Papalaua Falls is a waterfall on the northern shore of the Hawaiian island of Molokai, in the Papalaua Valley. Fed by the Kawai Nui stream,[1] it flows for 501 m (1,644 ft) and carves out a very steep fissure. It has five drops, and the middle of the falls has a 340 m (1,120 ft) drop that can be seen from the sea, making it popular with aerial or boat tours of the island.[2][3] While it flows all year round, it is especially powerful during the rainy season, from November to March.[4][5][6] The waterfall is commonly misidentified as the nearby Kahiwa Falls.[4] The area surrounding the waterfall still contains remnants of the terraces Native Hawaiians and Chinese used to grow taro.[7] Its name comes from the word pāpala-ua, meaning "rain fog".

Papalaua Falls
An aerial view of the waterfall in 2012
Papalaua Falls is located in Molokai and Lanai
Papalaua Falls
Papalaua Falls is located in Hawaii
Papalaua Falls
Map
LocationMolokai, Hawaii
Coordinates21°09′51″N 156°48′26″W / 21.1643°N 156.8073°W / 21.1643; -156.8073
Total height1,250 ft (380 m)
Number of drops5

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Morgan, Lee. "Famous Waterfalls in Hawaii". USA Today. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  2. ^ Shute, Megan (June 29, 2019). "The Secret Waterfall In Hawaii That Most People Don't Know About". OnlyInYourState. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  3. ^ "Papalaua Falls - Best Waterfalls in Hawaii". Charismatic Planet. December 20, 2023. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Papalaua Falls - Top Waterfalls in the World". World Top Top. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  5. ^ "Papalaua Falls". Wondermondo. June 14, 2010. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  6. ^ Chatsuthiphan, David. "Molokai by Air". Unreal Hawaii. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  7. ^ Miloseski, Metodija (June 19, 2013). "Hawaii`s Most Gorgeous Waterfalls". The Beauty of Travel. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.