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Wailua Falls

Kapaa, Hawaii

4.8/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

1.5 miles

Elevation Gain

150 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kyle Szegedi

Wailua Falls is an amazing Kauai waterfall (173 ft) with beautiful views.

This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island of Kauai. There is a designated parking lot with a viewpoint to see the top of the falls. 

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Features

Photography
Easy Parking
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Wailua Falls Reviews

We weren't able to hike down close to the falls on our trip unfortunately, but the overlook from the top is still worth it! The falls are so much bigger than I expected and so easily accessible if you just want a nice view!

I wouldn't say this hike is 1.5 miles round trip. I dont think it is even a mile.

02/09/18

The best way I can describe our experience is that we casually flirted with death to see a beautiful waterfall. We took the path on the south end of the parking lot and climbed over a cement barrier. It took some time to find the ropes. God bless whoever put those ropes in because without them we would surely be dead. It was very steep and muddy due to recent rain. There were several times we were holding on for dear life. Once down, the waterfall was beautiful and we dipped our toes in the stream. We did not feel comfortably swimming since there was no other soul in sight and we had already pushed our luck. *TIP: Remember where you came down. We struggled with finding our way back to the path. This trek is not for the faint at heart. Glad we did it and made it out with no injury but some of these reviews were a little deceptive. Serious hikers only, do not bring flipflops, and do not bring children under the age of 12.

The slip and slide to the bottom wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! Definitely worth the end swim. Make sure to get and swim up to the falls but be careful getting in among the slippery rocks. I felt so much peace and positive energy amidst the waters of this powerful waterfall! The base of the fall was surely the best view in the house. :)

This is a very steep walk down to the base of the falls. Note that you can also view the falls from the top of the road. If you want to venture down, make sure to use ropes to help you maneuver and wear good footwear. The bottom of the falls is majestic.

Unfortunately there are signs that state no trespassing at all the entrances to the trails. there are two ways down now, I went to the opposite end of the parking lot (just before the falls) at the end of the fence and hopped the guard rail and fallowed the spine down. There are ropes there to help you and the vines hanging down from the tree are strong enough to hold a grown mans weight. This way is the less muddy way. The other way down is hop the guard rail and go left and you'll find the trail which also has ropes on it. You're out of view from people up top until you get into the water. The water isn't cold at all and is very refreshing. I would bring bug spray though for the hike down, we got eaten alive!!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Kayak the Wailua and Hike to Secret (Uluwehi) Falls

Hike to the nose of Sleeping Giant

Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trail

Take A Helicopter Ride Over Kauai

Hike to Ho'opi'i Falls

Swim in the Waikoko Stream & Waterfall