Are there fees or permits required for Waiokanalopaka Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Waiokanalopaka Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Waiokanalopaka Falls.

Nearby gauge (Kawainui Stream) · 11 ft³/s · About average

Waiokanalopaka Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waiokanalopaka Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waiokanalopaka Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (1)

Madereugeneandrew CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

About Waiokanalopaka Falls

Waiokanalopaka Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers a serene and picturesque setting. Due to its remote location, it is not as frequently visited as other waterfalls on the island.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Waiokanalopaka Falls is not well-documented, and details about its length, terrain, and difficulty are unclear. Visitors should be prepared for potentially unmarked paths and challenging conditions.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a secluded and tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The area may be slippery and overgrown, so caution is advised.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waiokanalopaka Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waiokanalopaka Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but the flow may vary depending on recent rainfall. The rainy season (typically November to March) may result in higher water flow but also more challenging trail conditions.

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 to Waiokanalopaka Falls may be unmarked and slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution, wear appropriate footwear, and avoid visiting during heavy rain or flash flood conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 26 minutes ago Low

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Kawainui Stream, 10.8 miles away, not on Waiokanalopaka Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

11 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 18 41

Based on 62 years of record

1.66 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

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

Kawainui Stream nr Kamuela, HI

USGS 16720000

10.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 4,060 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Kawainui Stream nr Kamuela, HI (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

11 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Low

11 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

12 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

15 cfs

6/10

Fri

Low

10 cfs

6/10

Sat

Low

14 cfs

6/10

Sun

Low

14 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

14 cfs

6/10

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

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 Puako hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Waiokanalopaka Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Waiokanalopaka Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 83°F to 72°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 14 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, 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 106 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 421 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 74 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 60 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Waiokanalopaka Falls near Puako, Hawaii, showing about 106 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 421 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 106 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location of Waiokanalopaka Falls is not well-documented, and access may require local knowledge or guidance. It is recommended to consult with local guides or tour operators for directions and access details.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should inquire locally or plan for limited parking options near the trailhead or access point.

Elevation

394 feet above sea level

Coordinates

20.077864° N, -155.847883° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Consider hiring a local guide to ensure safe and accurate access to the falls. Wear sturdy footwear and bring insect repellent. Be prepared for potentially muddy or slippery conditions.