Upper Makamakaole Falls Trail

Overview

This is the in-the-stream adventure to the upper section of Makamakaole Falls. Expect a short but slow outing: roughly 2.0 miles total, out-and-back, with around five hundred feet of cumulative up-and-down and lots of wet, slick rock. The draw is two different waterfall endings and a lush, enclosed gulch that stays green even in summer. If you’re comfortable hopping rocks and getting your feet wet, it’s a blast; if not, skip it.

Route snapshot

Start at the small roadside pullout by the bridge and hairpin on Kahekili Highway (near mile 8). You’ll immediately meet Makamakaole Stream; if that first crossing looks pushy or high, turn around. The route weaves upstream through a short bamboo section and pockets of ginger, guava, and other vegetation, with frequent stream crossings and narrow, rocky tread. Around 0.8–0.9 miles in, the stream splits:

• Right/North Fork: Less obvious and less busy; typically the deeper, better swimming pool.
• Left/South Fork: Easier path to a smaller, shallower falls; often involves more than the classic “13” crossings if you favor this side.

Informal ropes sometimes appear near the falls—assume they’re uninspected and don’t rely on them.

Logistics and expectations

Parking is very limited and roadside only, and this pullout has a reputation for vehicle break-ins. Leave nothing visible, and keep your stop efficient. There’s no fee, no facilities, and cell service is spotty—download your map beforehand as the path can be overgrown and hard to follow in spots. Dogs are reported on-leash.

Safety first

Flash floods are a real hazard in this narrowing gulch. Do not attempt this hike during or soon after heavy rain; water rises fast and crossings become dangerous. Footing is the name of the game here: wet rock is slick, the streambed shifts, and you’ll be in and out of water often. Trekking poles and grippy footwear make a big difference.

Best time to hike

Aim for a dry stretch of weather. Summer is typically drier; November to March tends to be wetter. An early start helps with parking and cooler temps, and it gives you time to evaluate water levels conservatively. If flows are low and stable, bring a towel—many hikers take a dip at the right-fork pool.

Alternatives nearby

For a sweeping, distant view of the upper falls and the whole valley, the ridge trail nearby offers a grander panorama on a clear day. There’s also a separate, steeper path that drops toward the lower section of the falls from the highway, but it’s a different experience and not the same trail as this stream route.