Waterfall · Kauai County, Hawaii

Hoʻoleʻa Falls

Waterfall about 12 miles west of Princeville, HI. Also known as Kolea Falls, Holea Falls, and Hoolea Falls.

Photo of Ho‘ole‘a Falls, a waterfall 0.3 miles from Hoʻoleʻa Falls
Pictured: nearby Ho‘ole‘a Falls (0.3 mi)

About Hoʻoleʻa Falls

Hoʻoleʻa Falls is a named waterfall in Kauai County, Hawaii, located about 12 miles west of Princeville. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Haena 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 22°10′16″ N, 159°39′35″ W (22.17101, -159.65969). Historical sources also record the names Kolea Falls, Holea Falls, and Hoolea Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Nākeikianāʻiʻiwi (pillar, 0.3 mi), Kalalau Stream (stream, 0.7 mi), and Kālepa Ridge (ridge, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Ho‘ole‘a Falls, 0.3 miles to the northwest.

Weather at Hoʻoleʻa Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Hoʻoleʻa Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in Honolulu time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Hoʻoleʻa Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Hoʻoleʻa Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Nākeikianāʻiʻiwi — pillar, 0.3 mi
  • Kalalau Stream — stream, 0.7 mi
  • Kālepa Ridge — ridge, 0.7 mi
  • Kalalau Valley — valley, 0.7 mi
  • Honopu Arch — arch, 0.8 mi
  • Honopū Valley — valley, 0.8 mi
  • Niʻaniʻau — summit, 0.9 mi
  • Kalahū — summit, 1.2 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 22.17101, -159.65969. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Hoʻoleʻa Falls

Photo of Hanakāpīʻai Falls, a waterfall 1.3 miles from Hanakoa Falls
Pictured: nearby Hanakāpīʻai Falls (1.3 mi)

Hanakoa Falls

Princeville, HI · 3.0 mi east
Photo of Moeloa Falls near Waimea, HI

Moeloa Falls

Waimea, HI · 3.9 mi southeast
5.0 (2)
Photo of Ho‘ole‘a Falls, a waterfall 4.1 miles from Paaiki Falls
Pictured: nearby Ho‘ole‘a Falls (4.1 mi)

Paaiki Falls

Kekaha, HI · 4.1 mi southwest

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hoʻoleʻa Falls located?

Hoʻoleʻa Falls is in Kauai County, Hawaii, about 12 miles west of Princeville. Its coordinates are 22.17101, -159.65969 (22°10′16″ N, 159°39′35″ W).

What town is closest to Hoʻoleʻa Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Princeville, HI, about 12 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Hoʻoleʻa Falls?

The closest is Ho‘ole‘a Falls (0.3 mi northwest). Others within reach include Hanakoa Falls (3.0 mi), Moeloa Falls (3.9 mi), and Paaiki Falls (4.1 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Hoʻoleʻa Falls?

Hoʻoleʻa Falls appears on the USGS Haena 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.