Are there fees or permits required for Wailele Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Wailele Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wailele Falls.

Nearby gauge (East Fork Kawela Gulch) · 2 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Wailele Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wailele Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wailele Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve SCA · SDNR

Photo Credits (5)

rocketlass CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About Wailele Falls

Wailele Falls—whose name translates from Hawaiian as “leaping water”—is a peaceful, photogenic cascade set among lush tropical forest. The falls are known for their serene atmosphere and make a rewarding destination for nature lovers and photographers looking for a relatively short outing into native vegetation. Because the falls lie within the Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve (designated SCA) and are managed by SDNR, visitors are entering a protected area and should follow leave-no-trace practices and any site-specific guidelines.

The Setting

Wailele Falls sits at 1,053 feet within Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at 2,756 feet, lies 0.2 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Kahiwa Falls (1749 ft, 2.7 mi) and Pāpalaua Falls (1200 ft, 2.8 mi).

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls Kahiwa Falls Pāpalaua Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Surface, grade, and official trail class data are not provided for this route. The trail and access are managed by SDNR as part of the Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve (SCA); check with SDNR for the latest access information, seasonal conditions, and any rules before you go.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil setting surrounded by tropical vegetation. The falls may vary in flow depending on recent rainfall, and the area is typically lush and green year-round.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not well-documented. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wailele Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wailele Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but visiting after recent rainfall may enhance the flow of the waterfall. Morning visits are recommended for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

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 water flow, and potential flash flooding during heavy rains. Always stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the falls.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Fork Kawela Gulch, 5.1 miles away, not on Wailele Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

2 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 29 years of record

2.95 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

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

EF Kawela Gulch nr Kamalo, Molokai, HI

USGS 16415000

5.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 0 sq mi

Altitude: 3,625 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EF Kawela Gulch nr Kamalo, Molokai, HI (8 km away).

High confidence

Strong right now

2 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

4 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

7 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

4 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to late December, peaking in December.

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 Ualapue 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.

1-meter lidar shows Wailele Falls dropping about 1,378 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 1,045 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 810 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 939 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wailele Falls near Ualapue, Hawaii, showing about 1,378 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,045 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 1,378 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

Wailele Falls is accessible via a short drive from nearby towns or cities in Hawaii. Specific directions may vary depending on the island and location of the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is not well-documented, but visitors should expect limited parking spaces near the falls. Arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

1,053 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.162742° N, -156.848846° W

Land Management

Oloku'i Natural Area Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and bring insect repellent, as the area may have uneven terrain and mosquitoes. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make trails slippery.