About Moaʻula
Moaʻula is a named waterfall in Maui County, Hawaii, located about 3.7 miles north of Waialua. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Halawa 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 21°09′13″ N, 156°45′59″ W (21.15356, -156.76639). Historical sources also record the names Moaula Falls, Moa‘ula Falls, and Moaula. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Hīpuapua Stream (stream, 0.2 mi), Nāwaihulili Stream (stream, 0.3 mi), and Pōʻala (summit, 0.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Hīpuapua Falls, 0.2 miles to the northwest.
Weather at Moaʻula
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Moaʻula
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Honolulu time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Moaʻula. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Moaʻula. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Hīpuapua Stream — stream, 0.2 mi
- Nāwaihulili Stream — stream, 0.3 mi
- Pōʻala — summit, 0.3 mi
- Moaʻula Stream — stream, 0.6 mi
- Pūpaʻakai Gulch — valley, 0.6 mi
- Makaʻeleʻele Gulch — valley, 0.6 mi
- Kepoʻokoholua — summit, 0.8 mi
- ʻApeʻe — summit, 1.0 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 21.15356, -156.76639. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Moaʻula
- Pu‘uka‘ōkū Falls, HI5.8 mi west
- ʻOloʻupena Falls, HI5.8 mi west
- Hāloku Falls, HI6.0 mi west
- Haha Falls, HI8.5 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Moaʻula located?
Moaʻula is in Maui County, Hawaii, about 3.7 miles north of Waialua. Its coordinates are 21.15356, -156.76639 (21°09′13″ N, 156°45′59″ W).
What town is closest to Moaʻula?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Waialua, HI, about 3.7 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Moaʻula?
The closest is Hīpuapua Falls (0.2 mi northwest). Others within reach include Moa‘ula (0.3 mi), Pāpalaua Falls (2.5 mi), and Kahiwa Falls (2.9 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Moaʻula?
Moaʻula appears on the USGS Halawa 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.