Hawaii river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Hawaii with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
Hawaii paddle map
See which Hawaii runs are in right now
Every run and gauge on one live map:
- Runnable now — too low, in range or too high
- Gauges — every river vs its normal flow
- Rain coming — 24/48/72-hr forecast, press play
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Hawaii river runs today
What’s in range, the best bets by class and what’s running high — from live USGS gauges.
Best bets in range today — Class V: Headwaters To Mouth At Pelekunu Bay (8 cfs); Class IV: Headwaters And Includes All Tributaries To Confluence Wit… (8 cfs) and Confluence Of Pulena And Waiakeakua Streams To Mouth At P… (8 cfs).
Hawaii may be best known for its stunning beaches, but the islands also offer some incredible whitewater and kayaking experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. One popular destination is the Wailua River on Kauai, which offers a beautiful and serene paddle through lush rainforest with the option for more adventurous whitewater sections further upstream. The river is best experienced at moderate flow levels, around 200-400 cubic feet per second, to ensure a fun and safe trip.
For those seeking more adrenaline-pumping rapids, the Hanauma Bay on Oahu is a must-visit spot. With Class III-IV rapids, this river offers a thrilling ride through narrow canyons and breathtaking scenery. It is recommended to go with a guide or experienced kayaker due to the technical nature of the rapids. No matter which river you choose to explore in Hawaii, it is important to always check current streamflow levels, wear appropriate safety gear, and be mindful of the local weather conditions. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, a whitewater or kayaking trip in Hawaii is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Hawaii paddle report
About Hawaii river runs
What does whitewater class mean?
The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.
Where does the Hawaii streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each Hawaii paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.
What's a runnable level?
Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Hawaii paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.
Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?
Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.
Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?
No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.