About Pāpalaua Falls
Pāpalaua Falls is a named waterfall in Maui County, Hawaii, located about 5.0 miles northwest of Waialua. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Halawa 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 21°09′34″ N, 156°48′17″ W (21.15943, -156.80484). Historical sources also record the name Papalaua Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Kapeʻa Stream (stream, 0.1 mi), Keahiakalio (summit, 0.8 mi), and Kaunupahu (summit, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Kahiwa Falls, 0.7 miles to the north.
More Photos
3 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Pāpalaua Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast 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 Pāpalaua 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 Pāpalaua Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Pāpalaua Falls holds a 5.0 average from 3 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Pāpalaua Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Kapeʻa Stream — stream, 0.1 mi
- Keahiakalio — summit, 0.8 mi
- Kaunupahu — summit, 0.8 mi
- Kawainui Stream — stream, 0.8 mi
- Pāpalaua Valley — valley, 0.8 mi
- Kahiwa Gulch — valley, 1.0 mi
- Pōhakuloa — summit, 1.0 mi
- Waiahoʻokalo Gulch — valley, 1.0 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 21.15943, -156.80484. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Pāpalaua Falls
- Pu‘uka‘ōkū Falls, HI3.3 mi west
- ʻOloʻupena Falls, HI3.3 mi west
- Hāloku Falls, HI3.5 mi west
- Haha Falls, HI6.7 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pāpalaua Falls located?
Pāpalaua Falls is in Maui County, Hawaii, about 5.0 miles northwest of Waialua. Its coordinates are 21.15943, -156.80484 (21°09′34″ N, 156°48′17″ W).
What town is closest to Pāpalaua Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Waialua, HI, about 5.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Pāpalaua Falls?
The closest is Kahiwa Falls (0.7 mi north). Others within reach include Moa‘ula (2.3 mi), Hīpuapua Falls (2.4 mi), and Moaʻula (2.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Pāpalaua Falls?
Pāpalaua Falls appears on the USGS Halawa 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.