Permanently Closed State Park on the North Shore of Oahu — Site of the Tragic May 9, 1999 Fatal Rockslide That Killed 8 Hikers and Injured Over 30 in the Narrow Kaluanui Gulch, 80-Foot Kaliuwaa (Sacred Falls) Waterfall in a Narrow Basalt Canyon, USGS Assessment Found Ongoing Extreme Rockfall and Landslide Hazards, Park Closed Indefinitely With No Legal Public Access, Trespassing Strictly Enforced by Hawaii DLNR With Significant Fines, Only Legal Viewing by Helicopter Tour, Former Popular 2.2-Mile Hiking Trail Through Tropical Valley Now Permanently Off-Limits, Hauula North Shore Oahu Hawaii
Sacred Falls State Park (Kaliuwaʻa) is a permanently closed state park in Hauula on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, managed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The park was the site of the tragic May 9, 1999 rockslide that killed 8 people and injured more than 30 others in the narrow Kaluanui Gulch. The park features the 80-foot Kaliuwaʻa (Sacred Falls) waterfall in a narrow basalt canyon, but has been permanently closed since the 1999 disaster after a USGS geological assessment confirmed ongoing extreme rockfall and landslide hazards in the unstable canyon, no legal public access exists — the park is fenced and posted with warning signs, trespassing is strictly enforced by Hawaii DLNR officers with significant fines that increase for repeat offenses, the only legal way to view the falls is from the air via helicopter tour, the area is also culturally significant as a wahi pana (legendary sacred place) in Hawaiian culture, and the former popular 2.2-mile hiking trail through the tropical valley to the falls is permanently off-limits.
The Mother’s Day tragedy of 1999 is one of Hawaii’s worst outdoor recreation disasters — dozens of hikers and families were picnicking and swimming at the base of the falls when massive boulders broke free from the canyon walls above, with no warning and no escape route in the narrow gulch.
WARNING: Despite the closure, many people still attempt to access the falls illegally. This is extremely dangerous — the geological conditions that caused the 1999 disaster have not changed, and additional rockfalls continue to occur. It is also disrespectful to Native Hawaiian cultural values, as the area is a wahi pana (sacred place).
Important Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hauula, North Shore, Oahu, HI |
| Status | 🚫 PERMANENTLY CLOSED (since 1999) |
| Tragedy | May 9, 1999 — 8 killed, 30+ injured |
| Access | ❌ NO legal access — fines enforced |
| Legal Viewing | Helicopter only |
| Cultural | Wahi pana — sacred place |
| Managed By | Hawaii DLNR |
| Coordinates | 21.5833° N, 157.9000° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Sacred Falls SP — permanently closed since 1999 after a rockslide killed 8 hikers. The park’s 1,100-foot sacred waterfall in a narrow valley was once one of Hawaii’s most popular hikes. The valley’s tropical forest, stream, and cliffs support native forest birds and freshwater life. Access is prohibited.
Nearby Attractions
Hau’ula — adjacent. Windward Oahu — surrounding. Polynesian Cultural Center — 5 miles north.
Can you hike to Sacred Falls?
No — Sacred Falls State Park (Kaliuwaʻa) on Oahu’s North Shore has been permanently closed since a fatal rockslide on May 9, 1999 killed 8 hikers and injured over 30. The USGS confirmed the narrow Kaluanui Gulch has ongoing extreme rockfall hazards. Trespassing is strictly enforced by Hawaii DLNR with significant fines. The only legal way to view the 80-foot waterfall is by helicopter tour. The area is also a wahi pana (sacred place) in Hawaiian culture.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Laie Point State Wayside (a short drive away) and Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park (a short drive away).
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