About Puʻukaʻōkū Falls
Puʻukaʻōkū Falls is a named waterfall in Maui County, Hawaii, located about 7.2 miles northwest of Waialua. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Kamalo 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 21°09′38″ N, 156°51′06″ W (21.16060, -156.85155). Historical sources also record the names Pu‘uka‘oku Falls and Puukaoku Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Honukaʻupu (summit, 1.1 mi), Pōhakuʻulaʻula (summit, 1.2 mi), and Wailau Valley (valley, 1.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Wailele Falls, 0.2 miles to the northeast.
Weather at Puʻukaʻōkū 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 Puʻukaʻōkū 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 Puʻukaʻōkū 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 Puʻukaʻōkū Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Honukaʻupu — summit, 1.1 mi
- Pōhakuʻulaʻula — summit, 1.2 mi
- Wailau Valley — valley, 1.4 mi
- Kāpapapali — cliff, 1.5 mi
- Wailau Stream — stream, 1.5 mi
- Kahawaiiki Stream — stream, 1.6 mi
- Pelekunu Stream — stream, 1.8 mi
- Kawaiiki Stream — stream, 1.8 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 21.16060, -156.85155. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Puʻukaʻōkū Falls
- Mo‘oloa Falls, HI4.8 mi southwest
- Hina Falls, HI4.8 mi southwest
- Moʻoloa Falls, HI4.9 mi southwest
- Haha Falls, HI4.9 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Puʻukaʻōkū Falls located?
Puʻukaʻōkū Falls is in Maui County, Hawaii, about 7.2 miles northwest of Waialua. Its coordinates are 21.16060, -156.85155 (21°09′38″ N, 156°51′06″ W).
What town is closest to Puʻukaʻōkū Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Waialua, HI, about 7.2 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Puʻukaʻōkū Falls?
The closest is Wailele Falls (0.2 mi northeast). Others within reach include ʻOloʻupena Falls (0.3 mi), Pu‘uka‘ōkū Falls (0.4 mi), and Hāloku Falls (0.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Puʻukaʻōkū Falls?
Puʻukaʻōkū Falls appears on the USGS Kamalo 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.