Sacred Falls

Sacred Falls is a closed Oahu waterfall area near Hau'ula, known for its narrow valley, 1999 rockfall tragedy and permanent public-access closure.

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Sacred Falls

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.

Key Features

Closed waterfall valley near Hau'ula on windward Oahu
Sacred Falls State Park has been closed to public entry since 1999
1999 Mother's Day rockslide killed eight people and injured many others
Steep valley walls can release rocks without warning
No legal hiking trail, visitor permit or public access into the closed park
Locked gate and warning signs mark the former access area
Illegal entry can endanger visitors and first responders
Penalties can include a $1,000 fine or up to 30 days in jail
Possible views only from legal air tours when conditions allow

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Sacred Falls closed?

Sacred Falls is closed because the narrow valley has dangerous rockfall hazards. A 1999 rockslide killed eight people, and the state has kept the park off limits since then.

Can you get a permit to hike Sacred Falls?

No. There is no public hiking permit or legal visitor trail into Sacred Falls State Park.

What happened at Sacred Falls in 1999?

On Mother's Day in 1999, a rockslide in the valley killed eight hikers and injured many others near the waterfall area.

Why is the valley still dangerous?

The steep valley walls can release rocks without warning, and the narrow canyon makes rescue work dangerous for first responders.

Is there any legal way to see Sacred Falls?

The only legal visitor view is from the air on permitted helicopter or air tours, when weather and route conditions allow.