Moaula Falls, also known as Mo'oula Falls, is a waterfall on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, United States. It drops about 250 feet and sits at the far end of Halawa Valley, a green, lush valley on the island's eastern side.
The walk in
Reaching the falls means a hike of roughly 1.8 miles through the valley. The route is scenic, with the greenery of the valley around you for much of the way, and it makes the falls feel like a destination you have earned. Wear footwear suited to a trail that may be uneven, and plan for the walk back out as well as the walk in.
At the falls
The waterfall itself is the focus of the visit: a tall, plunging cascade into a pool, framed by the valley walls. Visitors often come to look at the water, take photographs, and spend time in the quiet of the setting.
Local tradition holds that anyone wishing to swim should first float a ti leaf on the pool. If the leaf drifts calmly, the water is considered safe; this custom is worth respecting as part of the local way of doing things.
Planning your visit
- Allow time for the round hike, not just the falls themselves.
- Check the conditions before you go, since the trail and water can change.
- Treat the valley as a place with its own traditions, and leave it as you found it.
Moaula Falls suits visitors who enjoy walking into a landscape rather than simply viewing it from a road. Molokai is a quieter island, and the falls make a rewarding half-day or day outing for those drawn to nature and to the valley's character.