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Wonder
Wailele Falls, Moloka’i
In short
Some of the highest seaside cliffs in the world are stretching along the northern coast of Moloka’i island. The highest ones are some 4.2 km wide cliffs (Haloku Cliffs) between Pelekunu and Wailau valleys, reaching a height up to 1,010 m.
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GPS coordinates
Location, address
Height
Map of the site
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In detail
In this area are located several spectacular and extremely high waterfalls, including the Wailele Falls.
Description
Falls have formed in some of the highest cliffs of the world, which are located in the north-eastern part of Moloka’i, in some 4 – 5 km long section between the Pelekunu and Wailau valleys. Here the ocean meets nearly vertical cliffs rising up to 1,010 m above the sea. Cliffs end abruptly in the sea and in Hawaiian are called “Na Pali” – sea cliffs.
At Wailele Falls there has formed a narrow beach – but it is inaccessible, limited by high cliffs on both sides.
There are numerous small streams falling over the edge of the cliff. These streams are small (only 1 – 3 km long) and seasonal – during the dry season there is little water. But during the rainy season (November – March) enormous cliff becomes adorned with numerous white ribbons of waterfalls.
Wailele Falls, according to the estimates from topographical maps are approximately 580 meters tall. The water there is not falling in a free fall – for the most part, it slides down along the nearly vertical basalt cliff. In the lower part though it reaches cliff overhand and is falling in free fall.
Waterfall is thin and deeply etched in an inaccessible cliff. Due to this it is rarely seen and photographed.
Falls can be observed from the sea – there are tourist companies offering guided boat tours along this rugged, extremely impressive coast. One can go closer to the falls and experience a mist falling from this wonderful nature monument. Even more impressive sight opens from the helicopter. Boat ride and helicopter though require good weather conditions.
Only 800 – 900 m to the west there is located the highest known waterfall in Hawaii and one of highest waterfalls in the world – Olo’upena Falls (some 900 m tall) and some 200 – 400 m to the west are approximately 840 m high Pu’uka’oku Falls.
At high winds Wailele Falls and other falls nearby don’t reach the ocean – wind catches them and rises up again. This fascinating sight is not seen by general tourists – helicopters and boats do not move around in such weather.
References
- Wailele Falls. World Waterfall Database.
Wailele Falls are included in the following article:
Linked articles
Waterfalls
Some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
Wonders of Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands belong to the most remote islands in the world. Hawaii is characterized by a tropical climate, mountainous relief, volcanism, and isolation. If compared to most islands in the Pacific, several Hawaiian Islands have comparatively large landmasses. All these factors have led to the development of numerous impressive and unique natural attractions and some impressive monuments of culture.
Wonders of the United States
The United States of America is one of the largest countries in the world and offers a wide array of diverse attractions: many are unsurpassed in the world. Highlights of the United States are cliffs, canyons, and rock formations, several impressive downtowns of cities with numerous skyscrapers as well as a rich array of geothermal features, and the giant forest of California.
Recommended books
Ancient Sites of Maui, Molokai and Lanai
This informative and easy-to-follow guidebook makes the ancient sites of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai available to the general public for the first time. Grouping the sites by location, the book characterizes the cultural background of five main types of sites: heiau (temples), pohaku (sacred stones), petroglyphs, caves, and fishponds.
