Are there fees or permits required for Waiholoa Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Waiholoa Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Waiholoa Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Waiholoa Falls near Kukuihaele, Hawaii, showing about 105 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Alakahi Stream) · 14 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Waiholoa Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waiholoa Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waiholoa Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Waiholoa Falls

Waiholoa Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Hawaii, offering a serene and picturesque setting. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, making it a beautiful spot for nature enthusiasts. Specific details about its height are not well-documented.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hiʻilawe Falls (1450 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the northeast.

Hiʻilawe Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

There is limited information available about the trail leading to Waiholoa Falls. It may involve navigating through tropical terrain, and visitors should be prepared for potentially uneven or unmarked paths.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense greenery. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular Hawaiian waterfalls, 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 Waiholoa Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waiholoa Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The waterfall can be visited year-round, but it is best to check weather conditions to avoid heavy rains that may make access 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

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, sudden changes in weather, and potential flash floods. Always stay on marked paths if available and avoid trespassing on private property.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Alakahi Stream, 4.5 miles away, not on Waiholoa Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

14 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

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

2.47 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

Alakahi Stream near Kamuela, HI

USGS 16725000

4.5 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 (7 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

17 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

21 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

22 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 105 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,263 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 33 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 54 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Waiholoa 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: 2,263 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 105 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and access details for Waiholoa Falls are not widely documented. Visitors may need to consult local guides or resources for directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should plan ahead and check for nearby parking options.

Elevation

2,260 feet above sea level

Coordinates

20.081047° N, -155.602446° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and bring insect repellent. Check local conditions before visiting, as access may be affected by weather or private property restrictions.