Horsetail · Hawaii
At 2,600 ft, Waihilau Falls ranks among the tallest waterfalls in the United States — a horsetail waterfall in Hawaii. By documented height, it is the #2 tallest waterfall in this guide.
Its water comes from Waihilau Stream. You'll find it in Hawaii County, Hawaii.
This is a backcountry waterfall: a remote, long, or permit-required trek for prepared visitors. The walk to the main viewpoint runs about 9 miles round trip. Base a visit out of Honokaʻa, the closest town.
Trail details are compiled from the managing agency and trail databases. Conditions, closures, and required permits change — confirm with the land manager before you go.
● waterfall · ● trailhead · 20.1134, -155.6574 · Open in Google Maps. Coordinates mark the feature, not legal parking.
Waihilau Falls has a documented drop of 2,600 ft (792 m). Reported waterfall heights can vary by source and whether they measure a single drop or a full cascade.
Waihilau Falls is in Hawaii County, Hawaii, on Waihilau Stream.
Waihilau Falls is backcountry — a remote, long, or permit-required trek for prepared visitors. The walk to the viewpoint is about 9 miles round trip.
Name and coordinates from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS); height, access, and seasonal notes compiled from the sources above. Reported heights vary by measurement method — see our methodology. Conditions and access change; always check the managing agency’s current page before visiting, and follow Leave No Trace principles.