Information
Landmark: Wailua FallsCity: Kauai
Country: USA Hawaii
Continent: North America
Wailua Falls, Kauai, USA Hawaii, North America
Overview
Just a short drive from Lihue on Kauai’s east coast, Wailua Falls tumbles in twin streams and ranks among the island’s most famous, easy-to-reach waterfalls.Wailua Falls, with its two ribbons of water plunging into a misty pool, is one of Kauai’s sights you simply can’t miss.The falls have appeared in several films, and travelers flock here to soak in the island’s lush tropical scenery, where mist hangs in the warm air.Main Highlights and Must-See Spots: 1.Wailua Falls tumbles in two graceful tiers, plunging about 80 feet (24 meters) into the cool, clear pool waiting at its base.Two separate streams crash down side by side, throwing up mist and spray, and together they make the falls unlike anything else.The water spills into a wide, rocky pool at the base, sending ripples across its surface.All around, ferns, moss, and dense rainforest crowd in, their deep greens framing the falls in dramatic beauty.Green cliffs rise behind the falls, and the rush of water fills the air, creating a calm, almost hushed atmosphere.You’ll find Wailua Falls just off Highway 583 near Lihue, an easy drive that ends with the view waiting right there by the roadside.The falls sit just two miles past the Highway 56 junction, about a ten‑minute drive from Lihue, and a small lookout lets you take in the sweeping view from high above, where you can hear the water rushing below.You can reach the viewpoint without any trouble, and there’s a small gravel lot just a few steps away.From here, visitors can soak in the roar and mist of the waterfall, framed by dense, emerald-green foliage.Most people view it from the top, but a steep, rugged trail winds down to the base for those willing to make the climb.This trail isn’t officially maintained, and the descent can turn slick underfoot, so take it slow and watch your step.You can hike down to the base of the falls for a closer, more intimate look, where the roar of the water fills your ears, but it’s not a good idea unless you’re experienced and have the right gear.Wailua Falls stays strong all year thanks to steady island rain, so there’s never a bad time to visit.The waterfall puts on its most breathtaking show after a heavy rain, when the roar grows louder and mist hangs in the air.For soft light and fewer people, aim for an early morning visit or catch it in the late afternoon.In the early morning, sunlight spills over Wailua Falls in a golden glow, while later in the day the light turns softer and the crowds thin.Photographers love this spot for its striking drop and lush, green backdrop.From the lookout, you can snap shots of both the upper and lower falls, their white spray framed by lush green leaves.If you’re after bolder shots, try hiking down to the base of the falls-it’s a tougher climb, but the view shifts completely.On bright mornings or late afternoons, the mist catches the sun and throws delicate rainbows into the air.This natural wonder offers photographers and visitors a rare treat-bright, shifting landscapes worth every snapshot.In Hawaiian legend, Wailua Falls holds deep cultural meaning, woven into stories passed down through generations.Local legends tie the falls to the Wailua River, once a sacred place where Hawaiian royalty and spiritual leaders gathered in the misty dawn.People believed the gods lived in the river, and they held many important ceremonies there, sometimes scattering bright flower petals across the water.The towering rush of the falls adds to its mystical and spiritual pull, and the safest, most breathtaking view is from the sturdy wooden platform at the top, where you can watch the water plunge into the mist below.The rocks at the base of the waterfall turn slick after rain, so watch your step-wet moss can feel like ice.If you hike down, know the trail’s rough, steep in places, and often churned into muddy ruts.Wear sturdy shoes-good hiking boots work best-and watch your step on the rocky trail.The trail can turn slippery and dangerous when it’s wet, and swimming at the base of Wailua Falls isn’t advised-the currents rip through the pool, hiding sharp rocks beneath the surface.It might look calm and tempting, but the water can turn dangerous-especially after a hard rain or when the flow runs high.The Wailua River, which feeds the falls, winds past lush banks and draws visitors for kayaking, boat tours, and easygoing cruises.Visitors can follow the river as it curves through green valleys, slipping past old landmarks like the mossy stone walls of the Fern Grotto.Take a guided tour along the river and you’ll discover the area’s lush scenery and rich cultural past.Just up the road, Opaekaa Falls plunges 151 feet in a silver ribbon, easy to reach and worth the stop.This waterfall may be narrower than Wailua Falls, but its quiet beauty draws plenty of visitors, and just a few minutes away, Lihue bustles with shops, cafés, and all the essentials.Stop here for a quick bite or to stock up before or after seeing Wailua Falls, where the drifting mist sometimes catches the sunlight-just after a rain-and bends it into bright, full rainbows.If you’re after the perfect shot, aim for morning or late afternoon, when the sun can cast rainbow streaks through the mist.A small lot sits close to the Wailua Falls lookout, making it an easy stroll to the viewing platform.It’s usually quiet here, but in peak tourist season the place can pack up fast, so try to arrive early.You can reach Wailua Falls by car via Highway 583, just a short drive from the larger town of Lihue.The falls sit roughly two miles past the point where Highway 56 meets Highway 583, just beyond a stand of wind-tossed pines.The access road is clearly marked, with signs you can spot from the curve of the highway, so it’s simple to follow.In the end, Wailua Falls stands out as one of Kauai’s most breathtaking and easy-to-reach waterfalls, blending roaring beauty with a calm, misty stillness.Whether you’re gazing from the lookout or trekking down to the base, the falls sweep you into a scene of emerald cliffs and misty air, a moment that captures the heart of Kauai’s tropical beauty.The waterfall dazzles the eyes and carries deep cultural meaning, so it’s a must-see on any trip to Kauai-stand close and you can feel the cool mist on your skin.Wailua Falls is easy to reach, offers breathtaking views, and sometimes, when the mist catches the light, a rainbow arcs across the water.
