Are there fees or permits required for Waiolue Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Waiolue Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Waiolue Falls.

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Waiolue Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waiolue Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waiolue Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area WPA · PVT

About Waiolue Falls

Waiolue Falls is a relatively secluded waterfall in Hawaii surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and a peaceful, verdant setting that rewards hikers who make the trip. The falls remain lesser-known and their exact height is not widely documented, which helps preserve a quiet, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. The site sits within a Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area (WPA) and is managed by a private landowner (manager listed as PVT), so visitors should be mindful of staying on designated routes and respecting posted access guidance. A moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain leads to the falls, offering a short but scenic hike through island forest. Because the land unit is private rather than part of the U.S. Forest Service holdings, trail stewardship and access are handled locally; check with community resources or the land manager before visiting and plan for a simple, nature-focused experience rather than developed amenities.

The Setting

Waiolue Falls sits at 1,099 feet within Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area, in the foothills of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Manawaiopuna Falls (400 ft) lies 2.9 miles to the north.

Manawaiopuna Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back; distance: 2.4 miles; elevation gain: approximately 350 feet; difficulty: moderate. The route approaches Waiolue Falls along a short forested trail with a modest climb—suitable for hikers comfortable with moderate grades and uneven terrain. This trail is on private watershed protection land (WPA) managed by a private landowner (PVT) and is not listed as a U.S. Forest Service trail, so there is no USFS trail number or USFS surface/grade/class data to reference. Visitors should prepare for natural trail conditions, bring adequate water and footwear, and confirm current access conditions with local sources before setting out.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil environment surrounded by tropical flora. The waterfall may be seasonal, so flow levels could vary depending on recent rainfall.

Accessibility

Accessibility details are not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waiolue Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waiolue Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit is typically after recent rainfall to ensure the waterfall has a good flow, but avoid heavy rain periods to reduce the risk of flash flooding.

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 weather changes, and potential flash flooding. Always prioritize safety and avoid risky areas.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 20 minutes ago

1.62 ft

Water depth at gauge

About This Gauge

Hanapepe Riv blw Manuahi Str nr Eleele, Kauai, HI

USGS 16049000

1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 18 sq mi

Altitude: 222 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Hanapepe Riv blw Manuahi Str nr Eleele, Kauai, HI (2 km away).

High confidence

Strong right now

148 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

160 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

172 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

166 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

154 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

166 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

149 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

149 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to late January, 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 Kalaheo 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 276 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,083 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 234 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 68 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Waiolue Falls near Kalaheo, 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: 1,083 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 276 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

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

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

1,099 feet above sea level

Coordinates

21.947965° N, -159.536985° W

Land Management

Private Landowner Watershed Protection Area WPA

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy footwear, as trail conditions may be uneven or slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make trails more challenging.