Kauai, Hawaii
If you are heading to Kauai, Hawaii, you are in for an epic trip of natural beauty. This island is known as the “Garden Isle”. It is a lush landscape with incredible canyons, beaches and of course incredible waterfalls! This is a little guide of the top waterfalls to visit.
Kauai's Top Waterfalls
Kauai is packed with waterfalls- some which are very easily accessible, some that require some hiking and some that are challenging to reach but viewable from scenic flights. Here is a list of the top 10 waterfalls in Kauai.
- Wailua Falls
- ‘Opaeka’a Falls
- Hanakāpīʻai Falls
- Waipo’o Falls
- Ho’opi’i Falls
- Mount Waialeale Falls
- Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)
- Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Falls)
- Hanakoa Falls
- Kalihiwai Falls
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is one of the top waterfalls on the island and is easily seen from overlook. It is officially located in Lihue and part of the Wailua River State Park. It is an twin cascade that drops 80 feet. There used to be availability to hike down but the government has blocked that off.
'Opaeka'a Falls
‘Opaeka’a Falls is another easily accessible waterfall in Kauai with a viewpoint from the road. It is about 2 miles up Route 580 in Wailua. It is about 151 foot tall and 40 foot wide waterfall. At the viewpoint you can also cross the road and get a great overlook over the Wailua River as well.
Ho’opi’i Falls
Ho’opi’i Falls is a great waterfall to visit accessible via a short hike. This hike is in a residential area on Kapahi Rd. There is a small gravel lot to park in this trail is fairly easy however can be a little slick due to the mud. I use all trails map and it was about 2.2 miles with me, scrambling down to both waterfalls. Along the way you can see Ho’opi’i Falls on the main path without going down however, if you do want to scramble down to the base that part is somewhat challenging. At the base of the falls there there is a pool with a rope swing so you could hang out longer if you’d like there were several reviews that said that the water may be contaminated so I did not swim. The whole hike took me 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Waipo’o Falls
Waipo’o Falls is a moderate hike in Waimea Canyon that is accessible via the Canyon Trail. I attempted this hike while Calvin sleeping and Thomas stayed with him. Part of the Canyon trail is the Cliff Trail Outlook which is small spur that is considered easy but requires a bit of a hike from the beginning of the trail. Due to the mud it took longer than anticipated so I circled back before making it to the falls. The total trail is 3.6 miles out and back. Big bummer for me. I definitely recommend hiking poles or look for the big walking sticks at the beginning of the trail. You will thank me!
Red Dirt Waterfall
Red Dirt Waterfall is an easily accessible waterfall in Waimea Canyon. As you are driving toward the canyon it is a pull-off on the side of the road with very few spots but it is worth the stop. The red hues with the waterfall are beautiful.
Secret Falls
Secret Falls is another waterfall that I really wanted to check out but unfortunately didn’t get to it during this trip. Of note this hike requires kayaking and hiking to get to. You can rent your own kayak and do it yourself or you can join a day tour. Unfortunately, infants are not recommended. Secret Falls is a 100 -foot waterfall in Wailua River.
Flight Waterfalls
There are several parts of Kauai that really are only accessible via the air. Some waterfalls that are seen from helicopter or flight include Manawaiopuna Falls in the Hanapepe Valley, Wall of Tears and Weeping Wall of Mount Waialeale are only visible by air as well as several waterfalls in the Nā Pali Coast.
waterfalls to visit in Kauai
There are so many incredible waterfalls around Kauai especially if you are willing to hike a bit which was a little more challenging for us with our toddler. While visiting this island you have to visit at least the accessible ones and you will love them!
