Paddle Report

Headwaters To Mouth At Pelekunu Bay river run

Hawaii, USA Pelekunu Stream 2.0 mi long Class IV-V
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
224%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Headwaters To  Mouth At Pelekunu Bay -- Hawaii paddle run
Headwaters To Mouth At Pelekunu Bay Hawaii · Pelekunu Stream
About this run

Headwaters To Mouth At Pelekunu Bay

The Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Mouth at Pelekunu Bay in Hawaii is a thrilling adventure for experienced paddlers. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 200-500 cfs, which can increase to 700 cfs during heavy rain. This run is rated as Class IV-V, and covers approximately 7 miles of the river with a total drop of 1,500 feet.

The segment from the headwaters to the halfway point is the most challenging, with several Class V rapids including "Jaws" and "Pinball". Paddlers must carefully navigate through technical drops, narrow chutes, and steep boulder gardens. The second half of the run is less intense, with mostly Class III-IV rapids and scenic stretches of the river.

There are specific regulations for this area, including a permit requirement from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and a limit of six paddlers per group. In addition, all paddlers must wear helmets and personal flotation devices. It is also important to be aware of the potential for flash flooding and the risk of falling rocks.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run is a challenging and exhilarating adventure for experienced paddlers seeking a thrilling whitewater experience. However, it is important to follow all regulations and safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
StateHawaii
RiverPelekunu Stream
Run length2.0 mi
ClassIV-V
Elevation258 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal224%
StreamgageUSGS 16400000
Latitude21.1315°
Longitude-156.8765°
Detailed forecast

Plan your run down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.

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Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Headwaters To Mouth At Pelekunu Bay -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

Whitewater safety

Check the flow before you run
Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
Know your skill ceiling
Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
Wear the right gear
Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
Scout, set safety, and run with a team
Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
Respect the river
Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Headwaters To Mouth At Pelekunu Bay as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.

FAQ

About Headwaters To Mouth At Pelekunu Bay

What's the optimal flow for Headwaters To Mouth At Pelekunu Bay?

The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.

How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?

The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.

What's the whitewater class?

See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.

Where do I put in / take out?

Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.

Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.