Hike to Ho'opi'i Falls

Easiest/Direct route: When in the Kapa'a area from the main highway turn left onto Kawaihau road. Follow Kawaihau all the way up until you see a sign for Kapahi road, turn left onto that road. Driving in, you'll see a red gate on your left-hand side. The parking area is just after the gate, along that side.

As it IS a residential area and small, be VERY RESPECTFUL of the people that live there and their property.

Drive slow (5-10mph).Park in the "designated area" & park well. It allows for 4-6 vehicles parked in a line, again IF you & others park well.

If there's no space open, DON'T try to park on/near someone's property, you'll be ticketed or towed. Either come back to try again later -- people tend to come & go frequently -- or try another day.

Try to go early, if you'd like parking & potentially to have the falls to yourself. It really depends on the day/time however & weekends tend to be popular.

At the gate, you'll see a dirt path leading the way, follow it along the pasture. About 5mins later, you'll hear and come up to Kapa'a stream. At this point, you'll see the path splits. One way goes down next to the stream & the other continues on, up & away.

BOTH are correct.

The path down next to the stream will take you directly to the first, Upper Ho'opi'i falls.

If you stayed on the main path, you'll see side trails that will take you down to the first falls when you see the first falls &/or you can continue on to the second, Lower Ho'opi'i falls.

First/Upper Ho'opi'i falls: You can jump from this one. But check your surroundings first, as always, to be safe. It's a smaller swimming area, but most don't come to swim here. Jumping is the main attraction.

Continuing on the main path, it diverts from the stream & widens into a "jungle/forested" area, but the path is very obvious & clear, follow until you hear/see the second, Lower Ho'opi'i falls.

You'll have to continue on the main path & walk PAST the second falls to see where the trail heads down towards the bottom & get you to the large, open area below. DON'T try to cut across the top of the falls.

Second/Lower Ho'opi'i falls: This has a nice rocky exposed area to set your belongings safely on, sit around, eat a snack/have a picnic, swim in the large pond, there's even a rope swing. This site is also better/safer for families with smaller children, if swimming is on the agenda.

There's NO bathrooms or trashcans. So be mindful of that & especially when it comes to trash, what you pack in, pack OUT with you.

Please check weather reports of any possible flash floods &/or lots of rain. Avoid trail if those conditions are present or a possibility.