 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

14 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

15 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

15 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

19 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

15 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

19 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

21 cfs

8/10

Sat

Roaring

17 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 ground through the falls loses about 464 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 656 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 422 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 373 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Waiamoa Falls near Kukuihaele, Hawaii, showing about 464 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: 656 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 464 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

The exact location and directions to Waiamoa Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local guides or reliable trail resources for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps