Sacred Falls

Oahu Waterfall Guide

Sacred Falls

Sacred Falls is a closed Oahu waterfall near Hauula, where hiking is illegal because of deadly rockfall hazards and a 1999 tragedy.

Sacred Falls, Oahu

Sacred Falls, which is named after the 1,370-acre state park that it resides in, is a beautiful waterfall on Oahu that is surrounded by rocky cliffs and greenery. It drops 80 feet (24 m) down into a pool. This waterfall used to be one of the most popular ones on the island when it was still accessible via a hiking trail.

However, on Mother's Day of 1999, the trail was closed indefinitely after eight people were killed and 50 others were injured when boulders and rocks collapsed into the narrow Sacred Falls valley where the visitors were unable to escape from the falling debris.

Even before the incident, the area was known to be dangerous because the footing on the park's trail could become very slippery, and deaths had occurred on the waterfall trail when water from flash floods in the mountains swept hikers down the canyon.

The park still remains closed to the public, though there has been advocacy to reopen it with restrictions. For now, the only way you can see the falls is by air, such as while on an Oahu helicopter tour.

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5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 rated visitor reviews, plus 5 unrated comments.

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Mark

Fri Aug 02, 2024

Beautiful to see it from the air.

Hi'iakaikapoli'opele

Sun Jan 06, 2019

Reading the other person's comment is infuriating to anyone that appreciates the sacredness, history, and safety of this area. Freedom is not free, and anyone thinking that can break the law, even if it is for their own safety is just lying to him/herself. I've seen too many people just like this feel entitled to break laws and when they get really hurt, blame the state and sue because there was not enough "signs" or preventive measures to stop them. Same thing happened at the blow hole some years ago when a tourist decided to "exercise his freedom" and cross the boundries, fences, walls, and Do Not Enter signs there, ONLY to be killed. The family then sued the state successfully for millions of dollars for the reasons listed above. The citizens of Hawai'i was then billed for this "freedom". If you value your life and the laws of this land, obey them for your safety and keep sacred falls sacred.

Tiffani Corda

Sat Feb 20, 2016

I've been here twice in my life. I'm returning to Hawaii in a few weeks and would love more than anything to return there again. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that that the government can tell me I can't go somewhere simply because they think it might be dangerous. What ever happened to freedom? I'll decide what what's good for me and what's not. Just a sign of the times I guess. The government has to decide everything for everybody. So much for the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Monica

Thu Dec 03, 2015

I was shown this trail back in 76 by some local friends. I used to hike back by myself alot as a teen. whenever I could... and swim, bask on the rocks...felt like my hair was conditioned from the icy water so pure, and softening. No other sound but the fall, birds. The icy water and warm sunlight peeking through...I will never forget that view straight up between the adjoining mountains. It was a seminal part of my Spiritual growth and commune with nature...I was so sad to hear of the closing. It is still my happy place I go to...It will remain so till I get to heaven, and guess what!? I think it will be just like that!

HI Dept. of Land & Natural Resource

Mon Mar 09, 2015

"SACRED FALLS-DON'T RISK YOUR LIFE, A FINE OR JAIL!".
A newly released video from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources highlights the personal and legal perils of entering Sacred Falls State Park on Oahu. Intended to counter countless blogs and websites which encourage hikers to trespass into the park, despite dozens of warning signs, this video traces the tragic history of death at Sacred Falls and chronicles DLNR law enforcement efforts to try and curb illegal entry.

http://player.vimeo.com/external/119992399.hd.mp4?s=b191df8ff24948bdfa93070fc52f204d

Location, Parking and Directions

Sacred Falls is located near Hauula on Oahu's windward side, but the state park and former trail are closed to public entry. The map point is kept at the current page coordinates for reference only, not as a hiking, parking or access point. Visitors should not attempt to enter the valley, cross gates, ignore closure signs or access the area through nearby properties.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sacred Falls open to hikers?

No. Sacred Falls State Park and the former trail are closed to public entry. Visitors should not attempt to hike into the valley.

Why is Sacred Falls closed?

The park closed after the May 9, 1999 rockslide that killed eight people and injured around 50 others. The valley still has serious rockfall and rescue hazards.

Can visitors be fined for entering Sacred Falls?

Yes. DLNR says entering the closed area can be treated as a petty misdemeanor, with possible penalties of a $1,000 fine or up to 30 days in jail.

How can visitors see Sacred Falls legally?

The legal way most visitors see Sacred Falls is from the air, when helicopter routes and weather conditions allow.

Should visitors follow old hiking directions online?

No. Old trail directions and social media posts may show illegal access. The park remains closed, and visitors should choose legal waterfall hikes instead.