Is swimming allowed at Waipoʻo Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Waipoʻo Falls.

Nearby gauge (Waimea River Us Of Kekaha-waiahulu Int., Kauai, Hi) · 81 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Waipoʻo Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waipoʻo Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waipoʻo Falls.

Hawaii • 800 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Pu'u Ka Pele Forest Reserve SCA · SDNR

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Waipoʻo Falls

Waipoʻo Falls crowns the rim of Waimea Canyon with an impressive 800-foot, two-tier plunge that slices into the canyon’s verdant walls. Set in the dramatic landscape often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the falls are framed by lush tropical vegetation and steep canyon vistas, making them one of Kauai’s most photogenic viewpoints. The site lies within the Puʻu Ka Pele Forest Reserve (designation: SCA) and is owned and managed by SDNR, so visitors should respect posted access rules and stewardship efforts. Access to the falls is typically along the Waipoʻo Falls Trail, a moderate out-and-back hike that rewards effort with sweeping canyon panoramas and close views of the upper cascades. The trail’s combination of dirt and rocky tread winds through native vegetation and offers changing perspectives of the canyon — great for photographers and hikers seeking a classic Waimea Canyon experience.

The Setting

Waipoʻo Falls sits at 2,776 feet within Pu'u Ka Pele Forest Reserve, in the hills of Hawaii. At 800 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Hawaii.

Height: 800 feet

Trail & Hike Details

3.2 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Waipoʻo Falls Trail — out-and-back, approximately 3.2 miles round trip with about 800 feet of elevation gain. Rated moderate, the route follows a combination of dirt paths and rocky sections with some steep inclines and uneven footing; hikers should wear sturdy shoes. The trail climbs and descends through canyon-side vegetation and ends near the top of Waipoʻo Falls, providing panoramic views of the upper cascades and the Waimea Canyon below. The trail and surrounding lands are within the Puʻu Ka Pele Forest Reserve and are managed by SDNR.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 800 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waipoʻo Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $10.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waipoʻo Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the morning hours for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. After rainfall, the waterfall flow is more robust, but the trail may be muddy.

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 can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Stay on marked paths to avoid dangerous cliffs and unstable ground. Bring sufficient water and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Low

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Waimea River Us Of Kekaha-waiahulu Int., Kauai, Hi, 2.2 miles away, not on Waipoʻo Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

81 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

11 13 34 167

Based on 43 years of record

1.84 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

Waimea River US of Kekaha-Waiahulu Int., Kauai, HI

USGS 16016000

2.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 20 sq mi

Altitude: 780 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Waimea River US of Kekaha-Waiahulu Int., Kauai, HI (4 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

81 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

87 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

84 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

81 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

95 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

109 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

95 cfs

6/10

Fri

Low

90 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to mid March, peaking in January.

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

Is Waipoʻo Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Waipoʻo Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 71°F to 61°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 95 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.

1-meter lidar shows Waipoʻo Falls dropping about 844 feet in a single sheer step. That agrees with the listed height of 800 feet. The brink sits at about 2,858 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 317 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 628 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Waipoʻo Falls near Pakala Village, Hawaii, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Waipoʻo Falls near Pakala Village, Hawaii, showing about 844 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,858 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 844 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

Waipoʻo Falls is located within Waimea Canyon State Park on the island of Kauai. Visitors can access the falls via the Waipoʻo Falls Trail, which begins at the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

2,776 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.104267° N, -159.661493° W

Land Management

Pu'u Ka Pele Forest Reserve SCA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and heat. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy hiking shoes. Be cautious on the trail, as it can be slippery in places. Note that the trail does not provide a view of the entire waterfall; for a full view, visit one of the canyon lookouts.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.2 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.