Wailoa Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Wailoa Falls
Wailoa Falls is a lush, photogenic cascade on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, where the Wailuku River plunges into a broad pool below. According to the supplied sources, the falls drop roughly 80 feet (24 m) and fan out to nearly 100 feet (30 m) across the lip, producing misty spray that often catches sunlight and creates vivid rainbows. This dramatic curtain of water sits within the Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve and is managed by SDNR (designation: SCA), and the site is also associated with Hawai‘i State Parks.
The Setting
Wailoa Falls sits at 1,506 feet within Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve, in the hills of Hawaii.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
A very short, easy out-and-back trail leads to the falls: about 0.2 miles round trip with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty is rated easy and the walk is brief, making the viewpoint accessible to most visitors. No USFS trail number or detailed surface/grade/class data were provided in the source material; visitors should expect a short, low-gain approach and plan accordingly.
What to Expect
Expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by tropical vegetation. The area may be less crowded compared to other popular waterfalls in Hawaii, offering a more secluded experience.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wailoa Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Wailoa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Wailoa 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
Be cautious of slippery rocks, sudden changes in water flow, and potential flash flooding during heavy rains. Always stay on marked paths if available.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Wailuku River, 1.1 miles away, not on Wailoa Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
168 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
3.60 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI (2 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
181 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
177 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
186 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
203 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
218 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
213 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
175 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 4/10).
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 Hilo hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Wailoa Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Wailoa Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 74°F to 63°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 180 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain Around Wailoa Falls
High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Wailoa Falls is located near Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. It can be accessed via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on your starting point. Visitors are encouraged to use GPS or consult local maps for accurate navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should look for nearby designated parking areas or roadside pull-offs. Exercise caution when parking along roads.
Elevation
1,506 feet above sea level
Coordinates
19.708134° N, -155.166486° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for potentially muddy or slippery conditions. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make access more challenging.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.2 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
SCP Hilo Hotel
Somewhere over the Rainbow Loft with AC Hilo
Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Doubletree by Hilton
Hawaii Magic Skies B&B Farmstay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other waterfalls, botanical gardens, and scenic drives in the Hilo area.
Wildlife
The area around Wailoa Falls may feature native Hawaiian birds, insects, and tropical flora.
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
Aerial
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