11 Best Waterfalls in Kauai
The jungle-blanketed peaks of Kauai, Hawaii, are veritable treasure troves of deeply guarded secrets — epic waterfalls. The waterfalls on the island of Kauai are among the most beautiful (and plentiful) waterfalls in the world. It's because of these waterfalls that Kauai has endured a reputation for being one of the most idyllic tropical paradises on Earth.
Kauai is the westernmost island in the Hawaii island chain and is beloved for its natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The waterfalls on Kauai are so abundant that it will be nearly impossible to see them all in one trip.
From bursting plumes of water that rage right next to the highway, to spectacular cascades tucked at the end of challenging hiking trails, and ones that are so secretive, they can only be seen by helicopter, Kauai has so many beautiful waterfalls to choose from. All the way from the western Waimea Canyon to the Na Pali Coast in the north, and hidden deep within the center of the island, these are some of the best waterfalls in Kauai.
Wailua Falls
If Kauai had an iconic shot, it would be Wailua Falls. The impressive cascade of gushing water plummets dramatically down 80 feet into a misty pool below. What makes Wailua Falls particularly special is that the water bursts forth in two distinct streams, creating two waterfalls in one.
What also makes Wailua Falls particularly popular is that it is one of the easiest waterfalls to view. A road from the island capital, Lihu'e, leads directly to a dead-end road, where visitors can park their car and hop out to view the falls from a platform.
If you want to get even closer to the falls, you can take a short hike down a slope, though be aware the route can be pretty muddy. You'll also want to have proper footwear and be in somewhat decent shape — slips definitely do happen, so this is not for beginners.
The earlier you can get here, the better, as you'll find more crowds coming later in the day. Word has it that the earlier in the day you come, the higher chance you have of catching a rainbow shimmering in the mist below.
Hanakapiai Falls
You'll need some serious hiking gear to reach Hanakapiai Falls, but the effort will deliver a considerable payout. Along the famed Kalalau Trail that runs the rugged Na Pali Coastline, Hanakapiai Falls is one of the most beautiful and impressive on the island.
The Kalalau Trail is yet another bucket-list item to tackle when visiting Kauai, running 22 miles out and back with plenty of spots to stop and stare along the way. Four miles down the trail, you'll reach Hanakapiai Falls. Plummeting more than 300 feet down a moss-carpeted rock face, the falls are simply spectacular.
The water collects at the base in an emerald-green pool, creating a scene that seems to leap right from the pages of a storybook. But bear in mind, the hike to get to these falls is not easy. The first two miles along the Kalalau Trail are lovely, with epic views over the Na Pali Coast.
The second two miles, things get a bit more intense, and this is only recommended for an experienced hiker.
Opaeka'a Falls
You don't need to be an extreme adventurist to capture some of the best waterfalls on Kauai. Many waterfalls can be seen right from the road. Opaeka'a Falls, for example, in Wailua River State Park, is a beautiful, gushing waterfall that is one of the easiest to view on the island.
Opaeka'a Falls is 40 feet across and plunges 150 feet down to a hidden pool below. Surrounded by lush jungle, with a crown of mountains in the background, these falls are as close as you can get to what you'd imagine a Hawaii waterfall to look like.
Fun fact: The name translates to "rolling shrimp" because of the freshwater shrimp that used to spill over the falls from the river. While no shrimp exist in the river anymore, the name carries on today.
It could not be easier to get a picture-perfect view of this waterfall. Follow Kuamoo Road (580) from the island's main highway, 56, and you'll come to the viewing parking lot, which has a straight shot out to the falls.
Manawaiopuna Falls
Grab your jungle gear and cue up the John Williams score — we're headed to Jurassic Park. Manawaiopuna Falls will be instantly recognizable to any film buff, as it is the waterfall where Dr. Alan Grant first landed on "Isla Nublar."
One of the most remote waterfalls on the island, Manawaiopuna Falls is located in the Hanapepe Valley, tucked in a lush, tropical gorge where no roads can go. This means it is one of the most inaccessible waterfalls in Hawaii, which only adds to its allure.
The spectacular waterfall spills in white plumes down from the rock face from 400 feet above into a shimmering turquoise pool below. Surrounded by thick, lush jungle, it's about as pristine and prehistoric as it gets.
The best way to view the falls is to take a helicopter tour, as no roads or hiking trails lead to the falls. The falls also happen to be on private land, so you can only visit through an organized helicopter tour. But the adventure will certainly be worth it for this mesmerizing glimpse of nature hard at work.
Hoʻopiʻi Falls
If you like lovely little hikes, pretty waterfalls, and a swimming hole you can jump into, Ho'opi'i Falls may be just what you're looking for.
The waterfall is pretty easy to access via a short hike along a stream through a beautiful forest. The sound of the river will guide you towards the mid-sized falls, where undoubtedly a cliff-jumping party will be taking place.
