15 Kauai Waterfalls That Are Open in 2024 + Map
Guests to the waterfalls of Kauai are inspired as every of them affords a glimpse into the island’s numerous ecosystems and geological historical past. Whether or not you’re an avid hiker in search of a difficult trek or an informal traveler in quest of a serene escape, the waterfalls on Kauai are positive to supply a memorable expertise.
Kauai, the oldest and fourth-largest island in Hawaii, is a real paradise for nature lovers. Also known as the Backyard Island, Kauai is known for its lush inexperienced landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and pristine seashores. Probably the most breathtaking points of Kauai’s pure magnificence is undoubtedly its beautiful waterfalls. These cascading marvels could be discovered everywhere in the island, every with its distinctive attraction and traits.
From simply accessible falls like Opaeka’a Falls to the extra distant gems just like the Secret Falls, Kauai affords a variety of waterfall experiences for guests. Should you don’t know what to do in Hawaii, then come and uncover its waterfalls.
Waterfalls on Kauai with map
Kauai, the oldest island within the Hawaiian chain, is dwelling to a few of the most breathtaking waterfalls on the planet.
Waipo’o Falls, towering at about 800 toes, is Kauai’s highest waterfall accessible by mountaineering. Positioned within the Grand Canyon of the Pacific aka Waimea Canyon State Park.
Twin Falls, often known as Makaleha Falls, and Ho’ole’a Falls are enchanting with their collection of smaller cascades. Twin Falls, with its twin streams, creates a picturesque scene, whereas Ho’ole’a Falls, hidden in Kauai’s lush inside, affords a serene and intimate ambiance, excellent for nature lovers.
For households, Wailua Falls is good. It’s simply viewable from the roadside, affords a spectacular sight with out the necessity for a strenuous hike, making it accessible for guests of all ages.
Hanakapi’ai Falls and Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) are excellent for swimming. Hanakapi’ai Falls, on the finish of a rewarding hike, options a big swimming pool at its base. Uluwehi Falls, hidden within the Wailua River Valley, affords a secluded spot for a refreshing swim.
Kalihiwai Falls and Pink Filth Waterfalls are Kauai’s hidden gems. Kalihiwai Falls, tucked away on the north shore, is a secluded paradise, whereas Pink Filth is simply off the highway.
Waipo’o Falls – the best waterfall in Kauai
Waipo’o Falls, cascading 800 toes within the coronary heart of Waimea Canyon, is a two-tiered spectacle. Accessible through the Canyon Path, a reasonably difficult hike, it rewards adventurers with beautiful views and a smaller pool on the high for a refreshing dip. Its towering presence within the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” is a sight to behold.
How you can get there? – Entry is thru Koke’e Street in Waimea Canyon State Park, with the trailhead positioned close to the Puu Hinahina Lookout. Parking is accessible on the trailhead with no entrance charge for the park or the path.
Wailua Falls
Don’t mistake it for the 80-foot tall Wailua Falls in Maui. This Wailua Falls in Kauai is an imposing double-tiered waterfall that stands at 173 toes. Nestled within the lush Wailua River State Park, it’s surrounded by wealthy tropical greenery. Simply accessible with viewpoints close to the parking space, it’s a sightseeing favourite. The falls don’t provide secure swimming choices, however their grandeur and ease of entry make them a must-visit. The world is steeped in Hawaiian legend, including a mystical attraction to the expertise.
How you can get there? – Positioned simply north of Lihue, a brief drive off Maalo Street (Hwy 583) leads on to the falls. No mountaineering is required, and there’s no entrance charge or designated parking space, however roadside parking is accessible.
Opaekaa Falls
Opaekaa Falls, a 151-foot tall waterfall, is certainly one of Kauai’s most accessible cascades. Overlooking the plush Wailua River Valley, it’s surrounded by dense rainforest and indigenous fauna. A brief stroll from the parking space results in a major viewing spot. Whereas swimming isn’t potential right here, the falls are a photographer’s dream, particularly with the historic Wai’ale’ale Mountain within the backdrop. When you’ve got solely a couple of days in Kauai, this must be in your checklist.
How you can get there? – Located in Wailua, it’s simply reached through Kuamoo Street (Route 580) with ample parking out there. No entrance charge for the park or the path.
Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)
Uluwehi Falls, typically known as Secret Falls, is a hidden gem with a 120-foot drop. Positioned within the coronary heart of a tropical jungle, it’s accessible solely by kayaking the Wailua River and a reasonable hike. The world is a haven for unique birds and vegetation. Its secluded pool is good for swimming, providing a non-public paradise expertise. The journey to Uluwehi Falls is as enchanting because the vacation spot itself.
How you can get there? – Start with a kayak trip up the Wailua River, adopted by a hike by the jungle path. Parking is accessible on the Wailua Marina.
Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls)
Manawaiopuna Falls, famously generally known as Jurassic Falls, is a towering 400-foot waterfall. Immortalized within the film “Jurassic Park,” it’s set in a prehistoric-like valley, surrounded by historical flora. Entry is unique and sometimes a part of a helicopter tour, providing an aerial view of its grandeur. The falls should not accessible, however their cinematic fame and dramatic setting make them unforgettable.
How you can get there? – Accessible only by helicopter tours from Lihue, which isn’t actually an eco-friendly exercise.
Kahili Falls (5 Sisters)
Kahili Falls, often known as 5 Sisters, is a charming collection of waterfalls positioned within the coronary heart of Kauai. This quintet of cascades, every various in measurement, creates a panoramic pure spectacle. It’s near the well-known Manawaiopuna Falls.
How you can get there? – Positioned close to Hanapepe, Kahili Falls is accessible through a difficult hike by dense vegetation. The trailhead is comparatively near the situation used for helicopter landings at Jurassic Falls.
Hanakapiai Falls
Hanakapiai Falls, a shocking 300-foot waterfall, is positioned alongside the famed Na Pali Coast. The journey entails a strenuous 8-mile round-trip hike by the Hanakapiai Path, providing breathtaking coastal views. The encircling space is wealthy in native Hawaiian natural world. A plunge pool on the base gives a refreshing swim after the hike. This waterfall journey is for skilled hikers in search of a problem and reward.
How you can get there? – Accessible through a hike on the Kalalau Path, beginning at Ke’e Seashore on the finish of Kuhio Freeway (Route 560). Parking and entrance require a charge and reservation at Ha’ena State Park.
Ho’opi’i Falls
Ho’opi’i Falls, a lesser-known but charming waterfall, options two cascades with the primary fall dropping about 15 toes. Tucked away within the lush forests of Kapaa, it’s a favourite amongst locals. The path to the falls is a reasonable hike, revealing numerous island vegetation. The decrease falls have a small pool appropriate for swimming, providing a secluded spot for rest. Its off-the-beaten-path attract is ideal for journey seekers.
How you can get there? – Positioned in Kapaa, the trailhead is off Kawaihau Street, adopted by a hike by the forest. There isn’t any entrance charge, and parking is accessible on the roadside close to the trailhead.
Mount Waialeale Falls: The Weeping Wall
Mount Waialeale Falls, generally known as The Weeping Wall, is a collection of cascades flowing down one of many wettest spots on Earth. The falls, various in peak, create a mesmerizing spectacle amidst the dense, emerald greenery. Entry is extraordinarily tough and infrequently restricted to aerial views through helicopter excursions. The distinctive local weather and distant location make this waterfall a mysterious and awe-inspiring sight.
How you can get there? – Best viewed by helicopter tours, as floor entry is hazardous and infrequently restricted.
Hanakoa Falls
Hanakoa Falls, a distant and beautiful 1,000-foot waterfall, is positioned alongside the Kalalau Path on the Na Pali Coast. The path to the falls is a difficult 11-mile spherical journey, traversing rugged terrain and providing spectacular coastal views. The falls are surrounded by lush valleys and native Hawaiian vegetation.
How you can get there? – It’s reached through the Kalalau Path in case you acquire a permit in advance. Parking at Ha’ena State Park with a charge and reservation is required.
Pink Filth Waterfall
Pink Filth Waterfall in Waimea is exclusive for its putting crimson grime cliffs, a results of the excessive iron content material within the soil. The waterfall is comparatively small however affords a picturesque distinction towards the crimson backdrop. Positioned close to Waimea Canyon, it’s simply accessible and gives a fast, scenic cease. Whereas not appropriate for swimming, its distinctive coloration makes it a photographic spotlight.
How you can get there? – Positioned off Freeway 550 close to Waimea Canyon, simply accessible by automotive.
Kalihiwai Falls
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Kauai’s north shore, Kalihiwai Falls is a hidden gem. This beautiful waterfall, roughly 80 toes in peak, cascades right into a secluded pool. Surrounded by dense tropical foliage, it affords a tranquil escape. The falls are accessible through a reasonably difficult hike, rewarding adventurers with a serene swimming spot. Its off-the-beaten-path location makes it much less crowded, excellent for these in search of a peaceable nature expertise.
How you can get there? – Ebook a guided tour with a good tour firm to entry the falls since it’s on non-public land and permission is required to enter.
Ho’ole’a Falls
Ho’ole’a Falls, a lesser-known treasure in Kauai, affords a serene and intimate expertise. This 250-foot waterfall is positioned within the coronary heart of Kauai’s lush inside. The hike to the falls is reasonably difficult, taking you thru dense rainforest and alongside streams. The falls are identified for his or her peaceable ambiance and the gorgeous pool at their base, ultimate for a refreshing swim. Its secluded location makes it an ideal spot for these in search of tranquility and pure magnificence.
