Is swimming allowed at Waimanu Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Waimanu Falls.

Nearby gauge (Waikolu Str) · 8 ft³/s · About average

Waimanu Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waimanu Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waimanu Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Waimanu Falls?

Yes, fees are required. A permit is also required. Permits are required for camping in Waimanu Valley and can be obtained through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Moloka'i Forest Reserve SCA · SDNR

Photo Credits (1)

justinsfpics CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Waimanu Falls

Waimanu Falls plunges in two dramatic tiers into a secluded pool tucked deep in Waimanu Valley on Molokaʻi. Nestled within the Molokaʻi Forest Reserve and managed by the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (SDNR), the falls are framed by lush tropical vegetation and steep valley walls that reward hikers with a real sense of remoteness and wild beauty. Visitors come for the quiet cascade, the verdant gorge, and the feeling of stepping into an untouched corner of the island. The most common approach is via the historic Muliwai Trail, which traverses coastal ridgelines and rainforest before dropping into the valley floor. Although access is limited and the route requires steady footing, the payoff is a pristine swimming hole beneath the falls and striking views back up the valley. Because the site sits on SDNR-managed lands in the Molokaʻi Forest Reserve, visitors should respect local rules and leave no trace to help preserve this special area.

The Setting

Waimanu Falls sits at 2,841 feet within Moloka'i Forest Reserve, in the hills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at 2,756 feet, lies 6.0 miles to the east. Also nearby: ʻOloʻupena Falls (900 ft, 5.7 mi).

Puʻukaʻōkū Falls ʻOloʻupena Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail moves from exposed coastal ridges into dense tropical forest and includes some steep sections and stream crossings that require careful footing. Expect uneven dirt and root-covered tread rather than developed surfacing; the trail is rugged in places and best suited to hikers prepared for a natural backcountry path. Signage and formal infrastructure are minimal on SDNR-managed lands, so carry essentials (water, rain gear, sturdy shoes) and plan for limited cell service. The route’s moderate overall grade belies occasional short, steeper pitches—take your time on descents into the valley and allow extra time for the return climb.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waimanu Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fees are required
Permit required
Permits are required for camping in Waimanu Valley and can be obtained through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waimanu Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) when trail conditions are typically more manageable.

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 is challenging and includes steep sections, stream crossings, and potentially slippery terrain. Flash floods can occur in the valley, so check weather conditions before visiting. Cell phone service is limited or nonexistent in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Low

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Waikolu Str, 1.1 miles away, not on Waimanu Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

8 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5 6 13 32

Based on 72 years of record

1.29 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

Waikolu Str blw pipe nr Kalaupapa, Molokai, HI

USGS 16408000

1.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 4 sq mi

Altitude: 250 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Waikolu Str blw pipe nr Kalaupapa, Molokai, HI (2 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

8 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

8 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

9 cfs

5/10

Tue

Moderate

10 cfs

4/10

Wed

Moderate

9 cfs

4/10

Thu

Moderate

9 cfs

4/10

Fri

Moderate

10 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

9 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late 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 Kualapuu 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 249 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,866 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 149 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 164 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 Waimanu Falls near Kualapuu, Hawaii, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Waimanu Falls near Kualapuu, Hawaii, showing about 249 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,866 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 249 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

Waimanu Falls is located in the Waimanu Valley, which can only be accessed via the challenging Muliwai Trail starting from Waipio Valley. The trail is approximately 9 miles one way and requires crossing streams and navigating steep terrain. Alternatively, access by boat or kayak may be possible, but conditions can be unpredictable.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Waipio Valley Lookout, but spaces are limited. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

2,841 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.149915° N, -156.943474° W

Land Management

Moloka'i Forest Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring plenty of water, snacks, and proper hiking gear, including sturdy shoes. Check weather conditions before starting the hike, as rain can make the trail more dangerous. Consider camping overnight in Waimanu Valley to fully enjoy the experience, but permits are required for camping.