 While
Kauai has an adundance of some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii,
not every visitor can afford a helicopter flight, so here finally is
a guide to some of the Waterfalls that you can access on your own.
Should you want to book a helicopter flight, click here to view the options
or email Lilikoi at lilikoi@trykauai.com
for assistance.
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 breath taking falls
that pours into a deep pool and has a rope swing - use it at your own risk.
Head
west on Hwy. 50 and turn left on Kipu Road.
(close to the 3 mile marker)
Just
before a bridge turn right on to a dirt road. You will see a gate
on your left. Park her and follow the dirt road. You will see a short
trail on your right after your short walk.
Proceed with Caution as it can be extremely
slippery when wet! DO NOT wear local flip flops! What you should
know: The stream & the falls are on state land but the surrounding
areas are privately owned. Stay between the stream banks and
you are not trespassing.
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! |