(Pdf of Kauai Waterfalls)

Hanakapi'ai Falls  spectacular falls on the North Shore - semi tough 2 mile hike to get to once you arrive at Hanakapi'ai Beach
Head North on Hwy. 56 until the road ends at Haena State Park.  That's where the the trail head begins for the Kalalau Trail.  You will find it to your left.  Follow the trail 2 miles in to Hanakapi'ai Stream, take a left on the far side of the stream.  There is a sign that will direct you to the falls.  From the stream crossing, it will be another 2 mile hike up to the valley to the falls.  It's an 8 mile round trip which is a good distance to travel, so bring plenty of water and something to snack on.  Once at the falls, should you decide to swim under the falls, * WATCH OUT for falling rocks! This is a strenuous 6 hour hike.

Ho'opii Falls  a favorite falls where my children frequented in their teens :)
Head to the North end of Kapaa Town.  Turn toward the mountain (mauka) on to Kawaihau Road at mile marker 9.  Drive about 3 miles.  Then, turn left just before Kaapuni Road which will be on your left and you will see Kapahi Road on your right.  It's a sharp turn onto Kapahi Road.  Please respect the neighborhood in this area.  Follow Kapahi Road until you come to an old public dirt road (currently used as a trail) which will be on your left.  Stay on the hike trail that is parallel to a stream.  Keep track of where the stream is and you will come to a place where the stream turns left.  You will need to cross at this point.  * Caution: If it is too deep, DO NOT CROSS.  As soon as you cross, you will be at a staircase leading down to the falls.  You will pass a few trespassing signs in route, proceed with caution.  You will need Bug spray for sure!  This is a moderate 2 hour hike.

Kalihi'wai Falls
The falls are on private property.There is no public hiking to the falls allowed.  People are welcome to kayak the river, but if they venture up to the falls they are asked to leave as the minute you are on the land, you are trespassing.  There are clearly "No Trespassing Signs". The gates have often been left open which leaves cattle to roam free. To avoid an embarrassing and illegal situation, please heed the "No Trespassing Signs" and avoid hiking to the falls.  The ideal and best way to get to the falls is to take either a horseback ride or guided hike or kayak in Princeville.

Kipu Falls  For many years now this has been a falls that came with a ... use it at your own risk warning. "Proceed with Caution as it can be extremely slippery when wet!  DO NOT wear local flip flops!"  What you should know:  Currently, this private property partly owned by the State is restricted and closed to the public to keep our visitors and locals safe from harm. 

Opaekaa Falls  151 foot waterfall which has a Lookout point :)
Located on the South end of Kapaa Town.  Take Hwy. 56 to Kuamoo Road (580) and turn towards the mountain (mauka) on Kuamoo Road.  It is a very short drive to Opaekaa Falls lookout parking area.  No hiking is required to view this spectacular waterfall.  This falls flows year around but naturally will be raging in the rainier Winter months.  Take great care when crossing the highway. 

Secret Falls  You need to paddle or hike to this one.
You can rent kayaks at different locations on the island or take a tour on the Wailua River.  Rental companies offer a good map.  At the start of Kuamoo Road in Wailua, you will turn left from Hwy. 56, you will find the Wailua River State Park on your left.  This is the launch area for all Kayakers.  You need to paddle up the river until you reach the fork, then take the north fork (right) until it ends.  It is approximately a 1 hour paddle dependent on your ability.  You need to pull your kayak up high enough on the river bank to allow for water to rise.  You'll find a trail head on your left across the river.  The hike takes about 1 hour to Secret Falls.  If the weather has been rainy, it can get rather slippery and muddy so wear old tennis shoes, or aggressive tread sandals.  Water socks also work well.  You will definitely need bug spray. 

Wailua Falls  You will remember Wailua Falls from the famous TV show Fantasy Island.
It's about 30 feet deep and I have been told that it has bass and shrimp in it :).  Authorities measure this falls at 80 feet but some believe it is about 170 plus feet.  No Hiking is required to stop and enjoy the view.  Take Hwy. 56 through Hanamaulu (just north of Lihue) to Maalo Road (583).  Turn on to Maalo Road, then follow it 6 miles to the end and you will be there!  See the Photo generously shared by my clients Elizabeth & Dan above.

Waipoo Falls  Another favorite 2 Falls located in Waimea on the West Side
You can park on the top of the dirt road on Hale Manu Road between mile markers 14 & 15 on Waimea Canyon Road and walk down to the trail head.  At the start of the trail, there is a lookout that trails off to the right ... you can check it out first or save it until the end as the other views are probably better.  The main trail continues ... just past and below the ridge you will come to an intersection that indicates falls 1 & falls 2.  Falls 1 is tiny but the pool is quite refreshing for a quick cold swim.  Falls 2 on Waipoo takes a two-step plunge down 800 feet.  You are at the top!  These falls may flow a bit low in the Summer months, so don't be disappointed.  You will enjoy the scenery anyway.  This is a 3 hour moderately strenuous hike.  The views are breathtaking on both sides!

Some things to consider &  remember ...
• Wear aggressive tread sandals, old tennis shoes, or water socks with tread. 
• Packing bug spray is always a good idea!
• Bring plenty of  water and something to snack on for the longer hikes.
• Respect the surrounding local neighborhoods.
• Watch out for falling rocks. 
• Don't forget to bring your camera!