Updated July 2026
Kapena Falls
Kapena Falls is a short, low waterfall (roughly 15-30 feet by various accounts) on Nuʻuanu Stream just above downtown Honolulu, reached by a short trail past banyan trees and a swimming hole. The trailhead is accessed through Nuʻuanu Memorial Park, and freshwater pools here can carry leptospirosis risk.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check unknown for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kapena Falls drops about 20 feet. That makes it the 622nd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 12% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Kapena Falls Trail reaches it about 0.5 miles (out-and-back), rated easy. The nearest town is Honolulu. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with unknown for closures and current conditions.
year-round. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Hawaii waterfalls
- ʻAkaka Falls · 442 ft
- Alelele Falls · 65 ft
- Hanakāpīʻai Falls · 300 ft
- Hanakoa Falls
- Hanawi Falls · 200 ft
- Hiʻilawe Falls · 1,450 ft
- Hoʻopiʻi Falls · 20 ft
- Kahiwa Falls · 2,165 ft
Sources
Get trip conditions by email
Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.