Updated July 2026
Waihilau Falls
Waihilau Falls is a very tall (commonly cited 2,600-foot, though disputed and seasonal) cascade at the back of remote Waimanu Valley, reached only via the strenuous Muliwai Trail beyond Waipiʻo Valley.
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 the managing agency for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Waihilau Falls drops about 2,600 feet. That makes it the 2nd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 100% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Muliwai Trail to Waimanu Valley reaches it about 9 miles (out-and-back), rated strenuous. The nearest town is Honokaʻa. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with the managing agency for closures and current conditions.
No best-season window is documented for Waihilau Falls. As a general rule, waterfall flow peaks with spring snowmelt and after sustained rain, and drops sharply in 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
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