Bonus: If you continue down the trail, you'll be led to a second waterfall. But even if you don't venture farther, the first falls is a great place to stop.
The trailhead is a bit difficult to see from the road. The spot that Google Maps leads you to is actually a driveway. The entrance to the trail is on the side of the road, about 100 feet from the spot on Google Maps. Weave your way through the thick forest and down a dirt path through the tunnel-like branches down towards the stream.
After about 15 or 20 minutes, you'll reach the gushing falls, which tumble down over the rocks into a wide, deep pool below. The pool here is perfectly safe for swimming, and many visitors love to jump off the rocks into the water below. But be aware that not every spot in the pool is okay for jumping, so you'll want to do a test swim of the water first before you jump, as boulders can be lurking below the surface.
Continuing on, the trail becomes pretty muddy and a little bit more treacherous, and it's here that you'll find a second waterfall, which, again may look familiar to Jurassic Park fans. This waterfall is from the Amber Mine scene of the movie. But beyond its silver-screen presence, the falls are beautiful for swimming and having a little picnic lunch.
Red Dirt Waterfall
The mental image of a Hawaiian waterfall is pretty iconic — usually a gushing burst of water tumbling down a jungle-covered cliff. But Red Dirt Waterfall is one that breaks the stereotype. Located within the Waimea Canyon, this roadside waterfall is small, but definitely different and one to experience.
As the name suggests, the Red Dirt Waterfall is exactly that — a babbling cascade of crystal-clear water that spills over the side of a brick-red dirt hill. Surrounded by rolling mounds of rust-colored hills, the experience will make you feel as though you've landed on another planet.
The waterfall is really easy to access. It's located just around the 23-mile marker on the Waimea Canyon Drive. You can pull off to the side of the road and cross the guard rail for an even closer look.
Waipo'o Falls
Waipo'o Falls is yet another waterfall that can be seen in one of two ways: the easy way or the hard way. Regardless, the spectacular waterfall is a real sight to see as it careens down the striated, rust-colored cliffs of Waimea Canyon.
The easy way is simple: pull your car off to the side of the road from the Waimea Canyon Drive and have a look. It's a majestic sight to see, particularly if there have been heavy rains, and the waterfall is at its peak.
The hard way is definitely more challenging, but infinitely more fun. It's a 3.6-mile out-and-back trail with three separate viewing points of the falls. You can find a few routes, but all of them lead to Waipo'o Falls.
Hanakoa Falls
The north shore of Kauai is dominated by the magnificent Na Pali Coast. This mountainous coastline is a combination of jungle-covered cliffs that plunge down to the crashing Pacific Ocean. Here, is where you'll find some of the most beautiful landscapes on Kauai, and some of its most impressive waterfalls.
Hanakoa Falls is yet another waterfall down the Kalalau Trail, farther than the aforementioned Hanakapi'ai Falls. Hanakoa is about six miles down the trail, and those who are attempting it should be in relatively good shape. The remoteness of the waterfall is what makes it all the more special, so it is absolutely worth the trek.
The waterfalls are more than 300 feet tall, and a pool at the bottom makes for a refreshing dip — which you will no doubt need after your six-mile journey in.
Kalihiwai Falls
Two waterfalls for the price of one is what you'll get when you discover Kalihiwai Falls. The two-tiered falls start from the Kalihiwai River and plunge 80 feet, washing over shimmering rocks below it.
You can hike into these falls from the Princeville Ranch, or for something different, you can take the trip on horseback. The trip is through thick, verdant jungle before you descend down to the falls.
What's fun is that you can swim in the pool beneath the falls, too — an opportunity not to be missed.
Uluwehi Falls
Uluwehi Falls on Kauai goes by another name — Secret Falls — though it's probably the worst-kept secret on the island. The 100-foot falls is a spectacular sight, but also requires a bit of work to get there.
The only way to get to Uluwehi Falls is to journey up the Wailua River, which means you'll need a kayak or a canoe or a friend with a boat. That said, this is one of the most beautiful rivers on the island, and the journey will be full of gorgeous scenery.
After the boat journey, it's about a 20-minute hike to the waterfall. Don't worry — you'll be rewarded for all this work. You can swim in the pool at the base of the falls, which you will certainly be in the mood to do after so much activity.
The best way to see the falls is to find a tour company to arrange all the logistics for you. They also have experts who will know if the conditions are safe.
Ho'ole'a Falls
If you're one of the intrepid ones who do make it to the end of the Kalalau Trail, you'll be rewarded with something truly special — Ho'ole'a Falls.
This 200-foot drop is jaw-dropping, to say the least, but the amount of effort required to get there (11 miles in, 11 miles out) certainly makes the reward a little sweeter.
The water cascades down a volcanic rock wall, which is really beautiful. Plus, you can take a much-needed refreshing dip after that intense hike to soothe your tired muscles. It will be one of the highlights of your Kalalau adventure. Rumor has it that hikers like to skinny dip at the falls, so do keep that in mind as you approach.
