In short
- The state prohibits access to the base of the waterfall.
- The unmaintained dirt path poses severe mud and rockfall hazards.
- You can view the 80-foot falls safely from the paved roadside lookout.
In this article
Many visitors arrive at Wailua Falls hoping to reach the water at the base. However, there is no legal or safe way down. The state officially closed the trail to protect public safety and prevent severe injuries.
Can you legally hike to the bottom of Wailua Falls?
No, it is illegal to hike down to the base of the falls.
The State of Hawaii strictly prohibits access to the bottom of the waterfall. Fences and warning signs mark the closed trailhead near the parking lot. Bypassing these barriers violates state park rules.
Why is the trail closed?
The trail is unmaintained, heavily eroded, and highly dangerous.
The path consists of a steep dirt cliffside. Due to frequent tropical rain, it turns into slick mud. Hikers face a high risk of falling and sudden rockfalls.
What happens if you try to hike down?
You risk severe injury and put rescue crews in danger.
Local authorities regularly warn against attempting the descent. Injuries occur often on this eroded route. Jumping or diving from the top is also highly dangerous and forbidden.
How do you see the falls instead?
You view the falls from the official paved viewing deck on Ma'alo Road.
You do not need to hike to see the waterfall. The paved upper viewing deck sits right next to the parking lot. It provides direct sightlines of the 80-foot double-tiered cascade.
Are there alternative waterfall hikes nearby?
Yes, you can paddle and hike to Secret Falls in the Wailua River basin.
While Wailua Falls is observation-only, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the Wailua River. This route allows you to paddle upstream and take a legal hike to Secret Falls.
How accessible is the legal viewpoint?
The paved viewing area requires zero hiking and takes only 10 to 15 minutes to enjoy.
The viewpoint is flat and located immediately adjacent to the parking stalls. Keep a firm grip on your camera or phone when looking over the stone retaining wall.
Questions travellers ask
Can I swim at Wailua Falls?
No. Since hiking to the base is illegal and the trail is closed, you cannot safely access the water to swim.
How tall is Wailua Falls?
The waterfall is approximately 80 to 85 feet tall. It drops in two tiers that merge into a single fall during heavy rain.
How much does it cost to visit the Wailua Falls lookout?
Non-residents pay a $5 entry fee per person plus $10 for vehicle parking. Hawaii residents enter for free with a state ID.
