Waihiʻumalu Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
350 ft
About Waihiʻumalu Falls
Waihiʻumalu Falls is a Hawaiian cascade located within land managed by the State Department of Land (SDOL) as part of the State Department of Land State Resource Management Area (SRMA). The falls are reached via a relatively short hiking route and are best approached with respect for state land regulations—SDOL is the managing agency for the parcel that contains the waterfall. The hike to the falls is a compact outing: the established approach is an out-and-back route of roughly 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is typically rated moderate. This makes Waihiʻumalu Falls a good choice for hikers seeking a moderately strenuous, rewarding half-day trip; as the site sits on state-managed property, check with SDOL for current access guidelines before you go. The nearest formal backcountry accommodation option is at Haleakalā National Park (cabin permits), approximately 13.15 km away.
The Setting
Waihiʻumalu Falls sits at 1,614 feet within State Department of Land State Resource Management Area, in the hills of Hawaii.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Waimoku Falls (400 ft) lies 1.6 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Makahiku Falls (200 ft, 2.2 mi) and Wailua Falls (80 ft, 1.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail length: ~2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~350 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. Trail type: Out-and-back. Surface, grade, and technical class are not specified in the available SDOL trail information, so hikers should be prepared for uneven or variable footing and bring appropriate footwear. Because the route and waterfall lie within the State Department of Land State Resource Management Area (SRMA) managed by SDOL, verify access rules and any seasonal advisories with SDOL before heading out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil and scenic waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation. However, due to its location on private land, access may be limited or restricted.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waihiʻumalu Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Waihiʻumalu Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls can be visited year-round, but visitors should check weather conditions and local access policies before planning a 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
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, flash flooding, and potential hazards associated with remote locations. Always respect private property and obtain permission before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 29 years of record
0.49 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Hana hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Waihiʻumalu Falls is located on private land in Hawaii, and access may be restricted. Visitors should research local guidelines and obtain permission if necessary before attempting to visit.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, as the falls are located on private property. Visitors should plan accordingly and respect local regulations.
Elevation
1614 feet above sea level
Coordinates
20.695026° N, -156.038966° W
Land Management
Managed by SDOL
Visitor Tips & Gear
Ensure you have permission to access the falls before visiting. Bring appropriate footwear and supplies, as trail conditions are not well-documented. Respect the natural environment and any private property boundaries.
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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Where to Stay
Maui Kamaole #F-210 Private, Across Kamaole III, Full A/C, Great Location
Heavenly Hana Paradise
Paia Inn
Hana Kai Maui - #106 Kuakahi partial oceanview studio
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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Nearby Campground
Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits)
8.2 miles away · 3 sites
Overview Located on the island of Maui, Haleakalā National Park maintains three wilderness cabins for visitor use-- Hōlua, Palikū, and Kapalaoa. All cabins are accessible only by trail from the summit area and require you to hike a minimum of 3.7 mi (5.9 km). Backcountry users must plan to enter the park entrance for their stay no earlier than 7 am unless they have also obtained a sunrise reservation granting access to the park between 3 and 7 am. Sunrise reservations can be made on recreation.go
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls and natural attractions in Hawaii, such as Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, may be more accessible and worth visiting.
Wildlife
The area around the falls may feature native Hawaiian flora and fauna, including birds and tropical plants.
Cities near Waihiʻumalu Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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