About Papalaua Falls
Papalaua Falls is an impressive 1200ft waterfall (though I have seen one claim it’s 1700ft) sitting on the rugged and steep north shore of Molokai.
I’ve been on two different helicopter rides over a span of four years that have visited this particular waterfall. So that seems to suggest that this one can be reliably seen.
And of course it doesn’t hurt that it’s just a spectacular and breathtaking waterfall. It’s certainly one of my favorites in all the Hawaiian Islands.
There has been a bit of misinformation floating around, and I witnessed this firsthand when our latest helicopter tour over West Maui and Molokai perpetuated false claims that this is Kahiwa Falls.
I knew this wasn’t correct based on the topo maps
Anyways, as far as I’m concerned, this is pretty much a helicopter waterfall unless you’re one of the few folks who can boat to this part of Moloka’i.
And even if you do go on a chopper ride, seeing all the major waterfalls (including this one) on such a tour is far from guaranteed.
You see, the catch-22 is that the November to March wet season is when water flows are highest, but it is also when clouds tend to cause changes in helicopter routes and prevent overflights of the best waterfalls (not to mention turbulence and sudden downpours adding further complications).
There is also the luck of the draw when it comes to helicopter seating – front seats are best for waterfall viewing, but go to passengers with the lowest body weights (see this article that we wrote about helicopters).
So I guess the bottom line is that it’s that uncertainty of outcome is what makes attractions like these rewarding and memorable. It also adds that sense of mystery for those wanting to come here as well as nostalgia for those (like us) who have been fortunate enough to have seen it with our very eyes.
Authorities
To my knowledge, Papalaua Falls does not belong to a formal authority. However, for information or inquiries about the general area as well as current conditions, you may want to try visiting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) website.
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Papalaua Falls’ Height (Private pilot in Hawaii) August 11, 2014 2:53 am - I have the good fortune to have lived in Hawaii for the past 22 years. I am a private and former military pilot. I have flown past Papalaua Falls on Molokai's northeast coast dozens of times over the years in fact have spread the ashes of several dear friends in the area because of it… ...Read MoreVisitor Reviews of this Waterfall:
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Papalaua Falls October 2, 2009 11:33 am - I am extremely familiar with Papalaua Falls. I used to run kayak trips down Koolau, Moloka'i and will again someday. I also made two documentaries including the falls. "Moloka'i's Forgotten Frontier" won a 1985 Emmy Award and the US Outdoor Writers Council "Teddy" for Best Environmental Education production of the year. "Moloka'i'i, Child of the… ...Read MoreNearest Waterfalls
