About Hiʻilawe Falls
Hiʻilawe Falls is a named waterfall in Hawaii County, Hawaii, located about 7.0 miles northeast of Waimea. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Kukuihaele 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 20°05′41″ N, 155°35′47″ W (20.09479, -155.59637). Historical sources also record the names Hiilawe Falls and Hiilawe Fall. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Lālākea Stream (stream, 0.2 mi), Lālākea Reservoir (reservoir, 0.9 mi), and Nanaue Stream (stream, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Hakalaoa Falls, under 0.1 miles to the east.
Plunging over 1000 feet, this famous waterfall was made when a lava flow created the large cliffs.
More Photos
66 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Hiʻilawe 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 Hiʻilawe 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 Hiʻilawe 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
Hiʻilawe Falls holds a 3.5 average from 39 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Hiʻilawe Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Lālākea Stream — stream, 0.2 mi
- Lālākea Reservoir — reservoir, 0.9 mi
- Nanaue Stream — stream, 1.1 mi
- Hiʻilawe Stream — stream, 1.1 mi
- Lālākea Fishpond — reservoir, 1.5 mi
- Wailoa Stream — stream, 1.7 mi
- Waipiʻo Valley — valley, 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 20.09479, -155.59637. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Hiʻilawe Falls
- Naalapa Falls, HI1.5 mi northwest
- Aimoo Falls, HI1.5 mi west
- Aa Falls, HI1.7 mi west
- Waiamoa Falls, HI1.8 mi north
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hiʻilawe Falls located?
Hiʻilawe Falls is in Hawaii County, Hawaii, about 7.0 miles northeast of Waimea. Its coordinates are 20.09479, -155.59637 (20°05′41″ N, 155°35′47″ W).
What town is closest to Hiʻilawe Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Waimea, HI, about 7.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Hiʻilawe Falls?
The closest is Hakalaoa Falls (under 0.1 mi east). Others within reach include Ipuu Falls (0.5 mi), Kakeha Falls (0.5 mi), and Waiholoa Falls (1.0 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Hiʻilawe Falls?
Hiʻilawe Falls appears on the USGS Kukuihaele 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.