How you can get there? – There isn’t any designated path or public entry to Ho’ole’a Falls. It’s positioned in a distant space, and reaching it could require traversing non-public property.
Twin Falls (Makaleha Falls)
Twin Falls, often known as Makaleha Falls, is a pair of beautiful waterfalls positioned within the japanese a part of Kauai. These falls, roughly 200 toes in peak, provide a spectacular sight with their twin cascades. The approx. 3-mile spherical hike to Twin Falls is reasonably difficult, taking you thru lush landscapes and alongside streams. The world across the falls is wealthy in native flora, offering a real tropical expertise. Swimming is feasible within the swimming pools on the base of the falls, including to the attract of this hidden paradise.
How you can get there? – Positioned close to Kapaa, the falls are accessible through a hike by the Makaleha Mountains.
Queen’s Bathtub Falls
Queen’s Bathtub Falls, a novel and picturesque waterfall, is positioned within the northern a part of Kauai close to Princeville. This pure tide pool, fashioned by a sinkhole surrounded by igneous rock, is fed by a small waterfall. The hike to Queen’s Bathtub is about 0.8 miles spherical journey and is taken into account reasonably difficult, typically slippery and muddy. The path descends by a lush forest, resulting in the beautiful oceanfront location. Whereas swimming in Queen’s Bathtub could be tempting, this can be very harmful throughout excessive surf and isn’t really useful.
How you can get there? – Queen’s Bathtub is accessible through a path beginning in a residential neighborhood in Princeville. Parking is restricted and the world could be crowded.
Kilauea Falls – CLOSED
Kilauea Falls, a hidden gem on Kauai’s north shore, is a picturesque 40-foot waterfall. Nestled in lush greenery close to the historic Kilauea city, it affords a serene and personal expertise. Nonetheless, the falls is on non-public land and the proprietor denied entry to it.
Kipu Falls – CLOSED
Kipu Falls, a small but charming waterfall, is positioned close to Lihue. This 20-foot waterfall was simply accessible till the landowner Grove Farm put up a fence around it because of security issues. The falls characteristic a picturesque pool surrounded by lush greenery.
Security issues
Kauai, Hawaii, is understood for its beautiful waterfalls, a lot of that are accessible through numerous mountaineering trails. To get pleasure from these pure wonders, you will need to contemplate security precautions and respect non-public property tips.
When planning a hike, select a path that matches your talent stage and bodily capability. Pack necessities like water, snacks, and sunscreen, and at all times put on acceptable footwear. Concentrate on path closures because of climate circumstances or upkeep, and keep away from trespassing on non-public property.
Earlier than visiting any waterfall, familiarize your self with potential dangers, equivalent to flash floods and harmful currents, particularly throughout heavy rainfall. The Kauai Visitors Bureau has a free brochure with security suggestions, together with particular solutions for waterfall adventures, like not diving into swimming pools of water.
It is usually necessary to maintain your valuables safe by not leaving them unattended on the seashore or in your automotive. It will assist guarantee a nice expertise whereas exploring the waterfalls of Kauai.
FAQs
There are quite a few waterfalls on Kauai, with 14 being probably the most outstanding ones. Every waterfall has its personal distinctive attraction, contributing to the island’s breathtaking magnificence.
A few of the waterfalls on Kauai provide swimming choices, equivalent to Queen’s Bathtub Falls and Ho’opi’i Falls. Nonetheless, it’s important to train warning and take note of native tips, as some waterfalls might have harmful currents or sharp rocks, making swimming dangerous.
No, Wailua Falls and Secret Falls (often known as Uluwehi Falls) are two separate waterfalls in Kauai. Wailua Falls is a spectacular double waterfall, simply accessible, and nice for some beautiful images. Secret Falls, however, requires a kayaking journey up the Wailua River, adopted by a reasonable hike to achieve the bottom of the falls.
‘Opaeka’a Falls is among the most accessible waterfalls in Kauai. This spectacular 151-foot waterfall could be seen from a handy lookout level, which is well reachable by automotive.
Sure, you’ll be able to drive to a number of waterfalls in Kauai. Many waterfalls have viewing spots or parking areas close by, making them simple to go to by automotive. Nonetheless, some falls require helicopter experience, mountaineering or kayaking to totally expertise their magnificence.
Emese Maczko is a journey blogger behind Eco Lodges Wherever. Having explored a number of locations round Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the UK, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a eager understanding of numerous cultures and an appreciation for the fantastic thing about every vacation spot she visits. She advocates for sustainable journey and ecotourism.
