About Papala Falls
Papala Falls is a named waterfall in Hawaii County, Hawaii, located about 6.4 miles northeast of Waimea. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Kukuihaele 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 20°05′56″ N, 155°37′01″ W (20.09891, -155.61702). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Nanaue Stream (stream, 0.6 mi), Lālākea Stream (stream, 1.4 mi), and Hiʻilawe Stream (stream, 1.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Aimoo Falls, 0.4 miles to the southwest.
Weather at Papala 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 Papala 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 Papala 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
Papala 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 Papala Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Nanaue Stream — stream, 0.6 mi
- Lālākea Stream — stream, 1.4 mi
- Hiʻilawe Stream — stream, 1.5 mi
- Waimā Stream — stream, 1.6 mi
- Waipiʻo Stream — stream, 1.6 mi
- Waimanu Gap — gap, 1.9 mi
- Koʻiawe Stream — stream, 2.0 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 20.09891, -155.61702. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Papala Falls
- Hakalaoa Falls, HI1.4 mi east
- Waiholoa Falls, HI1.6 mi southeast
- Waiamoa Falls, HI1.7 mi northeast
- Ipuu Falls, HI1.8 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Papala Falls located?
Papala Falls is in Hawaii County, Hawaii, about 6.4 miles northeast of Waimea. Its coordinates are 20.09891, -155.61702 (20°05′56″ N, 155°37′01″ W).
What town is closest to Papala Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Waimea, HI, about 6.4 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Papala Falls?
The closest is Aimoo Falls (0.4 mi southwest). Others within reach include Nanaue Falls (0.6 mi), Aa Falls (0.6 mi), and Kakeha Falls (1.0 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Papala Falls?
Papala 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.